Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre
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Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre

4.7
·1k reviews·Sault Ste. Marie, Canada

Explore a remarkable collection of historic bushplanes and aerial firefighting aircraft, with many open for boarding. Features the fascinating Entomic...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more personal exploration

CrowdLow
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Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre

Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more personal exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore a remarkable collection of historic bushplanes and aerial firefighting aircraft, with many open for boarding. Features the fascinating Entomica Insectarium.

4.7
(1k reviews)

"A lively museum jam-packed with aircraft you can touch and explore – definitely recommended!"

Vertical photo
TIP

✈️ Board the Planes!

Many aircraft are open to explore inside. Get up close with history!

🗺️ Download the Tour

Enhance your visit with an informative audio tour.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 1,246 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Board Historic Bushplanes

Board Historic Bushplanes

Main Hangar

Step inside and explore iconic aircraft like the DeHavilland Beaver. Get a feel for bush pilot life!

Aerial Firefighting Displays

Aerial Firefighting Displays

Main Hangar

Discover the powerful machines used to combat wildfires. Learn about their crucial role in conservation.

Entomica Insectarium

Entomica Insectarium

Adjacent Exhibit

Fascinating collection of insects and reptiles, offering a unique educational experience for all ages.

Flight Simulator Experience

Flight Simulator Experience

Interactive Zone

Pilot your own virtual bushplane adventure! A thrilling way to understand flight dynamics.

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Planning Your Visit

Immerse Yourself in Aviation History

Explore a vast collection of historic bushplanes and aerial firefighting equipment. Many aircraft are accessible for an up-close, immersive experience. Don't miss the flight simulator for a taste of piloting!

Beyond the Planes: A Multi-Faceted Visit

The centre also houses the Entomica Insectarium, offering a fascinating look at insects and reptiles. Consider visiting during special events like craft shows or outdoor expos for a dynamic experience.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more personal exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends with events
Why
Lively atmosphere, unique vendors
Crowd
Medium
When
March Break
Why
Family fun with cultural pass
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Would you live in this airplane? #aviation #pilotlife #bushplane
@bushliner
51.3K likes • 656.2K views

✈️ Board the Planes!

Many aircraft are open to explore inside. Get up close with history! Reddit

🗺️ Download the Tour

Enhance your visit with an informative audio tour. Reddit

SuperSTOL XL 💙 #flying #airplane #bushplane #stol
@bryceangell
29.4K likes • 827.1K views
Who doesn't love a free gift with purchase. Check out all the amazing, hoodies, sweaters, and fleece to keep you warm this fall! Shop online at https://bushplanegiftshop.com/ or in person at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre.
bushplanemuseum1989
13 likes • 274 views

🦋 Insect Exhibit Surprise

Don't miss the Entomica Insectarium – a cool bonus! Reddit

🛍️ Gift Shop Treasures

Find unique aviation-themed souvenirs and apparel. Instagram

The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre* is located at 50 Pim Street, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. Sault Ste. Marie, often referred to as "The Soo," is a city in Northern Ontario on the St. Marys River, near the US border with Michigan. It is known for its proximity to natural beauty and is a gateway to Lake Superior. Why Visit the Bushplane Museum? The museum is vital for those interested ...
zeneesfootprints
30 likes • 427 views

Tips

from all over the internet

✈️ Board the Planes!

Many aircraft are open to explore inside. Get up close with history! Reddit

🗺️ Download the Tour

Enhance your visit with an informative audio tour. Reddit

🦋 Insect Exhibit Surprise

Don't miss the Entomica Insectarium – a cool bonus! Reddit

🛍️ Gift Shop Treasures

Find unique aviation-themed souvenirs and apparel. Instagram

📅 Check for Events

Special shows and expos happen year-round. Instagram+2

What Travellers Say

4.7
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre for its extensive collection of accessible historic aircraft and the engaging Entomica Insectarium. Many highlight the immersive experience of boarding the planes and the wealth of Canadian aviation history on display. While most find the staff friendly and knowledgeable, a few reviews mention a lack of enthusiasm from some employees.

"Great collection of aircraft! I loved that you can actually board most of them and take a look inside. It makes for an immersive experience to be able to wander around the inside of the hull and take a stroll through history. I do recommend that the employees are coached a little better as there was 0 enthusiasm from the employees. We wandered into the insect exhibit and the young women inside wouldn't even make eye contact with us. I tried to smile at them but they looked away. A warmer reception from the employees would have made the experience truly memorable."

