December 17, 2024
2024 marked the 50th anniversary of the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada and it sure was a memorable one!
We had over 60,000 visitors, more than 9,000 students, and hosted 68 private events. And our 180 volunteers logged 21,000 hours Here are 50 photos from the part year to mark some of our favourite moments.
Photography Night
On January 18th, we partnered with Don’s Photo to host another successful photography night. Photographers who attended were invited to submit their best shots to our photo contest for a chance to prizes. This year, we introduced an exciting new category to celebrate the Royal Canadian Air Force’s centennial: the RCAF 100th category.
WSD classroom immersions
In January, the Winnipeg School Division (WSD) hosted a series of immersive, one-week “camps” at our museum, giving students the chance to explore and learn about future career opportunities in the aviation industry
Virtual programming
Museum educators Candace Kostna and Kristin Trenchard connected with 18 Northern Manitoba schools simultaneously through the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada’s new online learning platform. This innovative virtual class bridges financial and geographical barriers, bringing enhanced learning experiences to students in remote areas.
Volunteer Appreciation Night
Volunteers are the heart of the museum, and each year we celebrate their dedication and hard work. From visitor experience to restoration and archives, there are countless ways volunteers contribute to our mission. This year’s celebration included the exciting debut of the first-ever Paper Plane Trophy Cup, adding a fun twist to the festivities!
Wind Tunnel
Our brand-new 12-foot wind tunnel lets visitors explore how airflow affects an aircraft’s fuel economy, drag, and turbulence. This interactive exhibit was designed and built by students from the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology, who spent 500 hours on the project under the guidance of two of our volunteers—both retired aerospace engineers.
Open Cockpit Day
Open Cockpit Day was a huge success! Visitors had the rare opportunity to explore our CL-84 Dynavert and the recently donated Mini 500 helicopter. We were also thrilled to welcome Canadian aerobatic champion Luke Penner, who gave an insightful presentation on life as an aerobatic pilot.
Spring break 2024
This year’s spring break brought back our popular kids’ activity passport, featuring fun hands-on activities like building your own hoop glider and completing a pre-flight checklist. The visiting Ace Academy biplane simulator was also a big hit with our young aviators.
The Great Easter Egg Hunt
The return of the Great Easter Egg Hunt at the museum was a big success! This year, we were thrilled to have Tyler Carr from Energy 106.1 and Sean “Dilly” Dilworth from Hot 100.5 as our egg hunt hosts. Children and families had a blast searching for eggs across our hangar floor, making it a fun-filled day for all!
Science Fiction Day
Science Fiction Day at the museum, typically held around May 4th, celebrated the fascinating connection between science fiction and aviation—and how they inspire each other. Guests like the River City Sabres entertained visitors with impressive displays of Jedi skills while the museum offered a special tour highlighting how real and imaginary worlds are intertwined.
Visiting Aircraft – DHC-1 Chipmunk
From May 18-20, 2024, we added to our lineup of visiting aircraft – a beautifully refinished DHC-1 Chipmunk, the classic training aircraft developed for the RCAF and RAF after World War II. Owner Dave Gillespie also gave an engaging presentation about the Chipmunk and shared stories from his impressive collection of aircraft.
3rd Annual Wings & Wheels
Our 3rd Wings & Wheels event for Father’s Day brought together the worlds of classic cars and aircraft in a perfect celebration. We enjoyed beautiful weather for the car show in Dr. D.S. Reimer Aviation Plaza, and La Taqueria served up delicious and authentic tacos. A big thank you to everyone who joined us and brought their dads, granddads, father figures, and families for a memorable day!
Visiting aircraft – PBY-5A Canso
July 8-9, 2024, we hosted the the rare and remarkable PBY-5A Canso, a plane that played a vital role in Canada’s history. Used as a submarine hunter and for search and rescue during the war, this iconic aircraft was a special addition to our museum for the weekend.
