Attending Remembrance Day celebrations anywhere in Canada is a powerful—and, many would argue, necessary—experience.

This holds especially true for the ceremonies that go on in the nation’s capital, Ottawa.

Standing at the National War Memorial, a stunning granite arch near Parliament Hill, and watching the veterans on parade is a lump-in-the-throat experience. It's hard not to go up to a vet and give him or her a big Canadian bear hug in thanks.

But honouring Canada’s brave men and women can happen any day of the year in Ottawa—November 11th or not. Here’s my guide to where to go in the city.

National War Memorial

A site familiar to many Canadians, no matter if they have been to Ottawa or not, is the National War Memorial.

Featured in television coverage of the major Remembrance Day celebrations, this is the site where wreaths are placed and prominent Canadians, including the Prime Minister and the Governor General, are in attendance.

Fully accessible when events are not happening, it is a great place to start exploring the country’s wartime past and present.

At 20 metres high and topped by bronze winged statues meant to represent peace and freedom, this landmark is dramatic—just as it should be.

Since it was completed more than seven decades ago, new dates have been added to commemorate other events, such as the Second World War. Plus, new structures have been added, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

For other newer statues honouring veterans and peacekeepers, visitors need only to go north or south of the National War Memorial.

Aboriginal and Peacekeeper Monuments

On foot, just a few minutes south of the arch, is a respectful nod to the many sacrifices that Aboriginal men and women have made for Canada’s military.

The National Aboriginal Veterans Monument is located in the nearby Confederation Park, along its Elgin Street border.

The statue is a balanced blend of four figures surrounded by different spirit guides such as the bear, the wolf, the grizzly, and the buffalo —all topped off by the symbol of the Creator, the Thunderbird.

A mere 10 minutes north of the War Memorial is the Peacekeeping Monument, across from the National Art Gallery.

It pays tribute to Canada’s role in international peacekeeping with life-size statues of male and female peacekeepers on a stone ridge and the word “Reconciliation” carved in English and French on the base of the structure.

For in-depth information on the many roles Canada has played in both war and peace, your next stop must be the Canadian War Museum.

The Canadian War Museum

Relocated in 2005 to an impressive new building in downtown Ottawa’s LeBreton Flats, The Canadian War Museum is within sight of the Parliament buildings.

The first time I visited this site, I was surprised to discover that there was something for every age and interest. Really.

The layout of the museum takes visitors through a historical timeline noting the first archeological evidence of violence on Canadian soil dating back 5,000 years, to battles between Europeans and First Peoples and both World Wars.

The timeline ends in a large hangar-like room with every form of military transport from tiny tanks to an actual plane hanging from the roof as if it’s in flight.

Hands-on activities for young and old alike include many interactive monitors, one of which quizzes your spy prowess—I was sent back to remedial spy camp.

There’s also a set of tests to see if you would’ve been eligible for basic training to fight in World War One. Bad teeth and flat-footed military-wannabes need not apply. Or men who couldn’t get a letter of permission from their wives!

After your tour of duty at the museum, open seven days a week, there is an option to eat in the cafeteria, which is aptly named The Mess. Or you could go and visit some real live veterans at one of the many Royal Canadian Legions in Ottawa.

Royal Canadian Legion

Your best bet for a legion in close proximity to the museum is Branch 351. Also called the Montgomery Branch, it’s a thirst-inducing 15-minute walk away in Ottawa’s Centretown, at the intersection of Kent and MacLaren streets.

Kids are welcome, so long as they don’t get in the way of the dartboards!

Many Saturdays and Sundays have live music and there is always beer and spirits. And if you’re lucky, a veteran or two present to buy a cold one for if you are so inclined.

I’d say they’ve earned it—every single day of the year.