the museum of naval history

we took our 11 yr grandchildren and toured the HMCS Ojibwa now stationed at Pt Burwell Ontario off of Lake Erie. It is a Canadian submarine that is mounted on shore and open to visitors over 6 yrs of age.. It offers exciting experiential tours that took us throughout the vessel and gave us a glimps inside the lives of submariners - not sailors and allowed us a greater understanding of the important role the Canadian submariners played in the Cold War. Photos were only allowed in the first chamber and outside of the submarine, which was fine. there was so much to see and learn we could go back again and again. we walked around Pt Burwell, had a nice perch dinner and an icecream cone and some fudge, lots to see and do in Pt Burwell.

In May, 2014, we spent several nights at Port Burwell Provincial Park and also explored adjacent towns and communities. Yet the absolute highlight of this trip was a new attraction that awaited us in Port Burwell — namely, a real submarine! It was the HMSC Ojibwa, an Oberon-class submarine that served in the Royal Canadian Navy, mainly spying on the Warsaw Pack navy. After being decommissioned, in 2012 it arrived in Port Burwell and is open for visitors.We started in the forward torpedo room and our very knowledgeable guides told us a lot of fascinating details about torpedoes and the firing procedures. It was only possible to take photographs in that room. Then we proceeded to the Control Room, Engine Room, Motor Room and the stern torpedo room. It was an absolutely captivating tour — at last I was able to personally see what I had only watched on TV! It was unbelievable how little privacy the crew had. There were six-foot bunks and there were more people onboard than regular bunks — after all, there was never time when everyone was asleep, so you slipped into any bunk that was unoccupied. Only the captain had a private stateroom — if you can call that a room, as it resembled a tiny cubbyhole! The washrooms cubicles were so small that it was impossible to fit in without leaving the door open. Even though the submarine was decommissioned in 1998, the whole boat was permeated with the smell of diesel. And then there was the motor room — according to the tour guide, the noise there was comparable to that of a jet taking off; those working there invariably suffered serious hearing loss. I could go on and on… the whole tour lasted just over 1 hour and cost just under $20, but other, more comprehensive tours are offered, which I would love to take in the future. In any case, I do not think I would be able to serve on a submarine, especially living there for months… I still prefer my canoe!

4 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 September 2013 As group we travelled to Port Burwell to see the Ojibwa submarine. This tour was very interesting and informative. We did both the inside and outside tour, and both guides were humorous as well as knowledgeable. To see what submariners dealt with on their tour was unreal, and you get a new sense of respect for these men. Small spaces, big jobs. Loved how we were told about navigational games and how well the Ojibwa and its crew performed. Thought this tour was so good we bought a gift certificate for an upcoming birthday gift. We went at the end of August. It wasn't too hot which I think was a good thing. All and all, a worthwhile tour.

This is one of those big toys for big boys but should also be of interest to mariners, sailors and history buffs. The volunteers are knowledgeable and well-versed in the history of the boat and it's journey to Southern Ontario. The sub is not so old: Some areas are still secret and photography is forbidden! We really enjoyed this stop in Port Burwell and after the tour there are a few places where you can have a light lunch or ice-cream.

Don't miss an opportunity to tour the high and dry submarine, HMCS Ojibwa if you are in South Western Ontario. Museum has done a bang up job of preserving/presenting the ship. Vivid experience of Cold War era, and the role played by submarines and submariners in naval warfare. If you're hesitating because of the distance from the 401, it's worth the trip! Port Burwell, and the Erie shore are additional great reasons to visit.

The Canadian submarine HMCS Ojibwa was opened to the public in the summer of 2013. There are two guided tours available to purchase - one that tours the outside of the submarine, learning about its various features, and one that tours the inside of this fascinating ship. We experienced both tours in the summer of 2013, and again in 2014 and thoroughly enjoyed both, as did our young son.

