The Ultimate Guide To Visiting The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
Are you crazy about warplanes and want to learn about the Aviation heritage of Canada? Aviation Museums depict the aviation history and heritage of a country, especially during war times. Founded in 1972, the main purpose of the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is to acquire and preserve the aviation legacy of Canada. The museum houses an entire collection of airplanes flown by the Canadian military from World War II till now.
Featured here are about fifty aircraft, an aviation gift shop, and a well-organized exhibit gallery for visitors. Also, there exists a food cafe with an exceptional menu at reasonable prices. It is a famous site for corporate and promotional events. The museum can host up to 1400 guests on special interactive events.
History of Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
The history of the Canadian Warplane Museum is not too old but rich. The Museum was instigated by a group of four friends, Dennis Bradley, Alan Ness, Peter Matthews, and John Weir in 1972. Their desire to preserve and maintain Canada’s Aviation History motivated them towards the revival project.
Fairey Firefly was the pioneer aircraft used for a test flight on June 4, 1972. Many aircraft joined afterward from time to time to enrich the aviation heritage of Canada. The museum offers a tribute to the founders at the main entrance gate. Moreover, the “Alan Ness Memorial Trophy” is awarded annually to the most brilliant member of the museum.
How to Get to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
There are multiple ways to reach the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. The Hamilton Street Railway Route #20 A-Line Express runs to the Museum during weekdays. Also, a bus stop is present directly in front of the Canadian Warplane Museum. Moreover, supplemental transit access by HSR “Trans-Cab” service is available on the weekend as well.
Parking and Other Transportation Options
The Museum has its own parking lot to offer free and ample parking facilities for the visitors. However, you may need to park your vehicle on overflow parking at Hamilton International Airport on large events. If you don’t want to drive, use other public transport options like a bus or taxi to reach the museum.
Hours and Prices
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is open for visitors from 9 AM to 5 PM, Wednesday to Sunday. Admission prices vary from $18 to $16 for different age groups of individuals. Members and children under 5 years can enter free of cost.
However, if you are planning a visit with a group or family, book in advance to enjoy group pricing with discounts. Same day Re-entry is allowed or the guests.
Museum Membership
Annual membership is a great option for aviation enthusiasts with many benefits. Various membership plans are available with varying prices and benefits. You can freely enter the museum with your partner for the whole year. Also, you will enjoy an amazing 10% discount on shopping and dining.
Safety and Regulations
Many Aircraft are stationary displays, but some are in working condition. Avoid touching any moving or dangerous parts of the aircraft for your safety. Also, be careful about your children’s safety around the aircraft displays. Climb the cockpits and viewing stands carefully to avoid slipping or injury.
Illicit drugs or any kind of weapons are not allowed inside the museum. Try to behave in a friendly manner, respect the staff and do not violate the rules.
What to Do in the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
A variety of fun activities are available in the museum along with the eye-catching Aircraft displays. If you are eager to get the experience of a military pilot, enjoy a flight simulator. Try a personalized tour or book a flight on your favorite veteran military aircraft. Also, you can buy a flight on the popular Allied bomber of World War II, the Avro Lancaster.
Shopping and Dining
Besides the aviation heritage, the museum also features user-friendly shopping and dining facilities. Given below is only a brief overview of these services for our readers. Remember the Gift Shop and Runway Cafe stay closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Gift Shop
Never forget to check out the famous gift shop on your visit to the Museum. The shop remains open for customers from Wednesday to Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM. Entrance into the shop is free of cost.
A rich assortment of T-shirts, hats, aircraft models, prints, and many other aviation-associated products are available here. The amazing thing is that the Gift Shop offers an online shopping facility with free shipping in Canada.
Runway Cafe
Whether you want some light snacks or a full meal, the Runway cafe has everything for you. It requires a paid entry and remains open for visitors from 9 AM to 3:30 PM, Wednesday to Sunday. The friendly environment, tasty food, and reasonable cost will serve to make your visit special.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum?
The Warplane museum is situated at 9280 Airport Road in Mount Hope, Ontario L0R 1W0.
2. How far is the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum from Hamilton?
The Museum is only 12 kilometers from Hamilton and it is about 15.4 kilometers to drive.
3. What is the most economical way to get to the Warplane Museum from Hamilton?
The cheapest way for reaching the museum is to drive which takes only 16 minutes and $1-$2 cost.
4. Can I stay near the Warplane Museum at night?
Yes, many hotels are available for night stay near the museum with starting price of $100 per night.
5. Can I take my pet to the Museum?
No, only service animals are allowed inside the museum. Other pets are prohibited on the premises.
Final Talk
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is an absolute must for the tourists and residents of Hamilton to visit. Plan your weekend and head out to visit the superb museum with your family. Get a fantastic chance to picture yourself flying a plane like a pilot at Canadian Warplane Museum!
