Visitor
Policy
Visitor Policy
The National Air Force Museum of Canada (NAFMC) is open to everyone. Respectful sharing of spaces and resources ensures that all visitors have an enriching and meaningful experience.
Appropriate personal behaviour, decorum, and conduct are required from visitors at all times. This ensures that all members of the public visiting the Museum are treated with respect, and that every visitor has an equal opportunity to enjoy a meaningful experience. Activities or actions that are inconsistent with Museum values will not be tolerated.
We ask that all visitors follow the guidelines laid out here.
VISITOR BEHAVIOUR
- All NAFMC visitors are expected to uphold a standard of respect towards fellow visitors, Museum staff, and volunteers, regardless of differences in race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, ability, or any other distinguishing characteristic. We believe in fostering an inclusive environment where all individuals feel valued and respected.
- Visitors are expected to be mindful of individuals with disabilities and to offer assistance if needed. Respect for designated accessible spaces and equipment is mandatory.
- All children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times.
- Eating and drinking are not permitted in the Museum galleries. Visitors may bring outside food to eat in designated areas only; this includes the Snack Bar and RCAF Memorial Airpark, exclusively.
- Visitors are to refrain from deliberate shouting or running in indoor and outdoor Museum spaces.
- Visitors are to refrain from walking on commemorative Ad Astra Stones and/or climbing on aircraft in the RCAF Memorial Airpark.
- Individuals exhibiting offensive, abusive, or threatening language or behaviour, and individuals suspected of being intoxicated or under the influence of drugs will be asked to leave the Museum.
- Visitors are not permitted to engage in the following activities: leafleting, protests, rallies, third-party sales, or any activity that has the effect, intent, or propensity to draw attention.
- Pets are not permitted in the Museum. Service animals are permitted with presentation of official certification from a healthcare provider at the Admission Desk on arrival. We ask that guests with non-traditional service animals contact the Museum in advance of their visit.
- Smoking, vaping, and the use of cannabis are prohibited inside the Museum. Designated smoking areas are outside.
- The use of all smoke-related products including e-cigarettes, cigars, vaporizers, tobacco and its derivatives, and cannabis and its derivatives are prohibited inside the Museum.
The following items are not permitted in the Museum at any time:
- Bicycles, scooters, tricycles, skateboards, roller/in-line skates, hover boards, electric trucks/cars;
- Drones;
- Drugs or alcohol;
- Paint;
- Weapons and ammunition of any kind, or any other item deemed dangerous by the Museum;
- and any other item prohibited under Canada’s Criminal Code.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
- To ensure proper preservation of artefacts, visitors are not allowed to touch or lean on any of the exhibits or displays. Items that are interactive will be labelled as such.
- Photography is permitted for personal use only, with hand-held equipment. Please exercise due care when taking close-up photographs of any exhibit or display. Visitors may use tripods or monopods, however lighting stands are not permitted. The use of drones is prohibited inside and outside of the Museum. 8 Wing / CFB Trenton is controlled air space. Photography may be restricted for certain artefacts or exhibits, signs will be posted where restrictions apply.
- Although we encourage all visitors to leave any non-essential items at home, we realize that some personal items may be necessary. Large bags and backpacks are not permitted in the Sky Boutique.
- For the safety of our visitors, employees, and collections, all bags entering or leaving the Museum, including purses, may be subject to inspection.
- Any actions that support or commemorate current or historical hate groups (including propaganda or display of sensitive symbols) are not permitted inside the Museum or on its grounds. Individuals exhibiting any actions or activities that are inconsistent with Museum values, are harmful to visitors, or are not in the spirit of the Museum will be asked to leave the premises.
- The Museum does not allow items that promote, support, or glorify hatred towards people based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, disability, or sexual orientations (collectively considered “protected groups”), nor does it permit items or content that promote organizations or people with such views. Items or displays that contain racial slurs or derogatory language about protected groups are strictly prohibited.
- Trespassing, entering, or remaining in the Museum or on its grounds when the Museum is not open to the public, except with the express permission of Museum staff, is strictly prohibited. Any access onto or within any adjacent areas under construction or closed to the general public is also prohibited.
- Obstructing the use of public areas such as entrances, foyers, lobbies, corridors, offices, elevators, stairways, roadways, driveways, or walkways is not permitted.
- Tampering with fire- and life-safety devices, such as fire extinguishers or alarm pull stations, is not permitted.
- Violating the order of or preventing the execution of duties by Museum staff and volunteers to maintain order and control public access and movement is prohibited. Threatening, resisting, intimidating, or intentionally interfering with Museum staff or volunteers engaged in their official duties is prohibited.
- In situations where individuals are not receptive to Museum policy and fail to cooperate, the Military Police will be called.
- The Museum and its grounds are subject to video surveillance.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Indoor Photos
- Photography is permitted inside the Museum unless otherwise indicated.
- Flash photography is allowed, by lighting stands are not permitted.
Professional Photos
Professional photo sessions (weddings, promotional, etc.) are permitted in the Museum’s exhibition spaces and the RCAF Memorial Airpark only. These must always be booked in advance with the Marketing and Communications/Public Relations department.
Photos may only be taking during regular Museum operating hours and must not interfere with Museum operations.
Contact: [email protected] for more information.
SOCIAL MEDIA CODE OF CONDUCT
Thank you for following the social media platforms of the National Air Force Museum of Canada (NAFMC).
