Discover Canada’s role in the space shuttle programme, admire restored vintage aircraft and explore the skies in a flight simulator at this family-friendly museum.
The Canada Aviation and Space Museum has more than 130 aircraft and aviation artefacts, including flight simulators and a tiny Cessna plane. The now expansive museum opened in 1960 with a modest collection of early-model planes and Canadian “bushplanes”, small fixed-wing aircraft that serviced rural Canada.
Enter the museum’s vast triangular steel hangar to see the meticulously restored aircraft. Squeeze into the compact four-seat Cessna 150. Discover the Canadian Air Force’s training jet, the Snowbirds’ Canadair Tutor CT-114, used between 1963 and 2000.
Test your skills on the Redbird FMX flight simulator, a training tool used in advanced aviation instruction. Climb into the simulator’s cockpit and fly around, with the virtual world displayed on 200-degree panoramic visuals and aided with an electric motion platform.
Wander down the Walkway of Time to learn about how flying machines were invented and developed. Check out floatplanes and innovative amphibious aircraft, both able to land on water and to provide access to Canada’s wild and mountainous terrain.
Find out about Canada’s Space Agency and its advanced robotics. Investigate the Canadarm, an enormous robotic arm that was instrumental in the space shuttle programme.
Sign up for an informative guided tour through the museum’s permanent collection. Aviation enthusiasts will love the chance to go on a behind-the-scenes tour or take a ride over the city in one of the museum’s helicopters or vintage planes. For kids, the museum offers interactive workshops, special tours and educational sleepover nights. Enjoy a musical performance with the museum’s seasonal concert programme.
The museum’s opening times can vary from season to season, so check the official website to confirm opening hours. There is an admission fee to enter the Canada Aviation and Space Museum and tours and other events cost extra. Check online for details.
The Canada Aviation and Space Museum is located north of the city centre. Park on-site for a fee or take advantage of Ottawa’s convenient public transport system to reach the museum.
