BC AVIATION MUSEUM The best-kept secret treasure on Vancouver Island: BC´s Aviation Museum - well hidden - but worth the effort to find it. The number of planes that were either build or flown in Canada, from civilian airline planes and helicopters to war planes, bush and float planes, and fire fighting bombers was astonishing.
All planes are very well kept and explained, some even with videos. Beside the huge number of aircraft in two buildings there are planes displayed on the outside tarmac, some of them waiting to be restored. Aviation enthusiasts can also discover models of almost all (military) airplanes every built in the world.
The museum burst on all seams and the building of a new, additional hangar is eagerly awaited. The meager support from city, province, and federal government is out-paced by all the volunteer work that is done by dozens of dedicated people who run the museum, man the library and restoration facility, or guide visitors.
Small donations, and the low entrance fee make up for the rest. For example: I was fortunate enough to get a several-hour tour by a former military pilot, Mr. Mac Daffield, and I saw other visitors also being guided by former aviators. None of these tours had been charged. I certainly donated a bill in one of the boxes that visitors should use.
To sum it up: The museum, the artifacts, and the friendly staff were such a wonderful experience that I will be back for sure. I visited aviation museums the world over, but I can attest: the BC Aviation Museum is one of the very...
Read moreBC Aviation Museum - A Fascinating Journey Through Aviation History
The BC Aviation Museum is an incredible place to explore, whether you're an aviation enthusiast or just curious about the history of flight. The museum has an impressive collection of aircraft, from vintage planes to modern helicopters, all beautifully restored and displayed. Each exhibit is packed with exciting details and stories, giving visitors a real sense of the evolution of aviation in Canada.
The museum is well laid out, with knowledgeable volunteers who are passionate about the planes and happy to share stories or answer questions. You can even climb into some cockpits- a fun and immersive experience!
There’s ample parking available, and it’s just a short drive from downtown Sidney, making it an easy stop for anyone visiting the area. The entry fees are reasonable, and it’s a great spot for families or anyone looking to spend a couple of hours learning about aviation history.
I highly recommend it if you're in the area and looking for a unique educational experience. Supporting local museums like this helps preserve these important pieces of history for future...
Read moreVisited last summer, you can tell it is a well-kept place from the entrance. Upon entering, was nicely greeted by the front desk lady. The volunteer there was a nice older gentleman (forgot his name) who offered my bf and I a tour and guided us around the whole place literally, from the first display to the last, as well as the planes on display outside that they were preparing for an exhibition. He was super knowledgeable and passionate, which made the visit one of a kind and really worth it, as compared to if we had just walked around on our own. (Thank you so much for the tour!) The museum itself is equipped with tons of displays, models, and more that you can interact with. Overall, was a really fun and enjoyable experience. Is a good place to visit if you are looking for a fun activity.
10/10 would recommend to go at least once, but probably won't go for the second time as your first visit is sufficient unless you are passionate about aviation as they will have different displays...
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