The museum is located within the last remaining original hangar from the historic Blatchford Field, which was Canada’s first licensed airfield.
The facility features one of the few surviving de Havilland Mosquito aircraft, known as the 'Wooden Wonder' of WWII.
It houses a massive collection of aviation artifacts, including flight simulators used by RCAF pilots during training.
The site documents the history of the 'Bush Pilots of the North,' who were essential to the development of Canada's remote northern communities.
The hangar served as a training hub for thousands of pilots under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan during the 1940s.
The Alberta Aviation Museum is housed in the original hangar of Edmonton’s City Centre Airport, which served as a crucial staging point during the Second World War’s British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. The facility preserves a collection of over 30 aircraft, ranging from bush planes to military jet fighters. Visitors can walk through a full-scale replica of an air traffic control tower and view restored engines from various eras of aviation. The hangar itself remains a historical artifact, retaining its original wood-truss construction characteristic of 1940s airfield architecture. Exhibits emphasize Northern Canada’s bush flying history, the evolution of commercial air travel, and Alberta’s role in wartime pilot training. Static displays include the de Havilland Mosquito and the Voodoo interceptor. The museum provides direct access to the former runway apron, showcasing the site's transition from a civilian airfield to an aviation heritage landmark.
The main floor exhibit area, where the wing span of multiple vintage aircraft creates a symmetrical, wide-angle shot of the hangar interior.
Check the events calendar for occasional 'cockpit open' days where you can sit in specific aircraft.
Wear comfortable, flat-soled walking shoes, as the hangar floor is concrete and covers a large area.
Bring a light jacket, as large historical hangars can maintain cooler temperatures than the surrounding city.
Don't assume all aircraft cockpits are accessible; always look for 'Do Not Enter' signs before attempting to climb onto equipment.
Open daily, but closed on major statutory holidays.
Do not touch the aircraft surfaces or climb onto wings unless explicitly marked with signage, as paint and fabric are delicate.
