Canadian soldiers and U.S. Marine clearing rooftop during urban operations exercise at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows in Hawaii

Princess Patricia'S Canadian Light Infantry

Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in Ottawa: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) is recognized as one of Canada’s most distinguished military regiments, whose legacy is deeply woven into the nation’s military fabric since its formation in Ottawa in 1914. Named after Princess Patricia of Connaught, the regiment became a symbol of courage and service through its roles in major conflicts including both World Wars, the Korean War, and numerous peacekeeping missions. Ottawa, Canada’s capital, provides a variety of opportunities for visitors to engage with the PPCLI’s heritage through monuments, museums, and commemorative events.

This guide offers an in-depth overview for anyone wishing to explore the PPCLI’s history in Ottawa, including detailed information on heritage sites, visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, special events, and practical tips. You will also find insights into the regiment’s cultural symbols, such as the Ric-a-Dam-Doo and the regimental badge, and guidance on interactive experiences such as virtual tours and mobile apps.

Canadian soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Regiment clearing a house during urban terrain training in Hawaii July 2012

Canadian Army Warrant Officer directing machine gun fire during live fire assault in Hawaii

Two soldiers from Royal New Zealand Army and Canadian Light Infantry testing portable radios aboard USS Peleliu during RIMPAC 2014

Canadian soldiers of Charlie Company securing area during react to contact scenario at Exercise Allied Spirit VI in Hohenfels, Germany

Canadian soldiers of Charlie Company, 3rd Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry in a react to contact training scenario at Hohenfels Training Area, Germany

Canadian soldier providing security during Exercise Allied Spirit VI at Hohenfels Training Area Germany

Canadian soldier providing security during react to contact training at Allied Spirit VI exercise in Germany

Canadian soldiers of Charlie Company, 3rd Princess Patricia's Light Infantry Regiment providing security during Exercise Allied Spirit VI in Germany

Canadian Land Forces soldiers reviewing mission objectives during Exercise Allied Spirit VI in Germany

Canadian Land Forces soldier taking tactical pause during Exercise Allied Spirit VI at Hohenfels Training Area

Afghan soldiers in military training session outdoors

Canadian Army soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Regiment patrolling during Military Operations on Urban Terrain training at Pohakuloa, Hawaii

Canadian Army soldiers from Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry conducting urban military training at Pohakuloa Training Area during RIMPAC 2014

Canadian Army soldiers from 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Regiment training in urban combat at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii during RIMPAC 2014

Canadian soldier boarding USS Bonhomme Richard during RIMPAC exercise at Pearl Harbor

Canadian soldier from 1st Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry holding security position during RIMPAC 2008 assault operation

Canadian soldier Private Ryan VanHorlick firing C-6 machine gun during urban assault training

Canadian soldiers from 1st Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry boarding USS Bonhomme Richard at Pearl Harbor for RIMPAC exercise

Canadian soldiers boarding Marine Corps CH-53 Super Stallion helicopter during RIMPAC 2008 assault operation

Photograph of Colonel James R. Stone, Canadian Army Provost Marshal in Ottawa, 1954

Canadian Army Warrant Officer Robby Fraser directs machine gun fire during Rim of the Pacific 2012 live-fire assault

Canadian soldiers securing landing zone during NATO exercise as US Army helicopter evacuates simulated casualty

Canadian Army Pvt. Kyle Smith checking AN/PRC-152 radio before platoon assault at Pohakuloa Training Area during RIMPAC 2012

Canadian Army infantryman searching for targets during Rim of the Pacific 2012 at Pohakuloa Training Area

Grave of Private Algar B. Goodwin, soldier in Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, Ypres Salient, January 1917

Members of international military forces unloading a combat rubber raiding craft from a landing craft air cushion during RIMPAC 2014 exercise

Princess Patricia of Connaught decorating the flag of the Canadian regiment she is colonel of in a 1919 military ceremony

Canadian Army personnel observing artillery and mortar strikes in Alaska

Royal Canadian Army soldiers of Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry setting up a command post on a mountainside in Tora Bora, Afghanistan during Operation Torii

Two Canadian infantry soldiers in camouflage gear patrolling in a desert environment

Canadian Army soldiers boarding a U.S. Marine Corps CH-53 Super Stallion helicopter in Kahuku, Hawaii during Rim of the Pacific 2008 exercise

Canadian soldier from Alpha Company aiming rifle during RIMPAC 2008 assault operation in Hawaii

Paratroopers of 1st Battalion, 503rd Airborne Infantry descending into a lake during water entry training in Poland

Paratrooper descending from the sky during water entry training exercise in Poland

Soldier from 1st Battalion, 503rd Airborne Infantry jumping from UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter into water during training

Paratroopers from United States, Canada, and Poland exchange wings during allied ceremony in Poland

Soldiers of 1st Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry conducting physical training on USS Bonhomme Richard flight deck during RIMPAC 2008

Canadian soldiers from Princess Patricia's Light Infantry walking to a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter in Kandahar

Introduction
Origins and Formation (1914–1919)
The Regiment in World Wars and Korea
Modern Era and Peacekeeping
Regimental Structure and Symbolism
Visiting the PPCLI Museum and Heritage Sites
The PPCLI Monument in Confederation Park
Visitor Tips and Frequently Asked Questions
Visuals and Interactive Experiences
Conclusion
Sources

Origins and Formation (1914–1919)

The PPCLI was officially authorized on August 10, 1914, in Ottawa, largely due to the philanthropic efforts of Captain Andrew Hamilton Gault, who contributed $100,000 to form and equip the regiment (PPCLI Foundation). The name honors Princess Patricia of Connaught, who personally designed the regimental badge and hand-sewed the first regimental colour, the Ric-a-Dam-Doo. The regiment was quickly assembled from experienced volunteers, many of whom were British Army veterans, and became the first Canadian infantry unit to serve in France during World War I (Government of Canada).

