The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre (CBHC) was formed in 1989 by a small group of volunteers wishing to preserve Ontario’s rich bushplane and firefighting heritage.
The CBHC recognizes the contributions of Canada’s aviation pioneers, and fosters appreciation for this unique heritage.
The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre (CBHC) was formed in 1989 by a small group of volunteers wishing to preserve Ontario’s rich bushplane and firefighting heritage.
The CBHC recognizes the contributions of Canada’s aviation pioneers, and fosters appreciation for this unique heritage.
In 1989, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources permitted a group of employees to use a portion of the Fire and Aviation Division (formerly the Ontario Provincial Air Service) hangar at the edge of the St Mary’s River in Sault Ste. Marie for public displays and storage. When the Fire and Aviation Division moved operations to the Sault Ste. Marie airport, the CBHC expanded, taking over the “new” hangar (c. 1948).
Dedicated volunteers scoured the bush for aircraft hulls and parts which they spent hours restoring, secured donations of important historic bushplanes and fundraised constantly. Over the years, the small community museum that paid homage to the contributions of the Ontario Provincial Air Service (OPAS) evolved into an important attraction and education centre in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario that highlights Canadian bushplane and natural resource management heritage.
Today, the Centre is a vibrant community and heritage space, including an event centre and the only insectarium in Northern Ontario, Entomica. The Centre is dedicated to education initiatives, public programming and community events, while still maintaining its original purpose.
The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre is a charitable, Non-Profit Organization
In 1989, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources permitted a group of employees to use a portion of the Fire and Aviation Division (formerly the Ontario Provincial Air Service) hangar at the edge of the St Mary’s River in Sault Ste. Marie for public displays and storage. When the Fire and Aviation Division moved operations to the Sault Ste. Marie airport, the CBHC expanded, taking over the “new” hangar (c. 1948).
Dedicated volunteers scoured the bush for aircraft hulls and parts which they spent hours restoring, secured donations of important historic bushplanes and fundraised constantly. Over the years, the small community museum that paid homage to the contributions of the Ontario Provincial Air Service (OPAS) evolved into an important attraction and education centre in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario that highlights Canadian bushplane and natural resource management heritage.
Today, the Centre is a vibrant community and heritage space, including an event centre and the only insectarium in Northern Ontario, Entomica. The Centre is dedicated to education initiatives, public programming and community events, while still maintaining its original purpose.
The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre is a charitable, Non-Profit Organization
The CBHC has evolved over its 35-year history. The 2026-2030 strategic plan aims to bring the Centre closer to its Vision while honouring its Mission and Values. The plan was developed with the input of a variety of stakeholders, including the public, staff and volunteers, and community partners.
A world-class museum that educates, inspires and connects.
The CBHC brings Canada’s bushplane story to life to foster learning and a deeper understanding of our natural and cultural heritage.
Our collection is rooted in and strengthened by its first-hand connection to real places, people, objects and events.
We actively seek solutions to remove barriers to access to our facility and content, providing equal opportunity for learning and involvement.
We adhere to professional standards of program design and delivery, consistent with a museum of national stature and world repute.
We believe we can only achieve our Vision and Mission through investment in and support of our team’s creativity, development, well-being and engagement.
We value contributing to our community’s betterment through education, collaboration and connection.
The CBHC has evolved over its 35-year history. The 2026-2030 strategic plan aims to bring the Centre closer to its Vision while honouring its Mission and Values. The plan was developed with the input of a variety of stakeholders, including the public, staff and volunteers, and community partners.
A world-class museum that educates, inspires and connects.
The CBHC brings Canada’s bushplane story to life to foster learning and a deeper understanding of our natural and cultural heritage.
Our collection is rooted in and strengthened by its first-hand connection to real places, people, objects and events.
We actively seek solutions to remove barriers to access to our facility and content, providing equal opportunity for learning and involvement.
We adhere to professional standards of program design and delivery, consistent with a museum of national stature and world repute.
We believe we can only achieve our Vision and Mission through investment in and support of our team’s creativity, development, well-being and engagement.
We value contributing to our community’s betterment through education, collaboration and connection.
