Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is an aviation museum beside Hamilton’s airport in Mount Hope, just south of the city, in Ontario. Housed in a large hangar close to John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, it holds one of the biggest collections of military aircraft in the country, and it is unusual because many of its aircraft are kept in flying condition rather than merely displayed. The museum was founded in the early 1970s by a group of enthusiasts and grew into a major attraction for aviation fans from across Ontario and beyond.

The star is an Avro Lancaster, the heavy bomber that was the backbone of the Royal Canadian Air Force bomber squadrons in the Second World War. The museum’s Lancaster is one of only a very small number in the world that can still fly, and it is painted in the markings of the bomber flown by Pilot Officer Andrew Mynarski, a Canadian airman awarded the Victoria Cross. Seeing this large aircraft up close, with its four engines and long wingspan, gives a vivid sense of the scale of the machines that carried crews of seven into combat. On days when it flies, the sound of its Merlin engines is unforgettable.

Around it stand dozens of other aircraft, ranging from the era of the Second World War to the jet age. Fighters such as the Spitfire and Hurricane represent the early war years, Cold War aircraft such as the Sabre and others show the arrival of jets, and helicopters, trainers and transport aircraft fill out the story. Many of the machines have been restored by volunteers and skilled technicians, often after years of work, and visitors can sometimes see restoration under way in the workshop areas. Interactive exhibits, flight simulators and displays on personal stories add depth, and the museum runs educational programs for school groups.

Enthusiasts will want to time a visit with one of the museum’s air show days or special events, when aircraft are started, taxied or flown, though schedules change. The gift shop carries models, books and clothing, and a cafe offers refreshments. The setting beside the airport means planes landing and taking off are often visible, which adds to the atmosphere.

The museum suits aviation lovers, history fans and families with older children, and a visit takes two to three hours. It is reached by road from Hamilton and from the highways that run south of the city. Opening times and admission change seasonally, so check the museum’s website. Wear comfortable shoes, since the floors are large and hard, and bring ear protection for any engine runs.