Summerside, Air Force Heritage Park

The Air Force Heritage Park, located at Summerside Airport (formerly CFB Summerside) in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, is a tribute to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and its presence in the region. While not a full-scale museum, the park provides an opportunity to explore the history and legacy of CFB Summerside and the contributions of Canadian military aviation.

Summerside, Air Force Heritage Park

30A Aerospace Blvd

Summerside

Prince Edward Island C0B 2A0

Canada

On permanent view

Aircraft collection

Canadair CP-107 Argus 2 10739
10739

115451


121131

c

101037

Canadair CP-107 Argus 2

de Havilland Canada CC-115 Buffalo

Grumman CP-121 Tracker

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo

The Air Force Heritage Park, located at Summerside Airport (formerly CFB Summerside) in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, is a tribute to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and its presence in the region. While not a full-scale museum, the park provides an opportunity to explore the history and legacy of CFB Summerside and the contributions of Canadian military aviation.

Key Features:

1. Aircraft Displays:

  • The park features a small but significant collection of historic aircraft, highlighting the types used by the RCAF during its operations at CFB Summerside. These may include:
    • Lockheed CP-121 Tracker: Used for anti-submarine warfare and coastal patrols.
    • McDonnell CF-101 Voodoo: A jet fighter used by the RCAF.
    • Other aircraft tied to the base’s maritime patrol and search-and-rescue missions.

2. Monuments and Memorials:

  • The park includes plaques, monuments, and other installations commemorating the service and sacrifice of the men and women who served at CFB Summerside.
  • Memorials honor the broader contributions of the RCAF and Canada’s maritime and air defense history.

3. Educational and Historical Displays:

  • Visitors can learn about the history of CFB Summerside, which played a vital role in maritime patrol, anti-submarine operations, and search-and-rescue missions during its active years.
  • Exhibits and interpretive panels provide context on the base’s significance during World War II, the Cold War, and its eventual closure in 1989.

4. Heritage Preservation:

  • The park serves as a site of reflection and education, preserving the memory of the RCAF’s operations and its impact on the Summerside community.

Historical Context:

  • CFB Summerside was established in 1941 as a training base during World War II.
  • Post-war, it became a hub for maritime patrol operations, particularly during the Cold War, when Canada played a key role in monitoring submarine activity in the North Atlantic.
  • The base was decommissioned in 1989 and converted to a civilian facility, now known as Summerside Airport.

Importance:

The Air Force Heritage Park stands as a testament to Canada’s rich military aviation history and the specific contributions of the RCAF in protecting Canada’s coastlines and supporting allied operations.