Canada Day at the museum

Members of the Capital City Garrison – 501^st Legion, an all-volunteer organization of Star Wars costume enthusiasts, will be onsite keeping an eye out for Rebels, posing for pictures, and helping to celebrate Canada Day with visitors!

Enjoy classic Canadian short films from the National Film Board of Canada.

Meet pilots from the Eastern Ontario Chapter of the Ninety-Nines women pilots organization who will be on hand to share their passion for aviation! Hear about how aircraft controls work, how airplanes fly, and how to become a pilot! Have a conversation about adventures in flight training and beyond! Simple crafts and colouring will be available in limited quantities as supplies last.

Meet members of the Experimental Aircraft Association—a group of passionate amateur aircraft builders, owners, and enthusiasts. Explore a display of four unique aircraft and learn more about the world of homebuilt and recreational flying.

Find all 8 planets in their orbit in a self-led search of our Solar System on the museum’s grounds.

Learn more about the thrilling experience of gliding through the skies with the Gatineau Gliding Club and admire up close a beautiful glider aircraft on display.

Get up close with a rescue helicopter and meet the incredible pilots behind Ontario’s vital air ambulance service.

10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Meet the everyday heroes of Ottawa Fire Services! Explore a rescue vehicle up close and chat with firefighters about their life-saving work and equipment.

Please note: this activity is subject to cancellation for operational reasons.

Learn about knitting bracelets and pom poms from passionate Ottawa knitters, while discovering the story of the Izzy Doll Initiative and how a Canadian Combat Engineer’s simple act of kindness – backed by a mother’s love of crafting – has blossomed into a global initiative.

Are you interested in going on your first camping trip but don’t know where to begin? The Parks Canada Learn-to-Camp team has you covered! Visit their pop-up campsite and participate in activities that introduce you to camping.

Join Ottawa’s ParLUGment for a hands-on LEGO building activity where kids can create their own airplane-themed designs using a wide selection of bricks. Be inspired by the display of custom-built LEGO aircraft, showcasing creativity and engineering in miniature.

Climb aboard the iconic Canadair C-54GM North Star and get a glimpse into aviation history! The aircraft will be parked on the museum’s taxiway offering visitors a firsthand look at its restoration progress. The Project Manager and Project North Star volunteers will be sharing the artifact’s history, providing limited access to the main cabin and flight deck.

If the skies are clear, members of RASC Ottawa Centre will provide safe viewing of the Sun, Moon and possibly Jupiter with their telescopes.
NOTE: This activity is weather dependent.

Take a tour of the SBO-OVSAR search and rescue command trailer. Discover how to enjoy the outdoors safely (and what to do if you get lost), enjoy a show-and-tell of various search and rescue vehicles, a demonstration of an extraction litter and see a search and rescue drone in action!

Meet our friends from Select Aviation College who will showcase two iconic aircraft, the Cessna 180 and the Robinson R44. College staff will also offer presentations on aviation education and engage young people interested in pursuing careers in this dynamic field.

NOTE: This activity is weather dependent.

Discover the exciting world of drones! Explore real-world drone equipment and applications, try your hand at flight simulation experiences, participate in a virtual “Ask a Pilot” chat, and learn about drone safety and career opportunities in this dynamic field.

Did you know the Museum is home to the 51^st Canada Aviation and Space Museum Air Cadet Squadron, one of more than 440 Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadrons in Canada? Come meet some of the Cadets and Officers and learn about the fun activities they organise for youth all year long.

Enjoy an informal tour over the region with this once-in-a-lifetime experience – a flight on a Robinson R22 helicopter with Passport Hélico Services.

Rides may be reserved at https://www.passport-helico.com/tours-dhelicoptere/tours-ottawa/) or on site at the museum.