Best Spots to See the CNE Air Show
August 30 2019 – For 70 years, the Canadian International Air Show (CIAS) has been taking audiences to new heights with their spectacular aerobatic displays. This year on August 31 to September 2 (noon to 3 pm) more than a million people from the Greater Toronto Area will flock to the shores of Lake Ontario to watch the Air Show.
The 70th anniversary experience will amaze both young and old and includes performances by:
- The UK’s Royal Air Force Red Arrows. The British team will fly 9 BAE Systems Hawk jets
- Canada’s beloved Canadian Forces Snowbirds. 9 pilots will take to the skies to perform breathtaking aerobatics.
- Canadian veteran Gord Price will be flying the Russian-built Yak 50. This 77 year old legend served in the Royal Canadian Air Force and has also been an Air Canada captain.
- Canadian Brent Handy will deliver a low-altitude, high-G performance in a Pitts Special. This airplane is sure to impress.
- And much more.
The Air Show will be staged immediately south of the CNE grounds in Toronto.
There are three ways to see the show:
- buy a VIP ticket (our preferred method because you get the best seats and can then enjoy North America’s best fair),
- watch from the CNE Grounds for free, or
- watch from outside the Ex for free.
VIP Tickets: The CNE is offering two Exclusive Air Show Zones starting at $130. Tickets include preferred seating and centre stage viewing plus a whole lot of extras. If you are interested in paying for your seats, head over to the CNE website to purchase online here.
Watch from the CNE for free: If you are going to the Ex but don’t want to pay VIP prices for the Air Show, you catch a glimpse from anywhere in the park. The CNE has a lot to offer, so we highly recommend checking it out.
Watch from outside the CNE for free: If you are only interested in the Air Show and don’t want to spend the money for VIP tickets, then take note of these top viewing locations. Just remember the early bird catches the worm. Secure your spot early to get the best views. Here are our top locations for viewing the CNE Air Show:
Marilyn Bell Park, 1095 Lake Shore Blvd West. This park is next to the ticket holder’s spectator seating area, so you’ll have a great view of everything.
Hanlan’s Point Beach on the Toronto Islands. This clothing optional public beach is the most westerly of the three main islands. You will need to pay $8.19 for a return adult ferry ticket to the Island. More information on the Toronto Island ferry is available here.
Humber Bay Park, at Park Lawn Road and Lakeshore Blvd W). Some of the planes slow down to loop around and fly back over the CNE, giving you a good view of the action.
Budapest Park, 1575 Lake Shore Blvd West near Sunnyside pool. Take the TTC as it’s very difficult to find parking.
From the water. If you know someone who has a boat, now’s a great time to ask them for an invite to come aboard and enjoy the view from Lake Ontario.
Pearson Airport. Some of the planes take off and land at YYZ. If you can find a safe and legal spot to plane watch, this might work for you.
Before you go, don’t forget to pack your ear plugs, fold up chair and some snacks, and some healthy patience for getting in and out of some of the areas.
Bonus: Don’t forget to head over to the Canadian National Exhibition after the Air Show. It is gone for one more year after Labour Day – there’s so much to see at the CNE – It’s The Ex!
