Dylan YoungThe Canadian International Air Show (CIAS) started in 1946 as a way to celebrate Toronto’s growth and development into a center of air transportation and aircraft manufacturing.
It’s an aeronautical display of the country’s military, government, and civilian aircraft. It takes place over the Canadian Labor Day Weekend, which means it’s usually at the tail end of August or the start of September and lasts for three days.
If you’re interested in checking out this event, read this guide first!
Things to Know
Address: Marilyn Bell Park, 1095 Lake Shore Blvd W
When: Usually around August or September every year
How to Get to the Canadian International Air Show
By subway: Riding the subway is the best way to reach the show’s location, which is in Marilyn Bell Park. There’s literally a station near the Exhibition Zone (the Exhibition GO Station)!
By bus or streetcar: Buses and streetcars are also great because they offer direct service to the air show. The 504B King Streetcar and the 29 Dufferin Bus will take you to the Dufferin Gate Loop, while the 511 Bathurst Streetcar and the 509 Harborfront Streetcar will take you to the Exhibition Loop.
By car: If you choose to drive, parking is available at the CNE off British Columbia Road, Dufferin (near Liberty Grand), and off Manitoba Drive.
Tickets
– From: ciastoronto
Usually, tickets are available for purchase starting in June. Prices change every year, but from what I’ve noticed, it’s around the C$80 mark.
If you want to score a discount, you might want to become an insider. An insider essentially means you join the website’s newsletter. In order to do this, simply scroll down to the bottom part of the site’s page and put your email address in.
Please take note that tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable, even if there’s inclement weather on the day of the event.
What to Bring
– From: ciastoronto
To ensure that you’ll have a seamless experience, be sure to bring the following items:
- Hat and sunscreen. You’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors, so protect yourself from the sun. Wearing a hat and putting on sunscreen are two things you can do to shield your skin.
- Comfortable shoes. You’ll also be walking a lot, so it’s wise to wear comfortable footwear.
- Refillable water bottle. Hydration is important, especially if you’re under the sun for a long time. Bring a water bottle with you, and you can refill it at several stations in the Exhibition Zone.
- Ear protection. Since this show is dealing with motorized vehicles, expect it to be extremely loud. I recommend bringing ear protection to save your eardrums. You don’t want to have tinnitus after this show.
What to Expect
Aerobatic Performances
– From: dlecaptures
Every year, the show features a wide array of aerobatic performances from military, government, and even civilian planes. Some of these planes even come from the United States!
When I attended the show in 2024, some of the most prominent participants were the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, RAF Red Arrows, and P-51 Mustang Heritage Flight. I also remember seeing planes from the USAF F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team.
No matter which teams are participating, you can expect to watch thrilling performances. I remember how the planes dipped and dived seamlessly into the air; I kept gasping and cheering!
Some of the planes also spewed colorful smoke instead of the typical gray. This made the sight even more spectacular!
A Pre-Show Water Display
– From: jarmrowls
Aside from the breathtaking aerobatic performances, the air show also has a water display before the main show starts, and it’s just as gorgeous and thrilling!
This water display features colorful lights and synchronized water jets. It doesn’t last long—its runtime is usually around 30 minutes, and it’s held from 11:30 am to 12 noon—but you’ll still be ooh-ing and aah-ing the entire time.
I would just advise you to watch the display from a distance. If you’re too close, you might end up getting wet.
A Live Stream for Those Who Can’t Attend
– From: reelistic_soul
Can’t make it to the show? No worries because the CIAS will have a live stream that you can watch from the comfort of your home! The best part about the live stream is that you can choose to have a live video stream or a narration-only stream.
Even though I was at the venue, I still listened to the air show narration because I got to learn more about the event—the history and some background of the participants. This made the air show much more engaging to me.
Other Ways to View the Air Show
– From: hotelxtoronto
While the air show has a designated Exhibition Zone that’s only open to ticket holders, there are other places in the city where you can view the performances. And some of these places are free!
Some of the places I hear being recommended are the waterfront area of Humber Bay Bridge, Billy Bishop Airport, Toronto Pearson Airport, and Toronto Islands. It’s even possible to watch the show from any of Toronto’s beaches.
If you can afford to splurge some money, you can check out tall hotels because they offer viewing perks as well. For example, you can head to the Falcon Skybar at Hotel X Toronto and enjoy the sight as you’re drinking a glass of cocktail.
