Ontario has a deep connection to bush flying and aviation history. Across the province, several museums celebrate the role of bushplanes in remote travel, firefighting, and industry. These museums preserve historic aircraft, tell the stories of pioneering pilots, and offer interactive experiences for visitors. If you love aviation history, these bushplane history museums are worth a visit.
The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre, also known as the Bushplane Museum, is the most well-known bushplane museum in Ontario. Located in a former Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources hangar, the museum sits on the St. Marys River waterfront in Sault Ste. Marie.
This museum showcases over 30 aircraft, including bushplanes and water bombers used for forest firefighting. The collection includes the famous de Havilland Beaver, a rugged aircraft built for flying into Canada’s most remote areas. Another highlight is the CL-215 water bomber, which played a critical role in fighting wildfires.
Visitors can explore interactive exhibits like “Wildfires! A Firefighting Adventure”, where they can experience what it’s like to battle forest fires. The museum also has a Flight Adventure Simulator, giving visitors the chance to “fly” a bushplane.
With hands-on activities, real aircraft, and a focus on Northern Ontario’s aviation past, the Bushplane Museum is a must-visit destination.
While primarily focused on military aircraft, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum also showcases bushplanes that supported Canada’s northern industries. The museum features more than 40 aircraft, including World War II bombers, Cold War jets, and bushplanes used for transport and firefighting.
One of the highlights is the Noorduyn Norseman, a Canadian-built aircraft used in bush flying operations. Designed in the 1930s, it was used for transporting goods, medical supplies, and passengers to remote locations.
For a truly unique experience, visitors can book a flight in a historic aircraft, including some used in early bush flying.
While not in Ontario, The Hangar Flight Museum in Calgary features aircraft with strong ties to Ontario’s bush flying history. The museum’s collection includes the de Havilland Tiger Moth and Beechcraft Expeditor, both used in training and bush flying operations across Canada.
Many of these aircraft were first tested and flown in Ontario before being used across the country. The museum also has artifacts related to Canada’s early bush pilots and the challenges they faced flying in remote regions.
Toronto was once home to the Toronto Aerospace Museum, which housed bushplanes and early Canadian aircraft. While the museum closed in 2011, it played a key role in preserving aviation history in Ontario. Some of its exhibits, including the Avro Arrow replica, have since moved to other museums.
Many of the bushplanes that were once displayed here can now be found in other aviation museums across Ontario.
Ontario’s vast wilderness made bushplanes essential for transportation, exploration, and firefighting. From the early days of the de Havilland Beaver to modern water bombers, these aircraft helped shape the province’s forestry, mining, and tourism industries.
Museums like the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre preserve this history by offering interactive exhibits, historical aircraft, and engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.
If you’re interested in aviation history, a trip to one of these museums will give you a deeper appreciation for bush flying in Canada.
But we happen to think ours is one of the best Bushplane History Museums in Ontario….if not the BEST! 😉
Canada has a rich aviation history, from bush planes to military aircraft. Across the country, museums showcase this history with interactive exhibits and impressive aircraft collections. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or a casual visitor, these museums offer a fascinating experience. Here are some of the best aviation museums in Canada.
The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre, known as the Bushplane Museum, highlights Canada’s bush flying and firefighting history. Located in a former hangar on the St. Marys River, the museum houses over 30 aircraft used for remote area access and firefighting. Visitors can explore iconic planes like the de Havilland Beaver and CL-215 water bomber.
The museum features interactive exhibits, including a flight simulator and a hands-on kids’ area. One of its most exciting attractions is the Wildfires! A Firefighting Adventure exhibit lets visitors experience a forest firefighter’s life.
With its mix of history, technology, and hands-on learning, the Bushplane Museum is a must-visit destination in Northern Ontario.
Located in the nation’s capital, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum houses the country’s largest collection of aircraft. The museum covers military and civilian aviation history, from early flight to modern space exploration.
Visitors can see rare aircraft like the Avro Arrow, the Silver Dart, and World War II fighters like the Supermarine Spitfire and Messerschmitt Bf 109. The museum also has a strong focus on Canada’s role in space, with artifacts from astronaut Chris Hadfield’s missions.
