Canadian International Air Show 2024, Toronto

The aviation extravaganza showcases the best aerial acrobatic jet teams on the continent

Dates: August 31–September 2, 2024

Every year, the Canadian International Air Show (CIAS) marks the grand finale of the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) in Toronto, which is one of the biggest agricultural fairs in Canada. Since 1949, dozens of aircraft from Canada, the US, and other places have given an exciting three-day performance over Lake Ontario.

Performers

Regular performers include the aerobatics demonstration team Canadian Forces Snowbirds, RAF Red Arrows, the CF-18 demonstration team, and the United States Air Force (USAF) F-22 flight team. Several individual pilots will also showcase their flight skills in the sky, including Scott Urschel in a helicopter. In the past, air show attendees were also able to witness the magnificent aerobatic skills of the United States Air Force Thunderbirds, the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, The Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association, and Vintage Wings of Canada.

Other Attractions

While the Canadian International Air Show doesn't offer static aircraft exhibits due to all flight demonstrations taking place above Lake Ontario, there is plenty of other entertainment to enjoy. Before the performances begin, visitors at the Exclusive Air Show Zone can enjoy a special Water Display or swing by the fairgrounds of the Canadian National Exhibition to play thrilling games or experience exhilarating carnival rides.

Schedule & Tickets

Toronto Air Show falls on the Canadian Labor Day Weekend and the last weekend of the CNE. From 11:30 am to 11:59 am, the opening Water Display will entertain the visitors. The show lasts from 12 pm until 3:40 pm each afternoon. The flight practice takes place one day earlier, on August 30th.

One-day general admission to the Canadian International Air Show is $80. Premier and special options are available. For $299, you can see the show from Flight Deck Chalet, granting access to the Exclusive Airshow Zone. Flight Deck Guests can enjoy an open bar and indulge in a sumptuous, fully catered buffet lunch (from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm). The Flight Deck also boasts its own private autograph table to meet and greet your favorite performers.

Location & Transportation

The main viewing venue of the air show is located in Marilyn Bell Park, a five-minute drive away from the Exhibition Place, where the Canadian National Exhibition takes place. The parking is extremely limited, so consider commuting by public transport, such as the Go Transit Train, TTC buses, or Streetcars. The best routes include routes from Broadview Subway Station, Dufferin Subway Station, Bathurst Subway Station, and Union Station.

Best Places to View the Show

If you purchase a ticket to the air show, you'll have access to the Exclusive Air Show Zone in Marilyn Bell Park, which provides an excellent view of the flight performances and live announcements of the participants. Other than that, Exhibition Place or Ontario Place are the best spots to view the show. It is also visible from the lakefront in the rest of Marilyn Bell Park or Coronation Park. Show planes usually fly from Pearson or one of the Toronto Islands.

History of the Canadian International Airshow

Being the center of air transportation and planes manufacturing, Toronto has hosted numerous air shows since the early 20th century. In 1946, the National Aeronautical Association of Canada held a show at Downsview Airport, where De Havilland Canada manufacturing plant was located. Three years later, the Toronto Air Show moved to Exhibition Place and in the 1950s, it became a regular part of the Canadian National Exhibition.