Shearwater Aviation Museum — Attraction in Shearwater

Shearwater Aviation Museum – A Hidden Gem of Canadian Military Heritage

Located in Shearwater, Nova Scotia, the Shearwater Aviation Museum offers a captivating journey through the history of Canadian maritime military aviation. Nestled within Canada’s oldest operational military air base, this museum is more than just a collection of aircraft—it’s a tribute to the bravery, innovation, and legacy of the Royal Canadian Navy and Air Force.

Historical Significance

Chronicles Canadian military aviation from 1918 to the present. Features rare aircraft including:

Fairey Swordfish bi-plane (airworthy!) CH-124 Sea King helicopters HMCS Bonaventure exhibit – Canada’s last aircraft carrier.

Includes a reconstructed naval briefing room with original seats and a replica of the RCAF Eastern Air Command map wall used during the Battle of the Atlantic.

Activities & Experiences

Interactive flight simulators for hands-on aviation thrills. Art gallery showcasing aviation’s cultural impact. Guided tours led by passionate volunteers. Virtual tours available online for remote visitors.

Facilities & Services

Gift shop with aviation-themed souvenirs. Library and archives for research (by appointment). Wheelchair-accessible entrances, restrooms, and parking. Family-friendly amenities including changing tables and gender-neutral restrooms.

Parking Information

Free parking available on-site. Bicycle racks for eco-friendly visitors⁽¹⁾.

Why Visit?

Shearwater Aviation Museum is a must-see for aviation enthusiasts, history buffs, and families. With its immersive exhibits, welcoming staff, and free admission (donations appreciated), it offers a rich and respectful look into Canada’s airborne legacy. Whether you're exploring vintage cockpits or learning about heroic pilots, this museum leaves a...

Small but absolutely worth one's time: it has a flight simulator, free for playing, and we ended up hanging there for extended period of time.

For museum, being small would allows one to focus and experience better, plus some friendly and knowledgeable stuff: I had a really good exchange with Alex and learned quite a bit there from him and my son, especially the stories about Swordfish, slow-flying and relatively outdated airplane that took down the giant German battleship, Bismarck, and destroyed a major Italian naval fleet in Taranto, Italy.

Also learned the important role played in Canadian Navy force in Cuban crisis: we rarely heard that trey detected and followed a Russian submarine all the way. What stroke me more is out politician's lack of gut, and the smart and courageous work of our military personnel,as the commander decided to do a national exercise, to mobilized the...

There is something very special about a well cared for, curated and knowledgable staffed museums. It is staffed by volunteers who have an absolute passion for this piece of Canadian aviation / NAVY history.

We were greeted by extremely pleasant, helpful, cheery and dedicated staff here. I give them all 10 STARS all day long !!! Cheers to them :-)

And don't forget to drop by the gift shop for unique and one of a kind souvenirs as well.

There is no admission fee, but donations are welcomed. Please give what you can :-)

Let us remember, thank and salute the memories of all the Fallen members of the Canadian Armed Services who selflessly serve and protect the freedoms and liberties that we all enjoy every day. I THANK THEM ALL FOR...