For a special experience, visitors can take a biplane or helicopter ride from the museum’s own airfield.
Housed in a historic World War II hangar, the Alberta Aviation Museum tells the story of Alberta’s aviation pioneers. The museum’s collection includes more than 30 aircraft, from bush planes to military jets.
One of the highlights is the Avro Anson, a bomber trainer from World War II. The museum also features interactive exhibits on flight training, aircraft restoration, and aviation careers. Visitors can walk through a replica control tower and learn how pilots communicate with air traffic controllers.
The museum’s restoration area allows guests to see aircraft being rebuilt, offering a behind-the-scenes look at aviation preservation.
Calgary’s Hangar Flight Museum celebrates the history of aviation in Western Canada. Located in a former British Commonwealth Air Training Plan hangar, the museum houses aircraft from World War I to the Cold War.
Key exhibits include the Hawker Hurricane, Bristol Blenheim bomber, and Beechcraft Expeditor. The museum also displays artifacts from Canadian astronauts and information about Canada’s role in space exploration.
In the summer, visitors can take part in outdoor aircraft tours and events celebrating aviation history.
Located near Victoria International Airport, the British Columbia Aviation Museum focuses on aviation in British Columbia. The collection includes aircraft used for coastal patrol, firefighting, and passenger flights.
Visitors can see aircraft like the Consolidated PBY Catalina, used for search-and-rescue missions, and the Fleet Finch, a Canadian-built biplane. The museum also has a dedicated restoration team that works on vintage aircraft, bringing them back to life.
The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum specializes in Canada’s military aviation history. It features one of the country’s most impressive collections of airworthy World War II aircraft.
The museum’s most famous aircraft is the Avro Lancaster bomber, one of only two still flying in the world. Visitors can also see the B-25 Mitchell, Hawker Hurricane, and de Havilland Vampire.
For an unforgettable experience, visitors can book a flight in some of these historic aircraft, including the Lancaster and Harvard trainers.
The Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum is the only aviation museum in the region. It highlights the history of flight in Eastern Canada, from early bush planes to military aircraft.
Notable aircraft include the CF-101 Voodoo, a Cold War-era interceptor, and the Lockheed JetStar, one of the world’s first business jets. The museum also displays artifacts from Canada’s role in transatlantic flight.
From bushplanes to bombers, Canada’s aviation museums showcase the country’s rich flight history. Whether you want to see rare aircraft, experience a simulator, or even take a flight, these museums offer something for everyone.
If you’re in Northern Ontario, don’t miss one of the Best Aviation Museums in Canada – the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre – a true highlight of Canada’s aviation past.
Discover Bushplanes and how they have played a vital role in Northern Ontario’s history. These rugged aircraft connected remote communities, transported supplies, and fought wildfires. Today, you can discover bushplanes up close right here at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre in Sault Ste. Marie.
Northern Ontario’s vast wilderness has always been difficult to access. Roads often don’t reach deep into the forests or across the many lakes. Bushplanes became the answer, providing a way to travel where no roads existed.
During the early 20th century, pilots used bushplanes to deliver mail, food, and medical supplies. They carried miners and prospectors into remote areas searching for gold and minerals. These planes also helped scientists and surveyors map Canada’s northern landscape.
One of the most important jobs of bushplanes in Northern Ontario is fighting wildfires. The region’s dense forests and dry summers create the perfect conditions for wildfires to spread. Early firefighting efforts relied on lookouts and ground crews. But when bushplanes arrived, they revolutionized the fight against wildfires.
Aircraft like the de Havilland Beaver and Canadair CL-215 water bomber became essential tools for firefighting. Pilots could spot fires from the air and drop water or fire retardant on flames. This quick response saved countless acres of forest and protected communities.
If you’ve ever wanted to get inside of a real bushplane, now is your chance. At the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre, visitors can discover bushplanes and experience aviation history firsthand.