The last place we expected to see a Cold-War era submarine was in this tiny town on the north shore of Lake Erie. The tour was very well-done, lasting over an hour. Stop and learn about the fascinating Ojibwa

We were looking forward to a tour of the Military Museum; the tanks and cannon outside were a preview of what we expected to find inside. The sign outside the museum said that it was open on Sundays from 2 P.M. until 5 P.M. The sign on the window said that it was open until 4 P.M. We arrived at 2:15 - there was an "Open" sign flashing in the window but no one answered when we rang the bell. After waiting for 10 minutes and trying the bell several more times, we left. An hour later we returned for another try but this time the open sign was no longer in the window; obviously some one had been there at some point to change it. We got the impression that whoever was working didn't want to be bothered having visitors.

My daughter and I stopped here on our way to pick up trees at the annual St. Williams sale. daughter noticed the Sudmarine so we took a walk down to see (had to walk back up and take the car down the right way) and fortunate for us a tour was about to begin in 10 minutes. Educational, informative, entertaining.........this is one of the most interesting tours I have ever been on largely because of the tour guide. The Ojibwa was brought to life by the many details and anecdotes relayed to us by tour guide Mariette. Nice to see someone take pride in their work, not something you see often anymore Our group being particularly curious had to quietly wait our turn for the next question resulting in an hour tour lasting about 90 minutes. We took the tour on Saturday and a few days later I'm still trying to wrap my head around how these submariners could sacrifice the personal space and selves, really, for the rest of us. It certainly wasn't the money. If any of you are reading this, I am in total awe and respect, for all that you have done.Like others have mentioned I cannot believe the sudmarine is docked in a quiet little Ontario Port but a fabulous idea as tours can only accommodate so many at a time.10 stars - fabulous!

Kudos to the citizens of Elgin County and Port Burwell for having the foresight to having the Ojibwa Submarine preserved in this community. So much of Canadian history has been destroyed and to be able to tour this submarine which played such a crucial role in world history during the Cold War period was amazing. To actually walk through and briefly be able to view some of what these courageous men endured in doing such a difficult stressful job with the outmost skill was fascinating. It is a tourist attraction but it is also part of our naval history and can provide the best educational experience for students and citizens. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and kept us enthralled with his stories of life aboard the Ojibwa. I shall return and bring out of town visitors to experience this remarkable historic artifact. I sincerely hope that governments on every level lend their support to this venture. This attraction is not to be missed.

We went to visit this submarine and enjoyed the tour. Yes it is abit more to do the tour but the historical society is trying to pay for the restoration and transport of the sub there. We liked the tour but were disappointed to not be allowed to take many pics inside nor get into the conning (sp?) tower. We went in Sept so wait was only 15 mins. Overall we enjoyed the experience and learned a lot - our guide was very knowledgeable.

So worth experiencing the inside with a fantastic tour guide with lots of anecdotes! Captivating details, candid humour, and intriguing exposure to realities of life on this massive steel fish of the deep. Learn about "pings", danger if playing cards, requirement to run internal length in 30 seconds (!), why swim in the torpedo shoots.

If you are close to Port Burwell make the effort to see this submarine. Accessible only by guided tour the chance to see inside a real Canadian submarine should not be missed. The museum is run on private donations only and the tours can be done by seniors as well as children. Go inside to see the quarters the men lived in and the complexity of the submarine and learn about its operation and dangers. The tour is one hour so you may have to book a slot in the next tour but it is worth the wait. If you have to wait more than an hour take the short walk up the hill to see more of the museum.

What an unwelcoming site! Worst tourist attraction location ever. You spent all that money to bring the sub to Port Burwell only to hide it behinds old looking stores. Barbed wired 8 foot fence - get real. If you are afraid of graffiti use the chemical that will allow graffiti to be washed off with a hose and remove the fence. It should have been placed behind the light house or closer to the water so that it would be visible from the main corner or the water front. What a waste. Will not recommend it to anyone. Too expensive!

We were very fortunate that once we paid for the inside Submarine Tour, we did not have to wait very long at all. Our Guide was very knowledgeable, and even though she tried not to rush our tour I felt pressured to move through the ship faster than I would have liked! We were only aloud to take pictures in the first section of the submarine we entered. I would have liked to photograph the Captain's Cabin, the Ship's Galley, and possibly the Bridge. This was not aloud due to time constraints, so the next tour could move on through behind us!Maybe they might consider a tour through the Submarine just for those of us who prefer taking pictures. Just an idea to consider?