TripHip - Travel Tips and Advice for Traveling on a Budget

Both history buffs and aviation enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Bushplane Museum Heritage Center, located in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

The museum is located in what was once the Ontario Provincial Air Service hangar at the edge of the St. Marys River in downtown Sault Ste. Marie (a city which is located on the border between Canada and the United States at the hub of the Great Lakes.) Reach it through Ontario via Trans-Canada Highway 17 or through Michigan via US Interstate I-75.

Some of the aircraft on display are the Silver Dart, a replica of the first aircraft to make a powered flight in Canada (in 1909), the Noorduyn Norseman - the first plane designed for Canadian bush flying, one of only twelve Fairchild Husky's ever built, and a Canadair CL215. Designed in 1978, it was the first purpose-built water bomber.

Also on display are a few DeHavilands, an Aeronca, a Beech, and a Taylorcraft, among others.

There's also a display on Roberta Bondar, Canada's first woman astronaut.

The museum also includes a section dedicated to Forest Fire Management. There's a recreation of a 1940s firefighter's camp, and a 30-foot high, fully operational fire tower.

The museum is open year round. The hours are seasonal. From mid-May to mid-October it's open from 9 am to 6 pm, from mid-October to mid-May it's open from 10 am to 4 pm.

At the time of this writing, tickets are $10.50 for adults, $5.00 for students.

The street address, to get driving directions, is 50 Pim Street. Their website is http://www.bushplane.com.