The Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa

Published on June 15, 2024 at 6:00 pm

Canada's largest collection of aircraft awaits you at the Aviation and Space Museum. In all, over 130 aircraft are on display at the museum. There are also models, diagrams, flight simulations and even robots built by the Canadian Space Agency! Since 1960, the museum's mission has been to transmit and recount the experiences and progress made in the world of aviation and aerospace technologies. In 1990, the Aviation and Space Museum, the Agriculture and Food Museum and the Science and Technology Museum merged. Today, the three museums are united under Ingénium, Canada's Science and Innovation Museum. Take your children on a breathtaking journey and let them discover a fascinating world. The museum is open all year round.

Planes in the sky over Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

Summary

The aviation and space museum
Aviation and space, a complex and unique world
History of the Ottawa Museum
What to do at the Aviation Museum
Practical information

The aviation and space museum

The Aviation and Space Museum is an interactive museum that focuses on everything to do with aviation and space. There are planes, models and flight simulations, for example. It's one of the best things to do in Ottawa with curious children. The museum houses Canada's largest collection of aircraft, with more than 130 aircraft and related objects.

Aviation and space, a complex and unique world

Aviation is an aerial activity that includes all the techniques, knowledge, engineering and materials needed to get an aircraft into the air. The museum is also interested in spheres beyond terrestrial borders: space.

Ottawa Aviation and Space Museum.

History of the Ottawa Museum

The museum opened in 1960 as the Aviation Museum. The premises highlight and honour early aircraft and their builders. The museum moved several times before ending up on a former military base, just 5 km from where the Prime Minister lives. In 2010, the museum broadened its scope and renamed itself the Aviation and Space Museum. In fact, the museum tells the story of the beginnings of aviation, from around 1909 to the present day. It is changing its name and direction to tell the story of the courageous journey that is aerospace technology. A journey of trial and determination.

Did you know?

The first aeroplane ever created was called Aeolus, after the god of wind in Greek mythology. It was invented by Clément Ader, a French engineer. The year was 1890.

The history of airplanes goes back to 1890.

In 1990, the Aviation and Space Museum, the Agriculture and Food Museum and the Science and Technology Museum merged. Today they form Ingenium, Canada's Science and Innovation Museum. A true paradise for the curious and young scientists.

The museum's mission: to pass on information

The mission of the Aviation and Space Museum is to pass on, to all ages, the wonders of aviation and its contribution to the development of Canada.

What to do at the Aviation Museum

A must-see for kids in Ottawa

The Aviation and Space Museum is one of the best activities for children. They'll be dazzled by the collection of aircraft, the scale models, the schematics of the first constructions and, above all, the flight simulations.

The museum has over 130 aircraft in Ottawa.

Unique events

Events take place at the museum throughout the year. As well as special events, you can join the museum guides for guided tours. Tours take place on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, all year round, from 9am to 5pm, and are free of charge.

Fascinating exhibitions

The permanent exhibitions are varied and impressive.

Main exhibition hall: the history of aviation, from its beginnings to the present day.
Engines: the power to fly! Discover the protagonists of aviation and understand how they work.
Life in orbit: the International Space Station: an exhibition about daily life on the International Space Station (ISS).
Health in space: the audacity to explore: testimonials from astronauts about their experiences in space.
Canada in space: find out about national pride in aviation and space.
A look at the skies: managing air traffic in Canada. The challenge of air traffic.

From theory to practice: flights and simulations

The Aviation and Space Museum is renowned for its extraordinary simulations. Be warned: once you're in the simulator, children tend never to want to leave... You can choose between :

At the controls of the Redbird: take to the skies in the Redbird FMX! flight for an experience that's as realistic as it gets!
Helicopter flight: take a helicopter tour of Ottawa and the surrounding area.
Family aeroplane tours: take your family on a small aeroplane flight over Parliament Hill.
Vintage biplane flights: discover the Waco UPF-7, a plane dating back to 1939.

Children are welcome at the Ottawa Aviation Museum.

Tribute areas and dedicated galleries

Some areas are dedicated to specific subjects.

The RCAF Hall of Honour is a memorial to the brave men and women who served in public aviation.
Rover REX: the Mars rover built by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) arrives at the museum! It's a real technological feat.

Discover the three museums that make up the Ingenium complex.

Practical information

👛 Opening times and days

The Aviation and Space Museum is open from 9am to 5pm, Thursday to Monday, all year round.

⏰ How much does admission cost?

Admission to the Canada Aviation and Space Museum costs $16.25 for adults. Tickets for seniors and students cost $14 and $11 for children aged 3 to 17. Admission is free for children under 2. Family tickets cost $41 and include 2 adults and 4 children. You can buy your tickets online on the Aviation and Space Museum website.

🚌 How do I get there?

The museum is located east of the city of Ottawa. To get there, you can take a taxi or hire a car; the journey takes 17 minutes from downtown Ottawa.