Canada Aviation Museum

You can visit the Canada Aviation Museum just west of Ottawa Ontario on 17. If you have not visited in a few years it is time to go again. In 2005 they built a second hangar and the exhibits in the main building are now spaced somewhat more apart so that they are no longer on top of each other. It makes it a lot easier to view the aircraft as a whole, where previously you could only see a portion of some of the aircraft at one time. Some of the exhibits are very rare and historically significant.

There's an Avro Lancaster, an ME-163 Komet. and the remains of the Avro Arrow. It was felt to be one of the most advanced aircraft at the time of its inception, but was cancelled due to what was said at the time to be high development costs, but there is much controversy on the subject today. There seems to be a significant amount of animosity towards the Prime Minister Diefenbaker for ordering the Arrow's cancellation. The Arrow's Nose section and wings are currently on display. Along with the Komet is a very well restored Messerschmitt BF 109G and my favorite of the collection, a Heinkel HE 163 Salamander. It is resplendent in its original colors, but sadly it is disassembled in pieces and housed in the annex. You can only visit the annex with a tour guide and the tours are run after lunch.

Be sure to sign up for the annex tour early as the slots are limited. If you are an aircraft buff as I am, allow yourself a full day to really see everything and take in the annex tour as well. Tripods are not allowed so be prepared to brace yourself and your camera for indoor shooting. The Canada Aviation Museum is like a candy store to the aircraft photography enthusiast.