BC Aviation Museum
Explore a vast collection of aircraft, from WWI to modern day. Sit in cockpits and discover aviation history up close!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal attention
BC Aviation Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal attention
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a vast collection of aircraft, from WWI to modern day. Sit in cockpits and discover aviation history up close!
"You can touch almost every part of every aircraft, including everything from their WW1 era all the way up to modern, working Russian helicopters!"
Allow ample time
You'll want more than an hour! Plan for 2-3 hours to truly explore and enjoy.
Ferry travel planning
The museum is on an island; factor in ferry time from Vancouver.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hawaii Mars Waterbomber
Main Hangar
Step inside this massive, historic water bomber and imagine its firefighting missions.
Interactive Cockpits
Various Aircraft
Sit in the pilot's seat of fighter jets and other aircraft for an unforgettable experience.
WWII Radio Exhibit
Hangar 2
Discover a piece of history with the old Marconi Canada radio from World War 2.
Kid-Friendly Zone
Hangar 1
An engaging area designed for younger visitors to learn and play with aviation themes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to the Island
Time for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Allow ample time
You'll want more than an hour! Plan for 2-3 hours to truly explore and enjoy.
Ferry travel planning
The museum is on an island; factor in ferry time from Vancouver.
Interactive fun
Many aircraft are touchable, and kids love the interactive zone!
Ask the guides
Volunteers are knowledgeable and offer great insights.
Tips
from all over the internet
Allow ample time
You'll want more than an hour! Plan for 2-3 hours to truly explore and enjoy.
Ferry travel planning
The museum is on an island; factor in ferry time from Vancouver.
Interactive fun
Many aircraft are touchable, and kids love the interactive zone!
Ask the guides
Volunteers are knowledgeable and offer great insights.
Visit during off-peak
For a more peaceful experience, consider visiting outside of busy times.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the BC Aviation Museum, calling it a 'wonderful hidden gem' and 'far better than even the Seattle Aircraft Museum.' The ability to touch and sit in almost every part of the aircraft, from WW1 planes to modern helicopters, is a major highlight. Knowledgeable volunteers and an engaging kids' area make it a hit for all ages, though many wish they had more time to explore.
"Far better than even the Seattle Aircraft Museum! You can touch almost every part of every aircraft, including everything from their WW1 era all the way up to modern, working Russian helicopters (waiting to be repaired). The volunteers are awesome, and there are both civilian and military aircraft you can get in! Fully recommend, incredible for the price. We had planned to spend 1h here, we spent an 1.5h, and could have easily done 2.5h if we didn't need to go!"
Dana E
"The BC Aviation Museum is a wonderful hidden gem, offering something special for aviation enthusiasts, families, and history lovers alike. The knowledgeable and welcoming guides, along with thoughtfully presented exhibits, make for an enriching visit. For a more peaceful experience, visiting during off-peak hours is recommended."
Tessa C
"We got tours on the massive water bomber. The interactive kid area is wonderful. I sat in a fighter jet. Found the old Marconi Canada radio from World War 2. My dad worked for Marconi Canada for years. Was great to show him the photo. The staff are wonderful. I'll go again!"
Deni Clements
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The BC Aviation Museum is located in North Saanich, BC, on the Saanich Peninsula. Access typically involves taking a ferry from Vancouver to Vancouver Island, then driving to the museum. Plan your ferry trip in advance, as it can take approximately 40 minutes from Vancouver.
Yes, ample parking is usually available at the BC Aviation Museum for visitors arriving by car. This makes it convenient for those traveling from nearby areas or after disembarking the ferry.
While possible, reaching the museum without a car can be challenging due to its island location. Public transportation options might be limited and time-consuming. Renting a car or using ride-sharing services after the ferry is often recommended for ease of access.
The primary ferry route to the Saanich Peninsula is from Tsawwassen (near Vancouver) to Swartz Bay (near Sidney). This is the most common way for visitors from the mainland to reach the area where the BC Aviation Museum is located.
