2024 FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Airshow?
The Canadian International Air Show (CIAS) is held annually on the Labour Day Weekend. This year the show will take place on Saturday, August 31st, Sunday, September 1st & Monday, September 2nd from 12:00-3:40pm daily. Our practice day will be on Friday, August 30th during the same times.
Where can I watch the Airshow?
The Exclusive Air Show Zone (1095 Lake Shore Blvd. West) is located directly in front of center stage and has live narration of the event playing throughout. This area is considered within the Marilyn Bell park grassed area. This is across the street on the south side of Lakeshore Blvd in front of the Liberty Grand building. The show can also be seen from some areas within the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) Fair. Additional viewing areas are available across the Lakeshore; however, it would be a side view of the maneuvers and no speakers to hear the narration.
Please also visit our Location page for maps and more details on how to find the Exclusive Air Show Zone. Please note walking distance from most transit and parking locations near the CNE takes between 10 and 20 minutes (depending on which area in the CNE you arrive) to reach the Exclusive Air Show Zone. Map apps can direct you to this area when choosing walking as the mode of transport and the address listed above to support ease of access to our exciting Exclusive Air Show Zone.
Our Exclusive Air Show Zone is open to ticket holders each day of the show from 10:00 am – 3:40 pm. There is a pre-show Water Display taking place from 11:30 am-11:59 am, so be sure to come down early to enjoy this new event. Flying starts at 12:00pm!
Can I buy tickets?
Tickets to our Exclusive Air Show Zone will be available to purchase in June 2024.Your ticket includes same day access to the CNE.
Sign up at the bottom of this page to become an Insider and you’ll receive ticket information and up to a 50%* discount for 2024 tickets (*limited time during ticket launch).
Having trouble purchasing a ticket? Please contact our ticketing support at help@authentigate.ca.
*Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable including but not limited to the case of inclement weather.
Will the flying schedule be available?
We will be publishing the flying schedule each morning of the air show and it will be emailed to our CIAS Insider inboxes. However, the schedule is subject to change due to weather and maintenance.
What is a CIAS Insider?
CIAS Insiders are fans who sign up to receive email notices. They are the only ones to receive discount codes for our Airshow tickets. They also receive notices on performer announcements before publicly announced, behind the scene videos, exclusive contest giveaways and receive the flying schedule each show day. There is no cost to sign up to become a CIAS Insider.
Who will be flying?
Check our Performer page on our website for the most up-to-date list of performers. Many of our acts are from active serving units in the Royal Canadian Air Force and the United States Air Force. They will confirm closer to the show weekend. Visit our website regularly for updated information. However, acts are subject to change due to weather and maintenance.
What should I bring?
We recommend: A refillable water bottle, hat, sunglasses, comfortable shoes to walk on the grass, credit or debit card as we are cashless, sunscreen, ear plugs for those with sensitive ears, oh, and don’t forget your tickets!
What methods of payment are accepted at this event?
The Exclusive Air Show Zone has many vendors including food and other unique aviation merchandise for purchase.
The venue is mostly a cashless event and most vendors will only accept credit or debit as payment options.
Air Show Narration & Live Streaming
Back by popular demand, for the 2024 Show the CIAS will be live streaming. Viewers will be able to select a narration-only stream or a live video stream. both options will be made available to the public on the homepage on the show weekend. Stay tuned for more information on our live stream as we get closer to the show weekend.
Where can I park?
Green P parking lot # 855 (near OVO Athletic Centre) is the closest parking lot to the Exclusive Air Show Zone. This is a 10-minute walk to our venue. Alternatively, Ontario Place also may have parking options. This option is a 20-minute walk to our venue. Please visit both the Green P and Ontario Place websites for more updated information. Please be reminded that Toronto traffic patterns are altered this year so arrive early or avoid driving and take public transportation.
Green P paid parking lots, Exhibition Place and Ontario Place have accessibility parking available and are accessibility compliant. (Please visit CNE and Ontario Place websites for the most up to date information on parking availability and rates.) Due to traffic patterns in Toronto this year, guests are encouraged to travel by public transit or arrive early.
Are bikes permitted inside the Exclusive Air Show Zone?
Bikes are not permitted inside the Exclusive Air Show Zone area. At the owner’s discretion bikes can be locked against the outside fence of the area. The Canadian International Air Show takes no responsibility for the safety and security of property and locking a bike there is the owner’s responsibility.
Are pets allowed to be brought into the Exclusive Air Show Zone?
Service animals which are readily identified as service animals used for reasons relating to a disability are the only animals permitted within the Exclusive Air Show Zone.
What is the best way to get to the Exclusive Air Show Zone with mobility devices and strollers?
The Exclusive Air Show Zone is created as a temporary venue in a park with grassed areas and some paved pathways.
Those unable to climb stairs should enter the Exclusive Air Show Zone (see the map) from the west end via British Columbia Drive and come across Lakeshore via the pedestrian walkway.
If travelling by Wheel-Trans the temporary stop (used during the CNE fair) at the OVO Athletic Centre at the West end of the CNE is the closest drop off point. This would take approximately 10 minutes to arrive at the Exclusive Airshow Zone by cross over Lakeshore Blvd at the lights and walk toward the water and eastward to the west entrance of the Exclusive Airshow Zone.
