Billy Bishop Museum — Attraction in Owen Sound

Billy Bishop is a Canadian patriot, a legendary pilot who served Canada during the First and Second World Wars. Whether you are Canadian or an immigrant, a visit to his house is a must to learn about his remarkable background. Located in a peaceful neighborhood in Owen Sound, the house, despite being around 120-130 years old, still retains its charm. For a mere $5, you can explore the house and make your payment conveniently by credit card or cash. The first floor of the house is filled with glimpses into Billy's childhood, showcasing family photos dating from 1894 to 1956. You can even admire his handwritten letters, offering a personal connection to his life. As you delve deeper, you'll discover more photos and letters recounting his youth and his time as a pilot when he moved to Toronto and served Canada during the First World War. Billy's courage and finesse have made him popular not only in Owen Sound and Canada but also in the United Kingdom and the United States. In fact, he even owned a house in the U.S. During World War II, Billy had the honor of personally meeting Winston Churchill. Feel free to capture videos and photos for personal use, as they are permitted at no additional cost. On the second floor, you'll find a museum dedicated to Canadian patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice in the fight against adversarial forces in Afghanistan and Iraq. Their photos, videos, medals, maps, and valuable information pay tribute to their bravery. Canadian soldiers have made significant contributions to democracy and civil rights in Afghanistan. I highly recommend a visit to Billy's house for everyone. We may even plan another visit soon to continue exploring this...

Date of visit: Tuesday June 24th, 2025.

A Fascinating Tribute to a Canadian Hero

If you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about Canada's past, the Billy Bishop Home & Museum in Owen Sound is a must-visit. Set in the birthplace and childhood home of Air Marshal William Avery “Billy” Bishop, this National Historic Site offers a deeply personal and inspiring look at one of Canada’s most decorated war heroes.

Bishop, a World War I flying ace and recipient of the Victoria Cross, played a pivotal role in shaping Canada’s military legacy. The museum is filled with authentic artefacts, including uniforms, medals, photographs, and aviation memorabilia that trace his journey from a small-town boy to a national icon.

The home itself is beautifully preserved, featuring Victorian-era furnishings that give visitors a glimpse into early 20th-century life. Exhibits also explore broader themes like Canada’s role in both World Wars, the contributions of First Nations soldiers, and the local war effort, making it a rich and layered experience.

The staff are knowledgeable and welcoming, and the $5 admission fee for adults is a steal for the depth of history you’ll uncover. Just note that the museum is closed on Sundays, and street parking is available nearby.

Final Thoughts: Whether you're a local or a traveller passing through, the Billy Bishop Museum is a thoughtful, well-curated stop that honours a true Canadian legend. It’s a quiet gem that leaves a lasting impression.

We were inspired to check out the Billy Bishop grave in Owen...

Just visited the museum last night with my parents and brother for the "Murder and Mayhem Owen Sound Ghost Walk" Tour. We arrived around 6 (the tour starts at 7) so we could browse the museum as well, and we were very impressed with how well-maintained the old, beautiful home is. There are a lot of interesting artifacts laid out throughout the house, the staff are very knowledgeable, and the information about Billy Bishop (as well as other important military service people/operations) is not overwhelming. An hour or two is all you would need to take in the entire place.

The "Ghost Walk" -- ENTIRELY worth the $15. Our guide was terrific. He was enthusiastic and knew a great deal about Owen Sound in general (we asked a variety of questions about buildings and our surroundings, not just the ghost stories). There are enough stops that the walk is far from overwhelming, and I think most people should be able to do the 2-hour tour very comfortably. Our guide provided us with a lot of interesting background information on the areas of the city we walked through, and the historical buildings we passed or stopped at, while also trying to bring some humour and light-hearted moments to the tour, which is filled with darker, sad stories.

If you're in the Owen Sound area, the museum AND tour (buy tickets online by the way) are well...