This interactive museum features a collection of historic aircraft that once flew over Ontario’s wilderness. You can climb into real bushplanes, explore their controls, and imagine piloting through the northern skies.
Some of the planes you’ll see include:
The Bushplane Museum is more than just a walk-through experience. It offers hands-on exhibits that bring aviation history to life. Visitors can also watch exciting films in the Wildfires 3D Theatre, such as Wildfires! and Jane Goodall, Reason for Good.
Families and aviation lovers will enjoy exploring the museum’s collection and learning about the pioneers of bush flying. Kids can even participate in scavenger hunts and interactive displays that make learning fun.
Located in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre is a must-visit for anyone looking to discover bushplanes and their impact on Northern Ontario. The museum is open year-round and offers a unique look at the history of flight in Canada’s north.
Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, a history buff, or a family looking for an exciting day trip, the Bushplane Museum has something for everyone. Come climb inside a real bushplane and experience the thrill of Northern Ontario’s skies!
>> Learn more about our exhibits here and start planning your visit into aviation history.
December is Customer Appreciation Month at the Bushplane Museum
Sault Ste. Marie, ON – As December rolls in, the Bushplane Museum is gearing up to show our appreciation to the community with a lineup of free activities for families and seniors, and specially-priced holiday events.
Here’s what’s happening
Every Wednesday morning, our ‘Tiny Pilots’ program takes off, where children get hands-on with crafts and activities from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. It’s a chance for the little ones to delve into creative projects. During the month of December, this program is free.
Sundays are for our ‘Sky Explorers’, from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. Kids aged 5-12 can participate in various activities that are both fun and educational, designed to ignite their curiosities about the world around them—free for the entire month of December.
For our 55+ crowd, ‘Walk With Us’ offers a warm and sheltered stroll through our exhibits on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. It’s an opportunity to learn, socialize, and stay active during the chilly season. Our festive activities also include holiday baking classes starting December 4th and an ornament painting class on December 13th, where our 55+ visitors can craft their own holiday decorations for free. Spaces are limited, so pre-register online at https://bushplane.com/55at-the-bushplane/ to ensure you don’t miss out.
Grinch-mas Shop and Sip
A perfect evening for adults to enjoy a specialty Grinch drink, take a photo with the Grinch, and watch Jim Carrey bring the character to life on screen at 6pm. Enjoy a beverage while you shop and watch out for Grinch-y surprises! Entry is free, and movie tickets are just $5. The Grinch-mas Shop and Sip happens Thursday, December 12th from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, during the downtown association’s Moonlight Magic event.
Santa’s Holiday Fun Day
Step into the holiday spirit at the Bushplane Museum’s Holiday Fun Day! Join us on Sunday, December 15th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. For just $5, you can watch your favorite holiday films—bring your pillows or cushions for a cozy floor setup or sit in our comfy seats. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, then head over to the Children’s Centre for some festive craft fun! Be sure to explore Entomica to see what critters are dressed in tiny Santa hats. Plus, don’t miss your chance to take a memorable photo with Santa himself – no charge. It’s a day of festive fun you won’t want to miss!
Capture the Fun
Be sure to participate in our photo competition for a chance to win exciting prizes for the best snapshots with Santa or the Grinch.
The Bushplane Museum is excited to give back to the community that has supported us throughout the year. We invite everyone to join us in December for a month filled with learning, fun, and holiday cheer.
May 9, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ontario Provincial Air Service (OPAS): Celebrate a Century of Aviation Innovation at the Bushplane Museum
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario — The oldest, continuously-flying, non-scheduled government air service in the world will be celebrated this summer in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.
The Ontario Provincial Air Service was launched on March 1, 1924. It and its successor, the Aviation, Forest Fires & Emergency Services in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, have provided a century of flying operations in support of resource management, emergency response, and consequently, advances in bush plane development.
To honour this significant milestone, the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre (CBHC) will be hosting a series of events and exhibits.
