The museum holds the surviving parts of the CF-105 Avro Arrow, a symbol of Canadian aerospace engineering that was famously cancelled in 1959.
It maintains a specialized conservation lab where historic aircraft are restored for public exhibition.
The facility is situated on the grounds of a former Royal Canadian Air Force base, known as Rockcliffe Airport.
The collection includes the F-86 Sabre, which was a dominant fighter jet used by the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Cold War.
It displays the only surviving example of the Silver Dart, which achieved the first controlled, powered, heavier-than-air flight in Canada in 1909.
The museum stores artifacts that track Canada's contributions to the International Space Station program.
Visitors can view the original nose section of the Canadian-designed Avro Jetliner, one of the world's first jet-powered passenger aircraft.
The Canada Aviation and Space Museum houses one of the world's most extensive collections of aviation artifacts, chronicling Canadian and international flight history. Located at the former Rockcliffe Airport, the facility centers its collection around the evolution of flight technology from early bush flying to space exploration. The hangar-style museum showcases over 130 aircraft and artifacts, including the fuselage of the Avro Arrow. Exhibits are organized chronologically and thematically, featuring interactive displays and historical documentation. The museum functions as a research hub under the Ingenium corporation, which also manages other national scientific museums. Notable permanent installations include the Canadarm, used on the Space Shuttle, and the original cockpit of the Avro Arrow. The site is a key destination for enthusiasts of aerospace engineering and military history.
The main exhibition hall offers a wide-angle view of the suspended aircraft, perfect for capturing the scale of the collection.
Download the museum's digital floor plan or map on your phone before arriving to ensure you see the specific aircraft of interest.
Allocate time to watch the short historical films shown in the mini-theater areas located throughout the exhibit space.
Check the museum's official website for any special demonstrations, such as pilot talks or flight simulation availability.
Do not overlook the smaller, secondary display cases that hold personal pilot logs and rare historical photographs.
Closed on Mondays during the off-season, though open daily during the summer months.
Maintain a respectful distance from the aircraft and follow all signage regarding roped-off cockpit areas.
