Air Force Museum of Alberta

About

Founded in 2007, the Air Force Museum of Alberta is a member of The Military Museums of Calgary, Alberta. The museum includes the history of the RCAF from the First World War to the present day, with the stories of Canada’s Air Force distributed between two galleries. It is also home to seven iconic RCAF aircraft that served during the Cold War.

Highlights

Experience the history of the RCAF by visiting our two galleries.

Begin your journey in the main gallery where the history of the First World War, the Second World War, and the current era are highlighted. Learn the stories and the history of the RCAF by stepping back in time to the foundation of aerial warfare during the First World War, before learning about the creation of the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1924. Venture further into the gallery to learn about Bomber Command, where you’ll walk beneath the underside of a Lancaster bomber and hear the rush of bombs and sirens overhead. Finally, finish your journey by breaking out of Stalag Luft III prison camp in our Great Escape interactive exhibit. Walk through the barracks and see the life of the prisoners and learn their stories, before sneaking down into the tunnel to make a dramatic escape.

Once finished in the main gallery, make your way across to the Cold War hangars. Experience the devastation of nuclear warfare as you walk through the rubble of a destroyed town, before entering the main portion of the exhibit. Get up close to a F-86 Sabre, CF-104 Starfighter, and a CF-18 Hornet, and learn about their capabilities from one of our Cold War veteran volunteers. Read about Canada’s contribution to NORAD and NATO through the Cold War and into the modern day while standing next to the aircrafts that made Canada’s success possible. Finish your visit at the Cold War Memorial, which highlights those who gave their lives while on duty.

Development has begun on a Cold War expansion which will see the addition of two new hangars, and will house various other Cold War era aircraft including a CF-100 Canuck, CF-101 Voodoo, and a T-33 T-Bird. While still in development, you can view these aircraft in our outdoor display behind the Cold War hangars, before crossing the parking lot to see a F-5 Freedom Fighter.

History

The First World War

The airplane quickly became a tool of war, despite the scepticism of Sam Hughes, Canadian Minister of Militia and Defence. Canada did not have its own air force in the First World War but Canadian airmen served with the British Royal Flying Corps, later the Royal Air Force (RAF) and The Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS).

The Second World War

When the Second World War broke out, the RCAF had a total Permanent Force strength of only 298 officers and 2,750 men. But these numbers grew rapidly. By the end of the war, the RCAF was involved in operations over Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, the Far East, and the North Atlantic, with an approximate 230,000 men and 17,000 women serving, and had become the fourth largest Allied air force.

The Cold War

With the development of NORAD and NATO, the Cold War saw Canada look to the defence of its northern boundaries. Additionally, as part of the nation’s commitment to these alliances, operational squadrons were deployed to Europe.

The Modern Era Today, the RCAF continues to maintain its commitment to NORAD and NATO, while affirming its duty to protect and serve Canada and the Canadian people.

To learn more about the Royal Canadian Air Force and its history, please come and visit our museum, located within The Military Museums complex.

You can also visit the Air Force Museum of Alberta's website here.