“Our museum is dedicated to telling the story of bush flying in Canada, but specifically that of the Ontario Provincial Air Service. We are thrilled to be able to recognize and celebrate this amazing moment in aviation history in the waterfront hangar where it all began 100 years ago,” said Jamie Hilsinger, Executive Director of the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre.
The OPAS was a pioneering force in 1924, combining aviation with environmental protection. By developing its own fleet and skilled workforce, the Department of Land and Forests established new methods of resource management and development with unprecedented efficiency.
“It’s the bush flying pioneers, and the thousands of pilots, air engineers and support staff who have contributed to 100 years of resource management, emergency response, and technical innovation who we are honouring this summer.” – J. Hilsinger
Anniversary exhibits and events represent chapters in the OPAS’s notable history and are designed to engage, educate, and inspire attendees of all ages.
For more information and updates on the OPAS 100th Anniversary Celebration, visit OPAS 100th Anniversary & Celebration or contact Robin Wilson at rwilson@bushplane.com.
This summer, Sault Ste. Marie hosts a unique blend of history, nature, and adventure. The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre and the Agawa Canyon Tour Train are joining forces. They offer a special experience on August 6th and 22nd. This package highlights Northern Ontario’s landscapes and bushplane heritage.
The Agawa Canyon Tour Train is a highlight of Canadian rail tours. It embarks on a 10-hour trip through the Great Canadian Shield. This area, known for its ancient rocks, showcases rugged beauty and exploration history. The train travels through tough terrain, revealing stunning, remote scenery.
It immerses. During the tour train journey, enjoy 90 minutes of programming. This comes from the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre and Entomica Insectarium. The sessions aim to enhance the trip. They offer interactive learning on the region’s ecology and the Shield’s geology. Plus, they cover the history and future of forest management and bush flying in Canada.
The package also includes: a 25% off voucher for admission to both the Bushplane Heritage Centre and Entomica. As well as a 10% discount at the Centre’s gift shop. It’s an invitation to take a piece of the experience home, and to support the preservation of this rich heritage.
Situated in Sault Ste. Marie, these tours offer more than just a trip. They present a narrative of human ingenuity, ecological wonder, and the history of a region that is challenging and beautiful. The Canadian Shield, serves as the perfect backdrop to stories of adventure, exploration, and conservation.
This partnership celebrates their educational and enjoyable roles. Visitors gain new insights by exploring landscapes and aviation stories.
This summer’s event appeals to the curious and adventurous. It invites them to explore bushplane stories and Northern Ontario’s ecology. The journey takes you through rugged terrain and deep into the wilderness.
As August approaches, excitement grows for this blend of education and natural beauty. Sault Ste. Marie is set to host this unique event, offering lasting memories and deeper appreciation for Canada’s heritage.
This partnership is more than a collaboration. It connects past and present, land and sky, through meaningful stories. This summer, embark on a journey that offers new perspectives and adventure in Sault Ste. Marie.
This event is for history buffs, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a memorable summer adventure. It’s a chance to experience Northern Ontario’s landscapes and legacies. Book your tickets and prepare for an adventure that spans from rails to skies, all set against Sault Ste. Marie’s stunning scenery.
Are you ready to embark on a March Break journey through Sault Ste. Marie’s rich cultural corridor? Look no further than the Bushplane Museum, your ultimate hub for exploration, learning, and family fun! As we gear up for the exciting March Break, we’re thrilled to unveil a spectacular lineup of activities that will captivate minds of all ages.
Cultural Corridor Connection: Where Adventure Awaits
The Cultural Corridor Connection is a unique initiative that brings together some of the city’s most treasured cultural institutions. From the historic charm of the Ermitinger Old Stone House to the captivating exhibits at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre, the corridor offers a tapestry of experiences waiting to be discovered. Other participating venues include the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library, the Art Gallery of Algoma (AGA), the Sault Ste. Marie Museum, and Entomica.
One-Stop Shop for Adventure: Get Your Tickets Here!
Planning your cultural escapade has never been easier! Purchase your tickets online and gain access to all participating locations. Whether you’re a history buff, art enthusiast, or nature lover, there’s something for everyone along the corridor. Get your Family Pass here “Family Pass”
Unlock Programming Details: Download Your Guide Here!
