Canada Aviation and Space Museum

Went on Sunday with family and had a lovely time! Very informative and a lot of fun. There's a lot of interactive exhibits for kids and adults alike, along with an interactive exhibit from Algonquin College's game design group up right now! While we were there, a band was performing which was a bit of a hassle when trying to hear certain displays, but the music was beautiful and I believe they were the RCAF band. The exhibits on Canada's space program are brilliant and would be perfect for kids aged 8-12 interested in space. The memorabilia from Canada's astronauts is amazing! The only issue really was how out of the way the whole thing is, this of course being for all of the planes and helicopters they had open for tours and whatnot. Please also note that veterans get free parking and admission if they bring their card. Students also have a reduced rate if they bring in their student ID.
4 6 years ago (28-05-2018)

Overall a great collection, and laid out beautifully with a good deal of exhibits for children as well. I found the descriptions for the aircraft good, but not amazing. There was a lot of historical information given on the construction and use of the planes, but it would have been nice to have more explanation of some of the visible features on the planes. Neat section on Canada's contributions to space travel, and you can go outside and watch the small planes and helicopters take off (fun for kids). The only really annoying thing was that they were setting up for a wedding most of the time we were there. Having paid for our family to go to the museum, it was frustrating that no one mentioned the wedding, and it was tricky getting around with kids worming your way through the tables and decorations being set up, and trying to talk over the dance speaker system they were setting up. I'm not suggesting that they shouldn't have receptions, but should perhaps do something to acknowledge the inconvenience it can be for other paying guests.
4 7 years ago (12-05-2018)

I mean, obviously, being a public museum in Ottawa, they definitely get a bit patriotic in here, but… seeing the history of Canada's aviation industry is cool! Lots of authentic old planes, lovingly restored, with succinct descriptions of their history. They also give demonstrations of various things a few times a day, and I found it really cool how they had some plane cockpits that you could get inside and flip the switches inside!
4 7 years ago (29-04-2018)

There are quite a few one of a kind aircraft here which were either war trophies or saved from uncertain fates. If you're an aviation buff, war buff or history buff when it comes to aviation, this is the place for you! The space exhibit is also fascinating, detailing the day to day living on the space station and various other intriguing topics. With a Canada arm on display and a life-sized hatch for scale, they make Space seem just a little bit closer. Lots of interactive stuff for the kids to do too. And the gift shop is top notch!
5 7 years ago (08-05-2018)

This museum was a 4.5 star which gets rounded up to 5. Some of the areas were closed because of lack of volunteers which was unfortunate. Some interactive stuff for kids to handle which is nice and they loved. Would have loved to see the inside of a fuselage and be able to sit in it as a group and really get the feeling of being in an aircraft. Lots to do in such a small area. The space shuttle exhibit was very well done and I'd go back just for that (without the kids). Well laid out and a good use of space.
5 7 years ago (25-02-2018)