When powered flight became a reality in the early 1900s, women were there from the beginning. Women have not always been visible in the story of Canada’s aviation history. They had to fight for every opportunity to participate and advance in the field. In the process, they made significant contributions to aviation in Canada.
Learn about some of the women, past and present, whose passion, persistence and skill shaped aviation and bush flying in Canada.
What are you passionate about? Grab a sticky note and tell us!
A classic Bushplane Museum exhibit, the Flight Adventure Simulator is located at the entrance of the Children’s Centre
Choose from three four-minute flights, each highlighting different interesting features of Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma, in northern Ontario.
Feel the thrill of the engines starting; the float plane lifting off the water; unique aerial views; and the always tense landings… all from our comfortable five-seat cockpit.
Considered a mild thrill attraction, visitors of all ages—but especially the children—love this fun and unique exhibit!
An intense presentation packed with forest fire fighting special effects! The film tells the story of how the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services Branch (AFFES) battles forest fires in Ontario—from both the air and on the ground.
Learn of the conditions leading to forest fires, and their ecological role in certain forests.
When one starts, become part of the action with forest fire fighting ground crews battling a raging wildfire. Feel the adrenaline as your crew is told to evacuate through dense smoke to the safety of a nearby lake.
Join the decision-making in the aircraft directing the ground and aerial water bombing attack of that out-of-control wildfire.
Sit with the pilots and experience the rush as the cascade of water from a CL-415 waterbomber is dropped onto the fire.
A must-see attraction!
Climb a forest fire tower and see if you can spot any new fires. The original fire towers were 80 to 100 feet tall and were built on high ground in order to have the maximum field of vision for spotting forest fires. Our 30 foot high example provides an excellent view overlooking the bushplane museum display floor.
Visit a reproduction of a forest ranger’s office, complete with a radio link to the fire tower.
Visit a reproduction of a 1940’s bush camp. Bush camps were used as temporary homes for forest firefighting crews.
View our collection of vintage fire pumps and railway speeders!
See the results from working lightning strike recorders in action.
Then visit our Wildfires Theatre to participate in a modern forest fire protection response.
Drawing from decades of research by the world’s most renowned living ethologist and environmentalist, Jane Goodall, “Reasons for Hope” takes viewers on a heartening global journey. Its purpose is to spotlight uplifting stories that can motivate individuals to make a positive impact on their world.
The documentary showcases various narratives, such as the Northern Bald Ibis’s majestic migration over the Alps, the successful reintroduction of American Bison by the Blackfeet Nation, the globally recognized Sudbury Regreening Story, and the inspiring initiatives led by youth within Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots program. These stories are interwoven with archival footage chronicling Jane’s early days as a chimpanzee researcher.
Throughout the film, the message centers on Jane’s four pillars of hope, which signify a tremendous sense of optimism for the future: the remarkable capabilities of the human mind, the resilience of nature, the strength and commitment of young people, and the unconquerable human spirit.
Jane Goodall has transformed our perspective on the world we inhabit. Embark on this voyage of inspiration and hope alongside her.
Monday to Sunday
Check the Front desk for specific times.
Do you love to collect? Do you love nature and the great outdoors? Then Northern Nature Trading might just be for you! You can bring in the natural things you’ve found outdoors, and trade them for things in our collection! You can trade things made by nature—like rocks and crystals, sea shells, fossils, and pine cones.
Trading is entirely based upon point values; not cash. We will award you points for your items based on…
Funding from FedNor and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) has made this project possible. Science North is an agency of the Government of Ontario.
What item from nature do you have? Come in and tell us all about it!
Other restrictions may apply. Please ask a staff member at the NNT for more information.
Education
Entomica is an insect-based science centre and natural history museum located inside the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario.
A variety of live exotic insects from around the world are displayed in beautiful living vivariums.
Bugs offer a captivating gateway to education, sparking curiosity and fostering a deeper understanding of the natural world. Through hands-on encounters and exploration, we believe that the world of insects can inspire a lifelong love for learning.
Entomica Insectarium has found its home within the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre, where it takes center stage as an enthralling science center dedicated to insects. Their primary mission revolves around igniting the curiosity and fostering connections between visitors of all age groups and the world of science and nature. Through engaging interactive encounters with insects, arachnids, and various intriguing invertebrates, they strive to inspire wonder and learning.
Within their captivating living vivariums, you’ll encounter a diverse array of live exotic insects sourced from different corners of the globe. The knowledgeable “Bug Wranglers” are always eager to introduce you to these astonishing creatures, making your visit a truly enlightening experience.
Would you like to get involved with the Bushplane Museum?
By clicking below you can find out more information on how to become a member, donate or volunteer.
50 Pim Street Sault Ste. Marie, ON Canada P6A 3G4