If parking at Ontario Place there are additional ramps that lead to the Bike Path across the south side of Lakeshore Blvd (stay along the south side of Lakeshore pathway.) Follow this bike path past the Bailey Bridge (you will go under the bridge) and the entrance to the Exclusive Air Show Zone will be on your left (in the park area and close to the lake.) This route will take about a 20-minute walk.
If arriving by Go transit at the Exhibition Place stop or TTC you will work your way through the CNE grounds toward the west and the Lake. These routes will take approximately 20 minutes to get from these areas to the Exclusive Air Show Zone at average walking speed.
If able to manage stairs, go toward the Rose Garden on the CNE grounds and cross the Bailey bridge that crosses Lakeshore Blvd. Once over the bridge go to your right (west) and you will enter the Exclusive Air Show Zone along the bike path.
If unable to manage stairs or if arriving on transit near the Dufferin Gates, go toward the Liberty Grand building at west end of CNE grounds and come down the sidewalk to British Columbia Dr. to cross over Lakeshore Blvd at the pedestrian cross walk and go to the east (toward Ontario Place) and the Exclusive Air Show Zone will be on your right.
Note: The Bailey bridge is not accessible to those with mobility support equipment or strollers.
Is the Airshow accessible to people with disabilities?
Yes, multiple sets of accessible washrooms can be found within our Exclusive Air Show Zone. A set at the east end of our general admission footprint, a set in the central section of our general admission footprint and access in our flight deck chalet section.
Within the general admission area of our Exclusive Air Show Zone there is a first come first serve designated accessible seating area that allows a blend of shade and excellent viewing.
Please note while level and safe for walking and use of mobility devices, our venue is located in a park setting so some movement is required on grass as well as some paved areas.
Those requiring temporary use of mobility devices should review the CNE Wheelchair and Scooter service rentals. The closest pick up location to our venue is in the Better Living Centre. Reservations are recommended and should be made early.
Will planes of the Airshow fly over the city?
Aircraft appearing in the CIAS are stationed at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and Pearson International Airport and transport from those airports to the show site. At times they may be flying over the city. All flights are in accordance with regulations put forth by aviation governing bodies.
Is the show safe?
Safety is of paramount importance at the Canadian International Air Show, and we are conscious of concerns with respect to safety and noise. The Canadian International Air Show follows all safety guidelines and regulations as dictated by aviation authorities and holds our performers accountable to the same high safety standards.
We employ aviation industry professionals across our membership including controllers, military representatives, and emergency services. The CIAS has a strictly professional-run emergency response committee comprised of members of the Toronto Police Services, Fire Services and EMS. We also have a well-developed incident plan. Performers and key personnel attend pre-show safety briefings daily and daily debriefs post-show.
Who regulates noise?
The Canadian International Air Show complies with all regulations, including those published by Transport Canada relating to noise.
I have more questions; who can I contact?
Calls can be made to the head office of the Canadian International Air Show at 416.263.3650. You may also send an e-mail to info@cias.org.
Please note that while we will make every attempt to respond to your query on a timely basis, the office is extremely busy during the show week and will respond to your phone message or e-mail as soon as possible. Repeated questions received may also be updated in these FAQ pages, so please check back to this page for updates.
What if there is inclement weather?
In the event of inclement weather, some performances may be modified (flat show, low show) or cancelled for safety reasons. However, our exhibitors and displays are still available on-site, as well as meet & greet opportunities with the performers for guests to enjoy.
If the show is cancelled fully, the CIAS would notify ticket holders via email with any instructions. However, unless unsafe to do so, the exhibitors and displays, as well as autograph sessions, would continue. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable including but not limited to the case of inclement weather.
Don’t forget, your ticket gets you same-day access to the CNE to experience all they have to offer too!
If the show is cancelled will I receive a refund?
Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds on airshow tickets. However, all performers have high, low and flat shows that can be flown safely for different types of weather. In the event of a cancellation, the Performers will still be on hand to sign autographs as well as our exhibits and displays will be available. Also, each Airshow ticket gets you same-day access to the CNE to experience all that they have to offer.
Do I need to bring a chair?
If you purchase a ticket to the Exclusive Air Show Zone (either General Admission or Flight Deck) both areas include seating. The General Admission has rows of chairs to sit and enjoy the show from under a tree or full view for that perfect picture. Seating is first come first served. The Flight Deck also has seating for all guests. This chalet has round tables with 4 chairs and we do have umbrellas available.
Is food available?
For guests who buy tickets within the Exclusive Air Show Zone, food is available. We have two ticket options: General Admission & Flight Deck.
For General Admission guest’s food trucks and a Refueling station bar are available to purchase drinks and eats. Please note this venue is a cashless venue, so debit and credit are the forms of payment accepted.
For Flight Deck guests your chalet includes an open bar with wine, beer, pop and water as well as a lunch buffet featuring meat, vegetarian and vegan options plus sides, salads and tasty desserts.
Is there a static display of aircraft?
No, we are an over-water show and therefore we only have the Air Display. All of our aircraft are based out of two extremely busy international airports and as such there is no access to the aircraft. However, being an over the water show we will entertain you with a 3.5-hour jam packed air show.