Frequently Asked Questions
Who can attend the Gala?
The Gala is open to serving and retired Canadian Military Police personnel (officers and non-commissioned members), corporate partners who serve and support the CF MP, invited members of foreign armed forces, police services, and the diplomatic corps, as well as public servants employed by the Department of National Defence (DND). Each eligible member may bring one guest.
What is the dress code for the Gala?
The dress code is formal or Mess Dress for military members. Military attire should be Dress No. 2 (Mess Dress or Formal Highland Dress). The equivalent civilian attire is black tie (tuxedo) for men and a long evening gown (below the knee) for women.
Retired members who wish to wear their Mess Dress to the Gala may do so. According to the updated Canadian Forces Dress Regulations, retired members are permitted to wear Mess Dress (No. 2 or 2A only) at appropriate military functions. They must wear the style of Mess Dress that was authorized by their Branch, Corps, or Regiment at the time of their release, including the rank, decorations, and skill insignia to which they were entitled.
To distinguish retired members from those serving, it is mandatory that they wear the CAF Retiree Insignia, which is available through CANEX. This insignia must be affixed to the lower left sleeve of the Mess Dress jacket, positioned 1.5 cm above the cuff or any embellishment, including PO1/WO, CPO2/MWO, or CPO1/CWO rank.
The required CAF Retiree Insignia is available through
CANEX.
What is included with my ticket?
Your ticket includes:
– A delicious meal of your choice (options provided at checkout)
– Access to the dance and social activities
– A commemorative souvenir to mark this milestone celebration.
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Can I purchase tickets for family and friends?
Due to high demand and limited availability, additional ticket requests for family or friends of serving Military Police personnel cannot be accommodated. You may purchase multiple tickets; however, at least one qualifying individual must be identified for every two tickets purchased. Please refer to “Who can attend the Gala?” above for eligibility details.
Can I purchase more than one ticket?
Yes, you may purchase multiple tickets; however, at least one qualifying individual must be identified for every two tickets purchased.
To purchase multiple tickets:
1. Select your seat and fill out the Guest Information Form.
2. Click 'Add to Cart'.
3. Repeat the process for each additional guest — select another seat, fill out the form, and add it to the cart.
Each ticket must be submitted one at a time so that individual guest details are recorded correctly.
Can I sit with my friends or affiliated branch, directorate, unit or regiment?
Yes. When purchasing your tickets online, you may indicate with whom you wish to sit, and effort will be made to accommodate your request.
Tables are in rounds of eight. If you provide eight names, they will be seated together, provided all persons successfully obtain a ticket.
Groups of less than eight will be seated with other groups, pairs, or single persons to complete a table of eight. If your group exceeds eight, an attempt will be made to seat the remaining guests at an adjacent table.
Your table number will be provided upon check-in and can also be verified using the alphabetical seating chart located at the museum.
Can I get a refund?
Yes – a refund will be available until 1 May 2025, after that date, all ticket sales are FINAL except in the case of authorized short-notice deployment on operations.
Is parking included?
Parking is not included with your ticket. Paid parking is available on-site at the Canadian War Museum.
Learn more
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What if I have food allergies?
When adding your ticket to the cart, you will be prompted to indicate any food allergies or sensitivities. For further information or special dietary requests, please contact the Gala Director, Maj D. Hitchcock at
david.hitchcock@forces.gc.ca
Will there be photographs taken?
A professional photographer will be at the venue until 18:30 hrs to take individual or family portraits at a cost. Two self-serve photo booths will also be available on site for your enjoyment. A photo booth is a fun, interactive entertainment option that allows guests to take and print photos with props and backdrops, creating instant, memorable keepsakes of the event.
Where can I stay overnight near the event?
Ottawa offers a range of accommodation options near the Canadian War Museum to suit different budgets.
We recommend booking early as June is a popular time in Ottawa and availability may be limited:
Luxury:
– Fairmont Château Laurier – Historic and elegant, located by Parliament Hill.
– Le Germain Hotel Ottawa – Stylish, modern comfort with upscale service.
Mid-Range:
– Alt Hotel Ottawa – Modern, well-located, and affordable comfort.
– Sheraton Ottawa Hotel – Trusted brand, walkable downtown location.
– Hilton Garden Inn Ottawa Downtown – Convenient, clean, and well-rated.
Budget-Friendly:
– The Business Inn & Suites – Great value with kitchenettes and breakfast.
– Days Inn by Wyndham Ottawa – Affordable and close to key attractions.
– ByWard Blue Inn – Quaint and economical, located in the ByWard Market.
