The Canadian Tank Museum held their annual Aquino Tank Weekend in Oshawa.
The event is billed as the largest historical military show in North America.
Thousands of people visited the Canadian Tank Museum over the two days to experience history.
Aquino Tank Weekend was action packed both days with 2,000 people coming out on Saturday, July 26, 2025.
It was an international event with visitors coming from overseas to see, hear and feel military tanks take to the field of battle.
The Museum is known world wide for its extensive collection of operational historical vehicles (over 120) and they were showcased in both static and dynamic displays over the weekend.
The museum started when members from the Ontario Regiment pooled their money and bought scout cars and they would come out and “play,” said Jill Hamilton who is a volunteer and also on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Tank Museum.
“We have been sharing the history of the Ontario Regiment for the last 40-years and now we’re looking to expand into a new building.”
The museum has evolved from The Ferret Club, to the Ontario Regiment RCAC Museum and now we are the Canadian Tank Museum and we’re recognized world wide.”
Re-enactments included a battle from World War II and Veterans of the Gulf War.
Hamilton said Gulf War veterans from the United Kingdom came to the weekend event and were reunited with their vehicles they used during the Gulf War.
For some it was the first time they’ve seen their vehicle in 35-years.
“The Canadian Tank Museum is about preserving history and sharing history. It’s not about glorifying war. We’re here to actually bring history to life. This is one way to get that knowledge to be passed down to other generations.”
Some of the attendees to the event actually got the chance to go for a ride in some of the battle tanks.
“They are a thrill to ride in – it’s a great experience.
One of the drivers of a Leopard tank was veteran Nick King from Aurora who served in Bosnia.
King was a reservist in the military until 2002.
When he found out about the museum he actually paid to go for a ride in a Leopard tank.
“At the end of the day, someone said you should be a member here.”
Shortly after that King joined the Canadian Tank Museum as a volunteer and on Sunday was giving Leopard rides to people.
“I love the fact that I’m still giving back for all the good things I got for being in the military. This is just my little way of giving back to those guys who are still serving and the ones we’ve lost.
“It means a lot to me to be able to serve and 15-years after my service I can still give back.”
There was also displays from Canadian Armed Forces units, partner Museums from all over Southern Ontario, a myriad of Historical Reenactors, other supporting organizations with similar interests (From Pipe and Drums to Radio Controlled Tanks), food trucks, beer garden, and the ever-popular Kids Zone.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