Carlin Selwyn

"We visited Canada for the first time yesterday and stopped at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre. Very nice and informative museum. Alot of Canadian aviation history in one hanger. Many planes to look at from small float planes to larger fire bombing aircraft. Everyone was very friendly. The facility was nice and clean and as a bonus, it had an entomology lab inside that had an array of of insects from small to large, along with several small reptiles. The lady that showed us some of the critters(I'm sorry I forgot her name) was extremely friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. If you make it to Sault Ste Marie, Ontario Canada. I would highly recommend checking it out👍👍😊"

Jay Shaffer

"Great museum! We enjoyed our experience here. My husband was my tour guide, but there is a tour guide that you can download that is filled with info also. The store was great, too. Highly recommend when visiting Sault Ste Marie."

Stacey

What People Like

Boardable historic aircraft
Immersive aviation history
Entomica Insectarium bonus

What People Dislike

Inconsistent staff enthusiasm

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The centre is located at 50 Pim Street in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transit options may also be available; check local Sault Ste. Marie transit schedules for routes and times. Instagram

Yes, there is typically parking available near the centre. It's advisable to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current parking information, especially during special events. Instagram

Sault Ste. Marie, often called 'The Soo,' is known for its natural beauty, proximity to Lake Superior, and its industrial heritage. It's a gateway to outdoor adventures. Instagram

Absolutely! The centre is a fantastic stop for a day trip to Sault Ste. Marie, offering a concentrated dose of aviation history and unique exhibits. Instagram

For exploring the city and its attractions like the Bushplane Heritage Centre, driving is convenient. For specific transit information, consult local resources. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission prices can vary. It's best to check the official Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre website for the most up-to-date pricing for adults, seniors, children, and families. Instagram

Operating hours can change seasonally. Generally, the museum is open daily, but specific times, including extended hours on Thursdays, are available on their website. Instagram

Yes, purchasing tickets online is often recommended to save time and guarantee entry, especially during peak seasons or special events. Check their official website for online booking options. Instagram

Look out for special passes like the March Break Cultural Family Pass, which offers access to multiple cultural locations, including the Bushplane Heritage Centre. Instagram+1

The museum strives to be accessible. It's recommended to contact the centre directly to inquire about specific accessibility features and accommodations. Reddit

🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience

You can explore a large collection of historic bushplanes, many of which you can board and examine closely. There are also displays on aerial firefighting and the Entomica Insectarium. A flight simulator offers an interactive experience. Reddit+1

Yes, a significant highlight is that many of the aircraft are accessible for visitors to board and explore inside, offering an immersive historical experience. Reddit+1

Yes, the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre features a flight simulator that allows visitors to experience piloting a bushplane. TikTok

Entomica Insectarium is an exhibit within the centre showcasing a diverse collection of insects and other invertebrates, providing an educational and engaging experience. InstagramReddit

Yes, guided tours are offered and highly recommended. Tour guides are knowledgeable and provide in-depth information about the aircraft and aviation history. Reddit+1

🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining

Yes, the museum has a gift shop offering a variety of aviation-themed merchandise, souvenirs, and apparel. InstagramReddit

While the centre may have limited concessions, Sault Ste. Marie offers various restaurants and cafes nearby. It's advisable to check their website for any onsite dining facilities. Instagram

The gift shop is a great place to find aviation-themed gifts, from model planes to clothing and books. Instagram

During special events like craft shows or expos, food vendors are often present, offering a range of treats and meals. Instagram+1

Souvenirs range from small trinkets and patches to apparel like hoodies and sweaters, perfect for aviation enthusiasts. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally permitted inside the museum for personal use. However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions, especially near sensitive exhibits. TikTok

The accessible aircraft interiors and exteriors offer fantastic photo opportunities. The displays on aerial firefighting and the unique insects in Entomica also make for interesting shots. TikTok+1

During specific holiday events, you might have the chance to take photos with characters like the Grinch. Keep an eye on their event schedule. Instagram

Drone photography is typically not allowed inside museums or enclosed public spaces due to safety and privacy concerns. Always adhere to local regulations. TikTok

The museum has a mix of ambient and display lighting. Some areas might be dimmer, so a camera with good low-light performance or a flash might be beneficial. TikTok

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