The Museum welcomes and encourages users to discuss and interact with museum-related topics in a respectful manner. However, users should be aware that, to foster respectful dialogue, the following will not be tolerated:
- personal attacks and insults;
- posts that incite discrimination, violence, obscenity or offensive behaviour, including threats of any of the above;
- posts that incite any form of harassment or illegal behaviour;
- defamatory claims;
- posts that promote or discredit a product, company, political party or any other organization;
- posts that pose a breach of privacy for others by including personal information;
- advertising or propaganda;
- posts that include off-topic or incomprehensible content;
- repetitive messages.
Accountability
The Museum will use its discretion in determining whether content meets any of the above criteria.
Users posting on our social media platforms are responsible for their own behaviour. The Museum reserves the right to delete comments or publications, and to ban or block users. All decisions made by the Museum are final.
Contacting Us
We do our best to respond quickly to any queries submitted via social media. Please note that the Museum monitors its social media platforms and respond to users during regular business hours.
If you have not had a response to your query within 48 hours, or have any questions about this code of conduct, please contact [email protected].
Education Visit Policy
The NAFMC Education Department offers hands-on, STEM-focused programming for students of all ages. Our expert facilitators utilize the Museum’s extensive collection and their own real-world experience to engage students in the science of flight and the history of Canadian military aviation.
Field Trip Information
- Reservations are required for all Education groups;
- Groups may visit the Museum without scheduling a program, however to receive group rate pricing the visit must be scheduled in advance;
- Adult supervisors are required for all youth and school groups whether receiving programming or not.
YOUR VISIT
We ask that all groups arrive on time for their visit. If the schedule changes please let the Museum know so that schedules can be adjusted accordingly.
If your group should arrive late, we cannot reduce the programming fees nor can we guarantee that your group will receive the full scheduled program. We will do our best to accommodate schedule changes but programming hours cannot be extended to accommodate late arrival.
Programs
Programs are available for students in grades K through 10 with learning opportunities related to science, technology, engineering, and math, as well as history and other social studies fields.
School programs are available Monday to Friday. Programs are a half-day long (4 hours), and generally begin at 10:00am. Please include any special timing requests with your program inquiry.
Programming for special youth organizations, including cadet groups, is flexible. Please contact the Education Department with your request at least two (2) weeks prior to your planned visit.
All program requests must be submitted in writing to the Education Department.
Special Needs & Accessibility
If an individual in your group requires extra assistance, please let us know in advance of your visit and we will do our best to make accommodations.
Lunch Policy
There is no food for sale on site. Students may bring their own packed lunch to be eaten in the classroom. Time for lunch is included in all programs.
Food is not permitted in the Museum’s gallery space. All food must remain inside the classroom during your visit.
Supervision & Supervising Adults
Grades K-3 – 1:5 Grades 4 -8 – 1:8 Grades 9+ – 1:10
For the safety of your group, the Museum requires the ratios above for all Education Programs.
Responsibility for the supervision of students / youth remains with the group leader and their volunteer supervisors. We request that educators take an active part in ensuring that youth are respectful towards the Museum, its artefacts, and staff and volunteers. Should student behaviour be deemed inappropriate, dangerous, or destructive by Museum staff, programming will be terminated.
Supervising adults participate in programming free of charge. Any adults over the recommended ratio will be charged the Museum’s standard admission rate.
MUSEUM ETIQUETTE FOR YOUTH GROUPS
Museum Etiquette
In all cases, teachers and supervising adults are responsible for the conduct of their groups. Please make sure your group understands the rules below before your visit.
- Be kind and courteous to our staff and volunteers. Your program facilitators are volunteers who are dedicating their time to make sure you have a positive learning experience. Please be respectful and follow the direction they provide;
- Be mindful of other visitors to the museum – no running, shouting, loud, abusive, or disruptive behaviour is permitted;
- Do not reach over or cross barriers; stanchions may be an obvious barrier but it also means that your entire body stays in front of it (no reaching), and while some exhibits do not have stanchions it does not always mean it is okay to touch – look for signage to indicate which exhibits are interactive;
- Youth under the age of 16 must remain in groups with an adult;
- No food or drink in the Museum gallery – water is the only exception
- Gift Shop:
- No bags, and no more than five (5) youth at a time accompanied by an adult
- Airpark:
- Do not climb on aircraft, monuments, or other structures in the Airpark;
- Do not step on Ad Astra Stones (memorial stones that line the pathways)
Interactive Exhibits
The NAFMC has a number of interactive exhibits for visitors to enjoy. We ask that you please be mindful and treat our interactives gently so that others can enjoy them.
Simulators: Historic RCAF aircraft simulators provide visitors the opportunity to step into the cockpits of these original training tools.
Dress-Up Station: Our dress-up station located in the back of the Museum gives visitors the opportunity to try on different pieces of historic uniforms and take their photo in from of our “Hero Shot” mural. All uniforms must remain in this section of the Museum and are not to be working throughout the gallery or outside.
Groups or students who violate Museum policies or disregard staff / volunteer instructions may be asked to leave. Noncompliance could affect future access to the Museum.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellation must be communicated in writing a minimum of 14 business days in advance of the booking date. Any cancellations made past this time will be subject to full program fees.
Rescheduling
The Museum requires a minimum of 14 business days’ notice to reschedule programs. An administration fee of $40.00 applies to programs that are rescheduled with less than 14 business days’ notice.
FEATURED ExhibitS
DISCOVER YOUR AIR FORCE
Did you know the RCAF had K9s? Or that there was a Tim Horton’s opened in Kandahar? Have you heard of the SWINTER Trials? Discover the people, places, and events that have shaped Canada’s air force history. Featuring unique artefacts from our collection, interactive displays, and multimedia presentations, our exhibits bring the rich history of Canadian aviation to life.