Once you disembark the ferry at Swartz Bay, the BC Aviation Museum is a short drive away, typically around 10-15 minutes depending on traffic. This makes it a relatively accessible destination once you are on the island.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices are generally considered incredible for the value offered. While specific prices can vary, visitors consistently praise the affordability of the BC Aviation Museum, making it an accessible attraction for families and aviation enthusiasts. Check their official website for the most current pricing.
Booking tickets in advance is generally not required for the BC Aviation Museum, but it's always a good idea to check their official website for any special events or peak season recommendations. Walk-in visitors are usually welcome.
The museum's operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to consult the official BC Aviation Museum website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times before your visit.
Discounts may be available for seniors, children, or group bookings. It's recommended to inquire directly with the museum or check their website for any ongoing promotions or special offers.
Refund policies typically depend on the museum's terms and conditions. It's advisable to review their specific policy regarding cancellations or rescheduling when purchasing tickets, if applicable.
🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience
The BC Aviation Museum boasts an impressive collection spanning from WW1 era aircraft to modern Russian helicopters. You'll find both civilian and military planes, including the massive Hawaii Mars water bomber.
Yes! A major highlight is that you can touch and even sit in many of the aircraft, including fighter jets, offering a truly immersive experience.
Absolutely! The museum features a wonderful interactive kid's area designed to engage younger visitors with aviation themes.
Yes, guided tours are often available and highly recommended. The knowledgeable volunteers share fun facts and insights, making the exhibits come alive.
Most visitors find that 1.5 to 2.5 hours is ideal, with many wishing they had stayed longer. It's a place where you can easily spend 2-3 hours exploring.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the BC Aviation Museum. It's a fantastic place to capture stunning images of historic aircraft. Remember to be respectful of other visitors and the exhibits.
The Hawaii Mars Waterbomber offers dramatic photo opportunities, especially when you can get inside. The various cockpits and the diverse collection of aircraft across the hangars also provide excellent backdrops.
You can photograph the aircraft engines, but please do not touch them unless explicitly permitted. The museum encourages visitors to capture the details of these incredible machines.
Drone photography is typically not permitted inside museums or on their grounds due to safety and privacy concerns. Always check the museum's specific policy regarding drones before your visit.
The lighting inside the hangars can vary. While there is natural light from windows and doors, some areas might be more dimly lit. Consider bringing a camera with good low-light performance or a small, portable light source if permitted.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Allow ample time, as children often want to spend longer than expected exploring the various aircraft and exhibits. The knowledgeable guides also make the visit educational and fun, sharing stories that capture young imaginations. It's an experience that combines learning with hands-on adventure, making it a memorable outing for the whole family.
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts
The presence of the Hawaii Mars Waterbomber is a significant draw, offering a unique opportunity to explore a piece of aviation legend. The volunteers are often former aviation professionals and are eager to share their knowledge, providing deep insights into the aircraft and their operational history. This makes for an incredibly enriching visit for anyone passionate about flight.
📸 Photography Buffs
While lighting can vary within the hangars, the sheer scale and detail of the exhibits provide ample subjects. Capture the intricate workings of engines, the sleek lines of the fuselages, and the historical artifacts on display. Remember to be mindful of other visitors and the museum's guidelines when capturing your shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Hawaii Mars Waterbomber
This water bomber represents a significant chapter in aviation history and its presence at the museum is a major draw for enthusiasts and curious visitors alike. Its sheer size and the stories it holds make it a must-see attraction, providing a tangible connection to the past and the brave individuals who operated it. The chance to explore its interior is a rare privilege that sets the BC Aviation Museum apart.
Interactive Experiences for All Ages
Beyond the aircraft themselves, the museum offers a dedicated kid-friendly zone designed to engage younger minds with aviation-themed activities. This ensures that families can have a thoroughly enjoyable visit, with something to captivate every member. The knowledgeable and welcoming volunteers further enhance the experience, often providing guided tours filled with fascinating anecdotes and historical context, making the exhibits come alive for visitors of all ages.
Navigating to the Museum
Once you arrive on Vancouver Island via ferry, the museum is a short drive away. While public transportation is an option, many visitors find it more convenient to have a car, either their own or a rental, to explore the island and reach the museum with ease. Planning your ferry schedule in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, can help ensure a smoother journey to this remarkable aviation destination.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit