Passion & Persistence: Canadian Women in Aviation

Explore the rich history of women in aviation

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! 

Flight Adventure Simulator

Experience the thrill of flight!

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 agesbut especially the childrenlove this fun and unique exhibit!

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A Forest Fire Fighting Adventure!

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!

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Come to the museum and…

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.

Fire Tower

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ticks: little bugs, big problems

Welcome to the delightful mini-exhibit, “Ticks: Little Bugs, Big Problems”! It’s the perfect place for kids and families to have a blast while learning about these tiny bugs and how to stay safe from tick-related health concerns, especially Lyme disease.

Imagine picking up a magnifying glass and entering a world where ticks become your tiny, intriguing companions.

The Best Part?

There's no need to dress up like an adventurer – no tucked-in pants or socks required!
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We’ve created a cozy and safe space where you can get to know ticks up close and personal.

Our exhibit is like a treasure hunt for knowledge, where you and your loved ones can explore the wonders of tick science together. You’ll be amazed by the incredible details of tick anatomy and their incredible adaptations that make them such unique critters in the natural world.

But this isn’t just a learning opportunity; it’s an adventure! “Ticks: Little Bugs, Big Problems” is designed to be engaging and fun for all ages. Whether you’re a budding scientist or just curious about the world around you, there’s something here to tickle your curiosity.

Another best part? You don’t need to worry about extra fees. This fantastic exhibit is included in your museum admission, so you can enjoy it without breaking the bank. Plus, you have until October 15, 2023, to experience the magic of ticks with us.

So, grab your family and friends, and come on over for a friendly and fascinating exploration of the world of ticks at our museum. We can’t wait to share this adventure with you!

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Northern Nature Trading is a special kind of swap shop!

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 naturelike 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!

SOME THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

Other restrictions may apply. Please ask a staff member at the NNT for more information.

Hours of Operation

Weekends: 1 – 3 PM | Weekdays: Available Upon Request

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Meet amazing insects!

Entomica Insectarium is an insect-focused science centre now located inside the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre. Their mission is to inspire and connect visitors of all ages with science and nature through interactive experiences with insects, arachnids, and other creepy crawly invertebrates.

A variety of live exotic insects from around the world are displayed in beautiful living vivariums, and their knowledgeable “Bug Wranglers” will be happy to introduce you to these amazing creatures.

Entomica’s hours may vary. Call ahead to confirm.

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.

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Want to learn more?

Become a member and get access to even more information about the history of bushplanes and forest firefighting in Ontario.

The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre Archives hold a vast collection of images, audio and video clips, artifacts, technical drawings, records, books and more that cover the history of aviation, bush flying and the Department of Lands & Forests in Ontario. 

The Bushplane Centre Archives will accept gifts related to their mission from the public. To learn more, please contact the Curator at display@bushplane.com.

Doing research on bush flying, the history of the MNR, northern Ontario, or aircraft? The Bushplane Centre Archives will perform research requests for a fee.

To discuss your research project and the applicable fees, please contact the Curator at display@bushplane.com for more information.