The Regiment in World Wars and Korea

First World War

The PPCLI distinguished itself in key battles such as Ypres, Vimy Ridge, and Passchendaele. The Ric-a-Dam-Doo accompanied the regiment into every major engagement, symbolizing its unity and bravery (Canada Ehx). After the war, a permanent component was established in 1919.

Second World War

During WWII, the regiment fought in Italy and Northwest Europe, participating in battles like Ortona and the liberation of the Netherlands (Silver Hawk Author). The regiment’s adaptability and valor continued to earn it national respect.

Korean War

The PPCLI’s 2nd Battalion played a crucial role in the Battle of Kapyong in April 1951, holding their position against overwhelming odds and earning the United States Presidential Unit Citation (Silver Hawk Author).

Modern Era and Peacekeeping

Since the Korean War, the PPCLI has taken part in numerous peacekeeping and NATO missions, including deployments to Cyprus, the former Yugoslavia, and Afghanistan (The Military Museums). The regiment’s ongoing professionalism and adaptability have made it a model for Canadian infantry units.

Regimental Structure and Symbolism

The PPCLI is one of three Regular Force infantry regiments in the Canadian Army, with battalions stationed in Edmonton (1 PPCLI, 3 PPCLI, Regimental HQ) and Shilo (2 PPCLI). Its affiliated reserve is the Loyal Edmonton Regiment (The Canadian Encyclopedia). The regimental motto, “Once a Patricia, Always a Patricia,” reflects a strong sense of community (PPCLI Association). The Ric-a-Dam-Doo remains a cherished symbol, and royal connections have been maintained through figures such as Princess Patricia and her successors.

Visiting the PPCLI Museum and Heritage Sites

PPCLI Regimental Museum (Calgary)

While the main PPCLI Regimental Museum & Archives is located at The Military Museums in Calgary, Ottawa remains a central place for commemoration and reflection. The museum features regimental artifacts, memorials, and interactive exhibits (PPCLI Museum).

Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (The Military Museums)
Admission: Tickets required; discounted rates available.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.

PPCLI Heritage Sites in Ottawa

National War Memorial

Location: Confederation Square
Hours: Open 24 hours
Admission: Free
Highlights: Site of annual Remembrance Day ceremonies, often featuring PPCLI participation (Ottawa Tourism).

Canadian War Museum

Location: 1 Vimy Place
Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (7:00 PM in summer)
Admission: Paid; discounts for seniors, students, and children
Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible; guided tours available
Features: Exhibits on major conflicts, PPCLI artifacts, and educational programs (Canadian War Museum).

Beechwood Cemetery (National Military Cemetery)

Location: 280 Beechwood Avenue
Hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Admission: Free
Highlights: Final resting place of many Canadian soldiers, including PPCLI members (Beechwood Cemetery).

Confederation Park (PPCLI Monument)

Location: Confederation Park, downtown Ottawa
Hours: Open 24 hours
Admission: Free

The PPCLI Monument in Confederation Park

Located centrally in Confederation Park, the monument is a place of reflection honoring the more than 1,850 fallen members and thousands wounded or injured. The site is designed for accessibility, with paved paths and nearby amenities. The monument is a focal point for Remembrance Day and regimental anniversary events (Ottawa Memorials Blog).

Visitor Tips and Frequently Asked Questions

Best Time to Visit:

Remembrance Day (November 11) for commemorative events
Regimental Anniversary (August 10)
Spring and summer for pleasant weather

Getting Around:

Downtown Ottawa is walkable and well-served by public transit (Voyage Tips).

Accessibility:

Most sites are wheelchair accessible; check ahead for specifics

Tickets:

National War Memorial, Confederation Park, and Beechwood Cemetery are free.
Canadian War Museum requires paid admission (purchase online during busy periods).

Photography:

Allowed, but please be respectful during ceremonies and inside museums.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the visiting hours for the PPCLI Monument?
A: Confederation Park is open 24 hours, but daylight visits are recommended.

Q: Is there an admission fee or are tickets required?
A: No tickets or fees are required for the monument or most outdoor memorials.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: The museums offer guided tours; city walking tours may include the monument.

Q: Is the monument and museum accessible?
A: Yes, both the monument and major museums are wheelchair accessible.

Visuals and Interactive Experiences

PPCLI Regimental Badge
Alt text: Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry regimental badge featuring coronet and cypher.
PPCLI Museum Entrance
Alt text: Entrance of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Museum in Ottawa.
Virtual Tour of PPCLI Museum
Explore the museum from home with an interactive virtual tour.

Conclusion

Exploring Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry heritage in Ottawa is a meaningful way to connect with Canada’s military past. From the solemn monument in Confederation Park to the extensive exhibits at the Canadian War Museum, visitors are offered a comprehensive narrative of courage and sacrifice. Plan your visit around key commemorations for a richer experience, and use digital tools like the Audiala app and virtual tours for enhanced engagement.

For further information, consult official resources and stay updated with the PPCLI Association, the Canadian War Museum, and the Government of Canada’s military history page.