Stay ahead of the curve and download our comprehensive programming guide, available right here at the Bushplane Museum or download here. Discover a myriad of workshops, guided tours, and hands-on activities designed to ignite curiosity and spark imagination. Considering there’s an abundance of sights and activities, it probably good to plan your itinerary beforehand to fully maximize your cultural excursion experience.
Family Fun Galore: March Break Extravaganza
Calling all families! Dive into a world of excitement during the March Break with special activities tailored just for you. From interactive exhibits to engaging workshops, there’s no shortage of ways to create lasting memories together. And here’s the best part – with our exclusive family pass priced at just $40, you’ll enjoy free access to all participating programs throughout the week. It’s the perfect opportunity to bond, learn, and explore as a family. Get your pass here.
Don’t miss out on the adventure of a lifetime! Join us at the Bushplane Museum and let the Cultural Corridor Connection be your gateway to unforgettable experiences. Get your tickets, download your programming guide, and get ready to embark on a journey like no other. We can’t wait to see you there!
Get into the Holiday Spirit with Bushplane Museum’s Gift Shop Extravaganza!
Are you ready to dive headfirst into the holiday shopping season? Look no further than the Bushplane Museum’s Gift Shop for a festive and fun-filled shopping experience like no other! With Late-Night Shopping events and special Kids Shopping Adventures, we’ve got your holiday gift-giving covered.
Mark your calendars for two unforgettable evenings of late-night shopping at the Bushplane Museum’s Gift Shop. On November 30th and December 7th, we’re keeping our doors open late, until 8 PM, so you can browse our unique selection of gifts, decorations, and holiday treasures at your leisure. We’ll have gift wrapping, spin the discount wheel with every purchase and a kids club table. It’s the perfect opportunity to find that one-of-a-kind present for your loved ones.
November 26th, December 3rd, 10th & 17th
We understand that holiday shopping can be a family affair, and that’s why we’re excited to offer our special Kids Shopping Adventure on Sundays throughout December. Here are the dates you won’t want to miss: November 26th, December 3rd, 10th, and 17th, from 2 PM to 4 PM.
How it Works:
The Bushplane Museum’s Gift Shop is your one-stop-shop for unique and locally-sourced gifts that will make this holiday season unforgettable. Plus, by participating in our Kids Shopping Adventure, you’ll be creating cherished memories and teaching your child the spirit of giving.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to combine holiday shopping with family fun at the Bushplane Museum. Join us for late-night shopping and Kids Shopping Adventures to make your holiday season merry and bright. See you there, and happy holidays!
Or! If you are an online shopper, check out our online store here.
Keep up with all the happenings at the Bushplane Museum on Facebook.
We have the perfect kids’ gift guide if you are on the hunt for that special gift that will ignite the spark of wonder in a child’s eyes? Look no further than the enchanting world of the Canadian Bushplane Museum Gift Shop! Nestled within the heart of aviation history and adventure, this hidden gem is a treasure trove of unique and imaginative gifts that will leave your young explorers beaming with delight.
Let’s embark on a journey through the captivating offerings of the Bushplane Museum Gift Shop, where history, aviation, and creativity blend seamlessly to provide an unparalleled shopping experience for kids of all ages. From awe-inspiring aviation memorabilia to whimsical toys and educational treasures, we’ve scoured the shelves to curate a one-of-a-kind gift guide that promises to make every child’s dreams take flight.
Join us as we take off on an exploration of the perfect gifts that will inspire curiosity, spark imagination, and create cherished memories for the young adventurers in your life. The Bushplane Museum Gift Shop awaits, ready to transport you to a world of excitement and discovery. So, fasten your seatbelts, and let’s dive into this remarkable kids’ gift guide!
$12.50
This wooden pull back plane comes with a roll of runway tape so you can make your runway anywhere you want it. Hours of imagination play comes in a small box!
$10.00
These best-selling 7″ foam flyers soar up to 50 feet and can perform aerial stunts. Assorted styles, each sold separately.
