Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre

On the picturesque north shore of the St. Marys River in Sault Ste. Marie lies one of North America's most impressive aviation collections. The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre is more than just a museum; it's a living history of exploring the wild expanses of Canada, housed in a grand historic hangar spanning nearly 6,000 square meters.

Founded in 1987 by a group of enthusiasts, the centre is dedicated to so-called "bush planes" — the winged workhorses that helped protect forests and deliver cargo to the most remote corners of the North. It features the country's largest collection of such aircraft, with over 30 unique exhibits.

Recognized as a national treasure, the museum is a must-visit for family vacations. What makes it special is how it combines aviation history with the vital mission of forest protection, telling stories of pilot heroism and the development of fire-fighting technologies within the unique industrial atmosphere of a heritage building.

For information about events or group visits, you can contact the centre's administration directly. The museum is open to dialogue and always welcomes new guests interested in the skies.

At this museum, the phrase "don't touch" hardly applies. Visitors are offered an interactive experience: you can board many of the aircraft, peer into the cockpits, and feel like a true explorer of the northern territories. One of the crown jewels of the collection is the first production 1948 Beaver — a legendary plane in Canadian aviation.

For those dreaming of flight, there are flight simulators that let you test your skills at the controls. Pay special attention to the exhibit dedicated to forest fire protection. It vividly demonstrates water-bombing techniques, shares the history of women in aviation, and features exciting films about protecting Canadian forests.

Be sure to visit the restoration area. Here, you can watch in real-time as master volunteers meticulously restore old aircraft, such as a replica of the DeHavilland Fox Moth. The craftsmen are happy to answer questions and share the secrets of their trade. Complete your visit with a walk along the waterfront overlooking the St. Marys River, where massive cargo ships often pass by.

The heritage centre is located at 50 Pim St, in the heart of the city, right on the waterfront. Thanks to its central location on the north shore of the St. Marys River, the museum is very easy to reach on foot from most downtown hotels.

If you are arriving in the city by plane, a car or taxi ride from Sault Ste. Marie Airport (YAM) will take about 20–30 minutes. For those traveling by car, free parking is provided right next to the museum building.

Public transport is also a convenient option: Sault Ste. Marie Transit buses stop within walking distance of the hangar. And for those on the famous Lake Superior Circle Tour, this site makes an excellent stop on the route.

The history of this site began in 1924, when a massive hangar was built for the Ontario Provincial Air Service (OPAS). This was Ontario's first provincial air service, created to survey the vast northern forests. The city was chosen as a base due to its strategic location and the characteristics of the St. Marys River, which stays ice-free longer, allowing seaplanes to operate for more of the year.

It was here that the revolutionary idea of aerial firefighting was born and developed. The centre's specialists designed unique water-bombing techniques that later became the global standard. The hangar building itself was long considered one of the largest steel structures in Canada, symbolizing the region's industrial power.

In the late 1980s, when government services moved to a modern airport, a group of dedicated volunteers decided to preserve the historic building and equipment. The museum officially opened its doors between 1987 and 1989, and by 1993, following a major renovation, it occupied the entire historic hangar.

Today, the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre is unique because it operates with almost no government subsidies. Its existence is sustained by ticket sales, donations, and the incredible work of volunteers who perform complex restoration projects, such as restoring the rare Fox Moth aircraft.

To explore the entire collection at a leisurely pace, enjoy the interactive exhibits, and visit the restoration area, most visitors need 2 to 3 hours. If you are a true aviation fan, time might fly by, and you may want to spend half a day here.

Keep in mind that the museum is quite large, and the abundance of small details in the cockpits and interesting educational films can extend your visit. It is recommended to arrive in the morning to ensure you have enough time before closing.

The centre operates on a convenient schedule; however, please note that the museum is closed on Mondays. On Thursdays, the doors are open longer than usual, which is convenient for an evening visit.

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 12:00 – 16:00
Wednesday: 10:00 – 16:00
Thursday: 10:00 – 19:00
Friday: 10:00 – 16:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 16:00
Sunday: 10:00 – 16:00

The museum's central location makes it easy to combine your visit with other historical and cultural landmarks. A stroll along the waterfront after your aviation tour will add even more pleasant impressions to your trip.