The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre (CBHC) was formed in 1989 by a small group of volunteers wishing to preserve Ontario’s rich bushplane and firefighting heritage.
The CBHC honours the courage and innovation of Canada’s aviation pioneers while fostering a deep appreciation for this unique heritage.
At that time, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources agreed to allow the group to use a portion of the Fire and Aviation Division (formerly the Ontario Provincial Air Service) hangar at the edge of the St Mary’s River in Sault Ste. Marie for displays and storage.
When Fire and Aviation Division operations were moved from the hangar to the Sault Ste. Marie airport, the CBHC expanded to include the part of the hangar constructed in 1948.
The Northern Nature Trade program and an invasive species exhibit have been added to the displays.
Recent major renovations—including a new entrance, a new event space, changes to the display area, the addition of Entomica Insectarium, and improvements to the gift shop and offices—have been completed in order to make your visit to the centre more comfortable and enjoyable.
The lifeblood of the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre is its volunteers. Dedicated individuals actively work to restore, preserve, interpret, promote and present our Bushplane and Forest Fire Fighting heritage. Their reward is in the satisfaction of a job well done.
New volunteers are always welcome at the centre! Come in and participate in the restoration of vintage aircraft, build floor displays, guide tours through the centre, conduct archive research, and catalogue artifacts.
The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre is a Non-Profit Organization
A world class museum connecting people of all ages to Canada’s exciting bushplane and forest protection heritage.
The CBHC preserves and tells the story of Canada’s bushplanes and forest protection heritage by collecting, preserving, exhibiting and interpreting a collection of bushplanes and related programs.
Authenticity: Our collection is rooted in and strengthened by its first-hand connection to real places, people, objects and events.
Access: We provide the highest possible level of visitor access to aircraft and displays, while ensuring public safety and artifact preservation.
Excellence: We adhere to professional standards of program design and delivery consistent with a museum of national stature and world repute.
Our People: We respect and value the contributions and commitment of our staff and volunteers.
Improve CBHC’s collection, records and stories, and ensure they are effectively restored, preserved and exhibited.
Awareness, appreciation and understanding among the public, stakeholders, colleagues and partners is enhanced
Create and Maintain a Premier destination for public visitation.
Financial Stability
Building and Maintenance
Human Resources – People Management
Marketing
Sound Governance
50 Pim Street Sault Ste. Marie, ON Canada P6A 3G4