*warning: choking hazard due to small parts. Not for children under 3 years old.
$27.50
Green Toys Airplane & Board Book Set
Fly through the pages of playtime! This set includes the Green Toys Airplane and A is for Airplane board book. Made and printed in the USA from 100% recycled materials with no BPA, phthalates, or PVC.
The colorful Airplane features a spinning propeller and a tapered, easy-to-grasp body shape. A is for Airplane is an adventure through air, land, and sea that brings the alphabet to life throughout the journey from A to Z.
$45.00
Connect all the pieces & grow your tree
$50.00
Climb to the top and win!
Build a path to the top of the mountain together. Be the climber who manages to overcome the dangers and reach the summit.
$20.00
Paint a part of history with a paint by number system that makes you look like a real pro.
Includes on paint brush, 10 acrylic paints, one preprinted artist board and one preprinted practice sheet. 15 3/4 x 11 1/4 in.
$12.00
Bailey The Bushplane tells the story of spirited yet insecure bush plane Bailey, Bailey The Beaver. Bailey is determined to fly important bushplane missions, but this inadvertently leads the team of bushplane friends into trouble when an out of control forest fire approaches a remote trading post.
Produced by local author Richard Jones and local illustrator Amy Williams, this book is sure to delight children who love planes and love visiting the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre! A great gift for someone you love!
$35.00
An Indigenous take on Snakes & Ladders, Tee Pees & Wigwams is an incredibly fun game created by local Indigenous artist Des Barry. Move up the board with the help and hinderance of the tee pees and wigwams but if you get sent to the little people healing circle, you might be there for a while.
$42.00
Build-A-Spaceship will allow a child to create the plane of their dreams! This 12-piece set includes a fuselage with wheels, reversable wings, 2 tail sections, 2 cockpit / cabins, mini space shuttle, radar and 4 engines.
Compatible with Build-A-Plane.
For ages 3+.
We hope this bushplane kid’s gift guide has provided you with plenty of inspiration for finding the perfect presents for the young aviation enthusiasts in your life. Whether they dream of soaring through the skies or simply have a fascination with these rugged and adventurous aircraft, there’s something magical about the world of bushplanes that captures the imagination of kids of all ages. So, as you embark on your gift-giving journey, remember that the joy of giving is as boundless as the open skies, and the memories created with these thoughtful gifts will last a lifetime. Happy gifting, and may the spirit of adventure always be with your little aviators!
PA Days at the Bushplane Museum offer a unique solution to the challenges parents in Sault Ste. Marie face during Professional Activity (PA) Days. Balancing your child’s entertainment, engagement, and safety while you’re at work can be a daunting task, but fret not! Sault Ste. Marie has the ideal answer to not only make these days manageable but also create unforgettable memories for your child – the Bushplane Museum’s PA Days!
PA Days at the Bushplane Museum are an exceptional opportunity for your children to explore, learn, and have an absolute blast in a safe and educational environment. These days are meticulously designed to align with school curriculum while adding an exciting twist!
The Bushplane Museum PA Days offer a diverse array of themes to cater to your child’s specific interests:
Enrolling your child in a Bushplane PA Days is a straightforward process:
We understand that you want the best for your child, and here’s what some parents in Sault Ste. Marie have to say about their children’s experiences at our Bushplane Summer Camps:
PA Days in Sault Ste. Marie no longer needs to be a source of stress for parents. The Bushplane Museum’s PA Days offer a perfect blend of education and fun, ensuring your child is engaged, entertained, and safe while you work.
Don’t miss the opportunity to enrich your child’s PA Days with exciting themes, hands-on activities, and a world of learning at the Bushplane Museum. Register today and watch your child’s imagination take flight!
Explore our upcoming PA Days schedule and give your child a day of adventure they’ll cherish forever. Your search for the perfect PA Day program in Sault Ste. Marie ends here – choose Bushplane Museum PA Days and enjoy your child’s excitement about attending!
50 Pim Street Sault Ste. Marie, ON Canada P6A 3G4
