BC Aviation Museum

The British Columbia Aviation Museum is a premier destination for anyone with a passion for flight. Located in the charming town of Sidney, right on the grounds of Victoria International Airport, this museum preserves the aviation history of Canada's West Coast. Under one roof, you'll find an impressive collection of aircraft, engines, and artifacts that trace the journey from the daring experiments of aviation pioneers to the power of modern jet engines.

BC Aviation Museum. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The museum's exhibits span several eras, including the legendary "bush league"—the aircraft that helped settle the wild northern territories. Highlights among the unique exhibits include a 1910 Gibson Twin Plane replica, the first Canadian-built aircraft, and the incredibly rare Eastman Sea Rover. A point of particular pride for the museum is the restoration of the Avro Lancaster bomber, which visitors can watch progressing in near real-time.

In addition to viewing the machinery, guests can visit the Memorial Room, dedicated to pilots of the Second World War, featuring rare archival photographs and personal belongings. Thanks to its location next to an active runway, the museum offers a unique sense of connection between aviation's heroic past and its modern-day present.

To plan your visit or inquire about group tours, please use the contact information provided below. You can also reach out to museum staff directly by phone or check the official website for the latest news on current exhibitions. The museum is always happy to welcome guests and answer any questions from aviation enthusiasts.

A visit to the museum offers much more than just looking at exhibits. You can get a close-up look at more than 20 original aircraft and helicopters, each accompanied by detailed stories of their designers and pilots. Be sure to find the Chanute-Type Glider—a replica of the 1896 glider that inspired the Wright brothers themselves—and powerful military machines like the Douglas A26 Invader.

In the Memorial Room, you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Commonwealth era, learning about pilot training at the local training center. Displayed here are not only aircraft models but also authentic uniforms, medals, and wartime letters. Interactive elements and stories from volunteers—many of whom are former pilots or mechanics themselves—make the history feel truly alive and tangible.

Wrap up your visit at the gift shop, which offers a wide selection of aviation souvenirs, from collectible models to themed clothing and books. And if you're lucky, you might catch restoration work in progress and see how craftsmen bring historic machines back to life. The proximity to the active airport allows you to watch modern airliners take off right from the museum windows, providing a magnificent backdrop for your photos.

The museum is located at 1910 Norseman Rd on the grounds of Victoria International Airport (YYJ). Getting here by car is easy: the drive from downtown Sidney takes only 5–10 minutes (about 4 km), while the drive from Victoria takes 30–40 minutes via Highway 17. Ample free parking is available for visitors directly in front of the entrance.

If you prefer public transit, you can use BC Transit services. Bus routes #88 or #70 run from Victoria and Sidney to the airport terminal. From the terminal stop, it is about a 10–15 minute walk to the museum. You can also use taxi or Uber services, which will take you from the airport to the museum doors in just a couple of minutes.

Thanks to its proximity to the Swartz Bay ferry terminal (only a 10-minute drive), the museum is a convenient stop for those arriving on Vancouver Island from the Canadian mainland. The walk to the museum can be particularly interesting, as there is a perimeter path around the airport that allows you to watch modern airliners taking off and landing.

The museum's history is inextricably linked to the development of Canadian aircraft manufacturing. One of the most valuable exhibits is the replica of the 1910 Gibson Twin Plane—the first aircraft designed and built entirely in Canada. No less significant is the Hoffar H-1 (1917), created by boat-building brothers from Vancouver, which became the first successful seaplane in Western Canada.

A special place in the collection is dedicated to the "bush league" era (1920s–1930s), when aviation helped open up the inaccessible northern territories. Here you can see the Fleet Model 2, which served faithfully for over 50 years, and a unique Eastman Sea Rover, painstakingly reassembled by restorers from the parts of three different machines. The story of the Norseman (1944) is also fascinating: it was specifically optimized for the harsh Canadian wilderness and, during its history, survived not only accidents but even a bear attack.

In recent years, the museum's collection has continued to grow actively. In 2018, the museum acquired the legendary Avro Lancaster FM104 bomber—one of only 17 surviving in the world. Volunteers and students are currently engaged in its meticulous restoration, aiming to return the aircraft to taxiable or even flight condition. This project highlights the continuity between generations and the commitment to preserving the living history of British Columbia's aviation.

To leisurely explore all the hangars and study the information displays in detail, a typical visitor will need between 2 and 3 hours. This is enough time to walk through the main aircraft collection, take photos, and visit the memorial room.

If you are a true aviation enthusiast planning to chat with the restoration volunteers or delve deep into the archival photographs, it is worth setting aside about 4 hours for your visit. Don't forget to leave some time to browse the gift shop, where you can find rare books and aircraft models.

The British Columbia Aviation Museum is open to the public daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The seven-day-a-week schedule makes it easy to plan a visit for any day of the week, whether on a weekday or a holiday.

Nevertheless, it is recommended to check the museum's official website or call ahead before your trip, as operating hours may vary slightly depending on the season or for special private events.

Exploring the surroundings of Sidney after your museum visit will make your trip even more fulfilling. The town is famous for its cozy atmosphere, waterfronts, and interesting dining locations situated in close proximity to the airport.