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Flying Back in Time: My Tiger Moth Flight Experience with the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum
- Danielle Byl
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
This blog was sponsored by Discover Saskatoon
Back in August, I did something unforgettable. I took to the skies in a WWII-era DH-82 Tiger Moth aircraft, and in doing so, I felt like I flew straight into history.
That morning, I woke up with the same kind of anxious-excited energy I usually get before a big travel day. You know the kind: double-checking the bag I had already packed and triple-checked the night before, sipping my coffee while watching the clock, mentally reviewing everything one last time. But this wasn’t a trip to the airport for a commercial flight. This was something entirely different.
I was heading to the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum, located just north of the airport, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience: a ride in their beautifully restored 1942 DH-82 Tiger Moth, a biplane once used to train pilots during the Second World War.
When I arrived for my original 9 a.m. flight, I was greeted with what every seasoned traveler is used to - a delay. But for good reason. My pilot for the day, Matthew Cinnamon, is one of several highly experienced volunteer pilots who work with the museum. He wasn’t fully happy with how the engine sounded that morning and decided to spend the day giving it a deep clean and tune-up. No complaints from me—when you’re flying in an 83-year-old aircraft (or any aircraft for that matter!), I’ll take safety over speed any day.
We rescheduled for that evening at 7 p.m., and honestly, it was a blessing in disguise. When I returned later that day, the skies were glowing gold, the wind had calmed, and the temperature was perfect. For an open cockpit flight, it was absolutely ideal.
After checking in and signing my waiver (you’ll want to arrive about 30 minutes early for this part), I was led out to the tarmac as the crew rolled out the aircraft. Stepping into the Tiger Moth is an experience in itself. You step carefully on a designated part of the wing and hop into the front cockpit - yes, hop. The pilot sits in the rear seat, and you're up front where the trainee would have sat back in WWII training days.
I was handed a headset so I could talk with Matt throughout the flight, which eased some of my nerves. In front of me were a few gauges, pedals, and buttons - some of which Matt warned me not to touch. Comforting!
And then we began to taxi. We made our way past modern WestJet and Air Canada flights, flight school trainers, and grounded vintage aircraft. It was surreal. Here I was in this tiny yellow biplane, on a very real and frequently used runway by modern metal giants.
Matt explained that the tail lifts first, and then the plane gains speed until it eventually lifts off. It was a smooth takeoff - almost shockingly so. And then, just like that, we were airborne.
To my right, the sun was setting in a warm summer haze. To my left, Saskatoon stretched out below me in all directions. No windows. Just open air. The wind in my hair. The whir of the propeller. The steady rumble of a decades-old engine. Every gear shift and every gust of air felt like a heartbeat from the past.
Flying over the city at that pace and altitude gave me a whole new perspective. From above, I could see just how green our city is. The tree canopy was expansive and lush. I was filled with pride seeing Saskatoon from this view, not just as a place I live, but as our living, breathing, beautiful community.
We followed Circle Drive, cruised past Stonebridge, looped over the river and downtown, and even did a flyover of - my house! It was absolutely incredible.
After 20 to 30 minutes of soaring over the city, we headed north and began to head for the runway. I was buzzing with adrenaline and emotion - gratitude, pride, and awe. And just as smoothly, we touched down. I love flying – it’s in my blood. But this wasn’t just any flight. It was a genuine experience, a story, and a piece of living history.
If you’re considering it - do it. Be prepared: dress for the wind (light jackets and closed-toed shoes), bring a secure way to tether your phone if you want photos (I used a kayaking dry bag), and arrive early to get briefed and checked in. Passengers must be 12 or older, and under-18s need a waiver signed by an adult.
And yes, this experience is very popular. So much so, that they’ve paused sales of new flight gift cards just to keep up with demand (though if you already have a gift card, you can still redeem it). And rest assured, you can still book the experience if you pay for it at the time of booking. So if you're looking for that unique experience or the perfect special gift, this is it.
The Tiger Moth flight is only one piece of what makes this museum special. Located at 5 Hangar Road, just off 47th Street and Avenue C, the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Saskatchewan’s aviation history.
It’s full of treasures and interactive exhibits, including:
• The Canadair CT-133 Silver Star (T-Bird)
• Full-sized restored aircraft and in-progress restoration projects
• A flight simulator
• Hands-on helicopter and cockpit displays
• A Kid’s Aviation Adventure area
• Fascinating aviation artifacts like aerial cameras, compasses, and propellers
And every Friday in summer, they host Barbecue Fridays: $14 gets you a burger, chips, a drink, and museum admission.
Top Tip: Don’t Miss Aviation Days: Annually in August!
Their biggest event of the year, Aviation Days, is annually in August, and it’s a must-see.
• Gates open at 8:30 a.m. and close at 4 p.m.
• General admission is $20 (with more ticket options available)
• Pancake breakfast, lunch, snacks (sold separately)
• Face painting, vintage cars and motorcycles, flight simulators
• Aircraft fly-bys, open cockpits, hands-on experiences
• Free parking
You’ll even get to see the Tiger Moth in action! This event is perfect for families, aviation fans, photographers, and anyone looking for a full day of inspiration and exploration. Keep an eye on their socials and website (https://saskaviation.ca/) for 2026 details!
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