Visiting Aircraft – Avro Lancaster
The Avro Lancaster is a true icon, and we were thrilled to see the Mynarski Memorial Lancaster on our Dr. D.s. Reimer Aviation Plaza—one of just two airworthy Lancasters in the world—on July 16-17. It was a rare chance to experience this legendary aircraft in person.
Visiting Aircraft – P-51D Mustang
From August 9-11, 2024, visitors had the rare opportunity to get an up-close look at one of WWII’s most iconic fighters. This visiting Mustang, adorned with the livery of 424 (City of Hamilton) Squadron, featured a distinctive tiger emblem—paying tribute to the colourful history of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and their predecessor, the Hamilton Tigers.
Dr. D.S. Reimer Plaza Grand Opening
On August 10, we celebrated the official opening of the Dr. D.S. Reimer Aviation Plaza. This new outdoor space allows us to host the Pedal Plane Flight Zone, accommodate visiting aircraft, and hold various public events. We are deeply grateful for the generous support of Dr. D.S. Reimer, whose spirit of philanthropy made this project possible.
RCAF 100 exhibit
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the RCAF, the museum was honoured to host a stunning display of information panels and aircraft artwork, showcasing the planes and people that served over the years. In partnership with RCAF 17th Wing, we were able to borrow pieces from their collection, giving the public a rare opportunity to view these remarkable works of art.
A Visit by Jeremy Hansen
In September, CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen joined us at the museum for an inspiring talk. Set to become the first Canadian to orbit the Moon on NASA’s Artemis II mission, Jeremy shared insights into his career journey, his role in the mission, and Canada’s important contributions to Moon exploration.
Linwood St. Monument Dedication
Fifty two years after a plane carrying residential school children tragically crashed on Linwood Street in Winnipeg, the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada (RAMWC) erected a monument to honor those lives lost. “The tragic death of eight Indigenous children and a pilot in this plane crash is yet another sad chapter in the residential school legacy,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “The new commemorative site will ensure future generations know their names and the devastating impacts of residential schools. I’m honoured to have worked with the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada and city staff on this small step toward reconciliation.”
Snoopy and the Red Baron Temporary Exhibit
We were proud to partner with the Charles Schultz Museum to present the temporary exhibit Snoopy and the Red Baron. The exhibit delves into the history of this beloved character and the real-world aviation influences that inspired the iconic rivalry.
Military appreciation day
Presented by 17 Wing and CFB Winnipeg, Military Appreciation Day at the museum this October offered visitors an incredible array of activities and temporary displays. One of the highlights was the SAR Techs rappelling down the building—an exciting first for us! It was a truly memorable day, celebrating the contributions of our military personnel.
Preservation Ball
This year’s Preservation Ball was a fantastic success! Guests enjoyed a lavish culinary experience, 70s-themed décor, and plenty of boogie-ing on the dance floor. The event raised over $450,000 in support of STEM-based education programming, making it an unforgettable night for a great cause!
Halloween with Hobbs
Our family-friendly Halloween extravaganza returned on October 27 and was bigger and better than ever! In addition to trick-or-treating and game stations, we featured exciting STEM activities, face painting, our signature costume parade and contest, and much more. It was a spooktacular day for all ages!
Lego Liftoff
The museum hosted its first-ever block party! Our LEGO® exhibition featured the Manitoba LEGO Users Group (MBLUG), who showcased their favorite aviation-themed creations. Prizes were awarded to the best builds, making it a fun and creative event for all.
Pancakes & Planes
On December 7th, visitors were treated to delicious pancakes from our partner, Spruce Catering, while Santa himself made a special appearance, offering a great photo opportunity for all. Guests also enjoyed a fun holiday ornament-making activity to get into the festive spirit.
Sabre restoration
Volunteers have been hard at work this past year, restoring our F-86 Sabre fighter jet. Once finished, the Sabre will be proudly displayed in the Military Skies section of the museum, enhancing our collection of military aircraft.
What’s coming up in 2025?
Some of our most popular events will make a comeback in 2025, and we’ve got a few new ones in the works as well. Stay tuned for details coming soon!
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