The Air Force Museum sits on the grounds of CFB Cold Lake and tells the story of Canada's fighter aviation, with particular focus on 4 Wing — home to CF-18 Hornets and one of the most tactically significant air bases in North America. The collection includes a mix of aircraft on static display and archival material covering decades of Canadian air force history. Entrance is free. The base also hosts Exercise Maple Flag each spring, one of the world's premier air combat training events, which draws fighter squadrons from NATO countries and generates considerable activity in the skies above the city.
story: "Exercise Maple Flag, held at CFB Cold Lake since 1978, is often called the toughest air combat exercise in the world. Pilots who survive Maple Flag are considered ready for anything — and flying over Cold Lake during spring exercises, you'll understand why."