While Mike is off in New Liskeard, the rest of us visited one of his favourite places in the north: the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre in Sault Ste Marie. The centre is housed in an old bushplane hangar right on the river, where planes used to take off over the water. It’s not only a repository of 25 bushplanes and water bombers, but an educational centre dedicated to preserving the history of Bush Flying and Forest Protection in Canada. You can even climb inside many of the planes — one or two you’re even allowed into the cockpit where you can pretend to be a pilot.
From the first innovative water bombers to the Bell Bubbledome Helicopter, the planes all tell a piece of Canada’s story. You could get lost in here for more than a few hours, with exhibits ranging from morse code and telegraph operators to the first bush fire fighters. We even clambered up into the fire tower and reported some new smoke sightings over the CB radio. For those considering a career in the air, there’s a flight simulator and several vision and reflex tests to make sure you’re up for the job. Not to mention the 3D documentary about the water bomber pilots who helped protect the town of Pickle Lake (we’re going there!) from an out of control forest fire.
It’s really a spectacular showcase, and provides a lot of insight into an important part of Canada’s history.
Tomorrow — Ride for Sight and the Great Tugboat Race!
For more information on motorcycle routes, accommodations, attractions and restaurants in Algoma Country check out www.RideAlgoma.ca
Photo by Alexandra Sawicki
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