OPAS 100th anniversayOPAS 100th anniversary

Step into the world of the

Ontario Provincial Air Service

and experience 100 years of bush flying.

No government, state or commercial enterprise has been better served by its flying personnel.

-W. Roy Maxwell-

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 and 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 bushplane development.

To honour this significant milestone, the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre (CBHC)
will be hosting a series of events and exhibits.

Celebrate

the history

100th anniversary

Joins us for a Grand Celebration and OPAS Reunion Conference. 

Bushplane Days

bushplane days and 100th anniversary

Joins us for the 100th Celebration of OPAS and Bushplane Days!

“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

OPAS Conference & Bushplane Days

Sept. 18th

Join us for a warm welcome reception, featuring an selection of wine and cheese, accompanied by a cash bar for your enjoyment.



Sept. 19th

Enjoy a day of hangar tours, seminars, and activities with lunch and expert discussions, followed by an evening GALA with fine dining, a talk by Dr. Robert Galway, and live music.

Sept. 20th

Don't miss our off-site programming, where unexpected thrills and exclusive encounters await to amplify your excitement! Details coming soon.

Sept. 21st

Join us for the Annual Bushplane Days event, where OBS takes to the water alongside captivating demonstrations featuring a waterbomber.


Sept. 22nd

Continue the celebration of Bushplane Days, enhanced with engaging tales from OPAS pilots, engineers, and aficionados, bringing the world of bushplanes to life.

The First OPAS Bush Plane

Unveiling The New H-Boat Replica Exhibit

The Curtiss HS-2L Flying Boat was the first aircraft utilized by the OPAS and a new 1/4 scale replica will be added to the Collection in June. The exhibit will be unveiled at an event on June 13, 2024. Long time volunteer and historian, Pierre Verhelst will deliver a short talk about the significance of the aircraft.

h-boat replica

Virtual Hangar Tour

This innovative, self-directed exploration of the historic OPAS building, now home to CBHC, illuminates the achievements and individuals associated with OPAS, underscoring their enduring influence on the community. Presently accessible via smartphone app in English, the tour will expand to encompass five additional languages (French, Anishnaabemowin, Spanish, German, and Hindi) by July 1, 2024.

<< Click the image to download the app or scan the QR codes below

 
Apple

Google Play

Through The Years

More to Discover

Bushplane Collection

A collection that showcases aviation's bold history and daring spirits who navigated the skies. It's an invitation to explore tales of courage and innovation up close.

Archives and Research

The CBHC preserves and tells the story of Canada’s bushplanes and forest protection by collecting, preserving, exhibiting bushplanes and archives.