Canada Aviation and Space Museum | Ottawa

The Canada Aviation and Space Museum is the country’s national museum of aerospace history, showcasing Canada’s impressive contributions to both aviation and space exploration. Located in Ottawa, it houses one of the finest aircraft collections in the world and offers a comprehensive look at the evolution of flight—from early bush planes to space-age technology.

Overview

Location: 11 Aviation Parkway, Ottawa, Ontario

Established: 1964

Facility: Housed in a large hangar near the Ottawa/Rockcliffe Airport

Operated By: Ingenium – Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation

Collection Highlights

The museum’s collection includes over 130 aircraft and artifacts, making it the most extensive aviation collection in Canada and one of the largest in North America.

Early Flight and Pioneers

Reproductions and originals of early 20th-century aircraft

Displays on Alexander Graham Bell’s Silver Dart (Canada’s first powered flight in 1909)

Artifacts from First World War aviation, including fighter biplanes like the Sopwith Camel

Bush Flying and Civil Aviation

Aircraft that supported Canada's development in remote regions

Bush planes, floatplanes, and workhorses like the Noorduyn Norseman and de Havilland Beaver

Exploration of how aviation shaped Canada’s geography, trade, and infrastructure

Military Aviation

Extensive collection of Second World War aircraft, including:

Supermarine Spitfire

Hawker Hurricane

Avro Lancaster bomber

Cold War jets and training aircraft

Displays on the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and its history

Jet Age and Commercial Flight

CF-100 Canuck, Canada’s first jet fighter

Commercial aviation development, including Air Canada artifacts

Interactive cockpit exhibits and flight simulators

Space Gallery

Dedicated to Canada’s role in space research and exploration

Exhibits on:

Alouette-1 (Canada’s first satellite)

Canadarm and Canadarm2

Canadian astronauts like Chris Hadfield

Models of the International Space Station (ISS) and Canadian robotics contributions

Experiences and Interactive Features

Cockpit access: Sit in the pilot’s seat of select aircraft

Flight simulators: Try your hand at flying in a safe and controlled virtual space

Guided tours: Staff-led or self-guided options with detailed interpretive panels

Aircraft demonstration days: Special events with vintage aircraft flying demonstrations

Helicopter rides: Seasonal offering of sightseeing tours over Ottawa (additional fee)

Education and Public Programming

School tours and STEM-focused workshops

Special programming for National Aviation Day and Canada Day

Summer camps and family discovery days

Events themed around space science, robotics, and engineering

Facilities and Amenities

Free on-site parking

Museum boutique: Aviation- and space-themed toys, books, apparel, and collectibles

Café: Light meals, snacks, and drinks available during peak seasons

Fully accessible with elevators and family-friendly amenities

Surrounding Area

Located near the Ottawa River with views of Gatineau Hills

Adjacent to Rockcliffe Flying Club and a working airfield—planes often take off nearby

Close to other science-focused institutions like the Canada Science and Technology Museum

Final Notes

The Canada Aviation and Space Museum is an essential stop for anyone fascinated by flight or space exploration. It offers a balanced mix of historical depth, cutting-edge technology, and interactive fun—making it ideal for all ages. Whether you're into vintage warplanes, Canadian space robotics, or simply want to experience the thrill of flight up close, this museum delivers a rich and unforgettable journey through Canada’s skies and beyond.