The Western Development Museum (WDM) is a network of museums located in Saskatchewan, Canada, dedicated to preserving and showcasing the province’s social and economic history. One of its key branches, the History of Transportation Museum, is located in Moose Jaw and focuses on the evolution of transportation over time.
Western Development Museum / History of Transportation
50 Diefenbaker Drive
Moose Jaw
Saskatchewan S6J 1L9
+1 306-693-5989
Fax +1 306-691-0511
January – March
- Tuesday – Sunday: 09:00 – 17:00
- Closed Monday
April – December
- Daily 09:00 – 17:00
Closed New Year’s Day, Family Day, Good Friday, Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day.
Admission fee
Gift shop
Aircraft collection
| CF-BIN
C-IATH R9725 134230 – 114021/1 114078/1 133275 C-GYYO/20475 CF-KIY 7829 CF-OVE CF-ADI C-GYGU/3985 15307 CF-HAR CF-PFB – CF-SAM G-CASR CF-LBE – – CF-SFF – – – | Aeronca K
American Aerolights Eagle Avro 652A Anson 1 Beech CT-134A Musketeer II Benson B-8 Gyroglider Canadair CT-114 Tutor Canadair CT-114 Tutor Canadair CT-133 Silver Star 3 Canadian Car & Foundry Harvard 4 Cessna 195 Cessna T-50 Crane 1 de Havilland DH.53 Humming Bird (replica) de Havilland DH.60M Moth de Havilland DH.82C Tiger Moth Fairchild M-62A-4 Cornell II Funk B-85C Jodel D.9 Bebe Müller Stingray Hang Glider Noorduyn Norseman V Pheasant H-10 Piper J3C-65X Cub Rogallo Standard Hang Glider Stammer-Lippisch Z-12 Zögling Stinson 108-1 Voyager Vickers Vedette V (wreck) Vickers Vedette V (replica) Weber C3 Mead Glider |
The Western Development Museum offers a specific focus on aviation, which is appropriate given its proximity to CFB Moose Jaw. The aviation exhibits include a dedicated Snowbirds aerobatic team display. The aircraft collection includes such exhibits as an American Aerolights Eagle ultralight, an Avro Anson bomber trainer, Canadair CT-114 Tutor in Snowbirds markings, Canadair T-33A Silver Star, Fairchild M63A3 Cornell, and a Canadair T-33 ejection seat.
The museum also has the Western Development Museum Short Line, a 3 ft (914 mm) narrow gauge railway outdoors on the property that utilizes the only operating steam locomotive in Saskatchewan.
Highlights of the History of Transportation Exhibit:
- Historical Vehicles: A large collection of vintage cars, trucks, motorcycles, and farm machinery, including some rare and iconic models.
- Steam Locomotive: A beautifully preserved steam engine, reflecting the critical role of railways in opening the Canadian West.
- Aircraft: Features small aircraft that illustrate the development of aviation in the region.
- Transportation Timeline: Walk through the history of transportation, from ox-drawn carts to modern vehicles, showing how advancements shaped life on the prairies.
Educational Opportunities:
The museum provides an educational experience with guided tours, special events, and programs tailored for schools and families, making it a popular destination for those interested in history, technology, and engineering.
Photos Les Spearman