We were camping at Bonnechere Provincial Park, way east of Toronto, when we decided to visit Canadian Forces Base Petawawa, also known as Garrison Petawawa, to check out their Military & Canadian Airborne Forces Museum.
CFB Petawawa was for a number of years the home of the Canadian Airborne Regiment until it was disbanded in 1995. There still are a number of units that have incorporated airborne elements within their ranks including part of the Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR) and the Queen's Own Rifles (QOR) of Canada (a reserve parachute company). In addition the Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR) performs special airborne operations when required.
The base was founded in 1905 along the banks of the Petwawa and Ottawa Rivers, providing training and homes for several units of the military and for a time also a home for prisoners of war in both World Wars. Admittance is free but they also ask for voluntary donations if you want to support their work.
Displays, both inside and outside the museum, are numerous and highlight both Airborne memorabilia and the general military exploits and equipment of Canada relating to the base and it's personnel. You can find photos, artifacts, uniforms, weapons and documents inside while outside there is a number of tanks and other equipment, including a Dakota transport plane painted in the striped colours for service in Europe dropping paratroopers during the initial invasion.
The rappelling and jump tower on base for training
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