The Alberta Aviation Museum fills a historic Second World War hangar on Kingsway, near the old city airport, and it tells the story of flight in the province through the aircraft themselves. More than thirty planes are on display, from bush aircraft that opened up the north to military trainers and fighters, and the scale of the hangar gives the collection a presence that photographs do not capture. Edmonton was a gateway to the north, and its aviation history is bound up with exploration, mail delivery, wartime pilot training and the development of northern communities, all themes that the museum explores in an unfussy, hands-on way. There is also a restoration area where volunteers work on aircraft, and simulators that let visitors try their hand at flying on selected days. Because it is housed in a working-style hangar, the building has a real sense of place, with high ceilings, concrete floors and aircraft arranged so that you can walk around them. It is a modest museum in price and size, which is part of its charm.
Opening pattern
In summer, from June to August, the museum is open every day, including holidays, from mid-morning to late afternoon. From September to May it opens Tuesday to Friday on slightly shorter hours and on weekends and holidays until late afternoon, and it is closed on Mondays. It also closes for a few days around Christmas and New Year, so check before you plan a holiday visit.
Admission is charged by age, with reduced rates for students, seniors, youths and military visitors, a low rate for children, free entry for the youngest and a family pass that suits groups. Buying tickets online in advance is recommended, and online tickets are non-refundable.
Inside the hangar
The museum asks you to check backpacks at the front desk, and it does not allow food or drink in the exhibits, so keep snacks for the car or a cafe nearby. Walking in the exhibits is relaxed, but running is not allowed and visitors must stay behind the red curbing around each aircraft.
Look for the displays on bush flying and wartime training, and ask whether the restoration area is open when you visit, since seeing a project in progress is a highlight for many people. Simulator programmes run on selected days, so check the schedule if flying appeals.
Who it suits
Aviation fans, families with children who like planes and travellers looking for an indoor option in cold weather. Allow about two hours for a thorough visit, or ninety minutes if you only skim. The museum is on the north side of downtown, so a car, taxi or rideshare is the easiest way to reach it, although buses also serve the area.
Pair it with a downtown lunch and a visit to the Royal Alberta Museum or the Art Gallery of Alberta for a full day of indoor sightseeing. It is also a sensible choice when the weather is too cold for the river valley.
Practical extras
Guided museum tours and volunteer guides can add stories that the labels do not, so ask at the front desk about availability on the day. The museum is a good wet-weather choice, but it is a large hangar, so it can feel cool in winter, and a light jacket is wise. The gift shop sells models and books for young enthusiasts. French translations of exhibit signs are available as a download, which helps visitors who prefer French.
What to expect
The experience
A museum in a historic wartime hangar with more than thirty aircraft, a restoration area and simulators on selected days.
Best time
Weekday mornings are quietest; summer is open daily, while the rest of the year the museum is closed on Mondays.
How long
About two hours for a thorough visit.
Tips
Buy tickets online if you can, check backpacks at the front desk, keep food out of the exhibits and check the simulator days.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Aviation fans and families who like big machines and hands-on history.
- Families
- Children who love planes will be happy for two hours, and the simulators are a draw on selected days.
- Couples
- A quiet, interesting indoor stop if you share an interest in planes or history.
- Pair with
- The Royal Alberta Museum, the Art Gallery of Alberta or a downtown lunch.
- Time needed
- Two hours.
Good questions
When is the museum open?+
In summer, from June to August, it is open daily. From September to May it is closed on Mondays and open the rest of the week, with slightly longer hours on weekends. It also closes for a few days around Christmas and New Year.
Where is it?+
It is at 11410 Kingsway NW, north of downtown, in a historic hangar near the old city airport.
How many aircraft are on display?+
More than thirty, including bush planes, military aircraft and trainers.
Can I buy tickets online?+
Yes, online purchase is recommended, and online tickets are non-refundable.
Are there rules inside?+
Backpacks go to the front desk, food and drink are not allowed in the exhibits and visitors must stay behind the red curbing around the aircraft.
