It’s time for a pop quiz! We’ve all heard of the Wright brothers and the first powered flight at Kitty Hawk, but where did the first flight take place in Canada?
On February 23, 1909, the Silver Dart made the first powered Canadian flight, lifting off from the frozen surface of Baddeck Bay on Cape Breton Island. That day marks the beginning of flight in our country. On February 21 – 22, 2026, The Hangar Flight Museum celebrates National Aviation Day, commemorating this exciting historical event all weekend. Plus, you can see a replica of the Silver Dart up close!
The Hangar Flight Museum is home to Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame, which features the true stories of the inspiring men and women who pioneered aviation history in Canada. This is where aviation history comes to life, with historically significant and intriguing aircraft. Anyone who dreams of the skies will be inspired here!
National Aviation Day
National Aviation Day marks the day the Silver Dart flew, but The Hangar extends the fun with a full weekend of family activities! On February 21 – 22, 2026, bring the whole crew for a fascinating day out. You’ll see amazing planes, like the Avro Lancaster, deHavilland Vampire, Hawker Hurricane, DC-3, and more. There will also be tours and presentations for no extra cost. The kids will love the fun activities, like a scavenger hunt! And every child’s admission also comes with a free colouring book.
Plus, don’t miss your chance to see the Silver Dart up close! In 1907, Toronto engineering classmates Frederick Baldwin and John McCurdy inspired the great inventor, Alexander Graham Bell, with tales of flight. The Silver Dart was built, and with the support of Dr Bell and the Aerial Experiment Association, John McCurdy flew the aircraft nearly 800 metres. The Silver Dart at The Hangar is a replica built to honour the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ flight in 1903. Most of the aircraft was made from scratch at the museum. Imagine hurtling down a frozen lake in this!
Humankind has always dreamed of flight. Even if you never jet across the country for business or plan a once-in-a-lifetime trip around the world, flying is an important part of our lives. National Aviation Weekend is the perfect time to dive into aviation history with The Hangar Flight Museum. Get your tickets today and keep dreaming!
The Hangar Flight Museum:
Date: February 21 – 22, 2026
Time: 10 AM – 4 PM
Venue: The Hangar Flight Museum
Address: 4629 McCall Way NE, Calgary, AB
Phone: 403-250-3752
Website: www.thehangarmuseum.ca
