Take it Easy on the Beaver

Stuff we Like

Feb 16

De Havilland Beaver DHC 2 float plane Alaska

Every angler needs to take at least one float plane trip in his or her life, if not for the flight experience itself, then rather for what it connotes – heading to someplace untapped and off the beaten path. Whether it’s in the Amazon or Alaska or elsewhere, it adds to the thrill of the adventure.

I’ve never been even slightly afraid of flying, but I’m not an aviation freak by any means. I have no desire to fly a big bird on my own, and the process of traveling by air is merely a necessity. Nevertheless, there’s something special about getting into a low-flying floater headed to a fishing destination – despite the fact that you’re essentially in an oversized, noisy Volkwagen Bug that somehow gets off the ground, the flight itself is remarkably peaceful – almost hypnotic.

While we’ve been on multiple different float planes around the world and within Alaska, my favorite in terms of aura is the De Havilland Beaver, the “national” plane of the 49th state. It’s a Canadian-borne vessel that has short takeoff and landing needs, and was only made from 1947 to 1967, but is nevertheless revered for its reliability.

I can’t guarantee that if you join us at Bear Trail Lodge in Alaska this summer you’ll get to fly in this particular model, but there’s a pretty good chance, and that alone (in addition to everything else Alaska has to offer the traveler) is worth the trip.

For More Information About the “Best Bush Plane Ever Built”:

De Havilland Beaver Gear

If you’d like to celebrate your love of the Beaver even after your trip, here are some ways to scratch that itch:

Seaplane Association Beaver Fever t-shirt — **Seaplane Pilots Association**

Beaver Fever T-Shirt

Green de Havilland Beaver hoodie sweatshirt — **Labrador Tea**

De Havilland Beaver Float Plane Hoodie

Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre Beaver Sketch t-shirt — **Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre**

Beaver T-Shirt

de Havilland Beaver Canada Aircraft patch — **Planewear**

De Havilland Patch

Red Canoe De Havilland hat tan — **Red Canoe**

De Havilland Cap

wood model of de Havilland Beaver DCH-2 airplane with pontoons — **The Ancient Mariner**

DeHavilland DHC-2 Beaver Wood Model Airplane

Book about the Immortal Beaver, the World's Greatest Bush Plane — **The Immortal Beaver: The World's Greatest Bush Plane (Paperback)**

Poster of de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver float plane for display green — **De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver (Poster)**

None of this gear can replace the actual experience. While these planes continue to be refurbished with new parts, there’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to ride one a few years down the line, so make your plans NOW!