Key Takeaways
- Discover Billy Bishop Airport’s rich 85-year history and WWII contributions.
- Explore behind-the-scenes airport operations, including award-winning tunnel and aircraft displays.
- Enjoy family-friendly activities, from fire truck tours to DJ performances and historic exhibits.
Toronto’s Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is inviting the public to go behind-the-scenes and discover its rich 85-year history as part of Doors Open Toronto on May 25th.
The annual city-wide event, with this year’s theme of “Hidden Histories,” provides a rare opportunity to explore the airport’s facilities and operations situated on Toronto’s iconic waterfront. Since its opening in 1939, Billy Bishop Airport has served as a key international gateway, connecting Toronto to over 20 cities across Canada and the United States.
However, the airport’s storied history goes far beyond just passenger travel. It played a vital role during World War II as a training ground for the Royal Canadian and Norwegian Air Forces in their fight against the Axis powers. In the decades since it has become an important hub for general aviation and life-saving emergency medevac services connected to local hospitals.
Visitors at Doors Open can explore this diverse 85-year history through guided tours and exhibits. Highlights include the award-winning underwater pedestrian tunnel, a chance to view the runway operations up close, and static displays of aircraft like Porter Airlines‘ De Havilland Dash 8-Q400 turboprop.
A historical exhibit will showcase memorabilia of World War I flying ace Billy Bishop, commemorating the airport’s namesake with artifacts such as a model of his Nieuport 17 aircraft and an original WWI-era biplane propeller.
The grounds will also feature the airport’s state-of-the-art fire trucks and maintenance vehicles for children to explore. Entertainment will include DJ performances, musical acts, and other activations related to the “Hidden Histories” theme.
Beyond the exhibits, visitors can experience some of the airport’s latest eco-friendly initiatives firsthand. These include the first all-electric Marilyn Bell ferry in Canada and PortsToronto’s Iron Guppy tugboat, which is used for ice-breaking and harbor clean-up. Art displays like the “Maanjidowin: The Gathering” sculpture, created in collaboration with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, will highlight the airport’s community ties.
The one-day event offers a rare insider’s view into the airport’s diverse roles – from serving over 2.8 million passengers annually to providing a base for vital medevac services supporting Ontario’s healthcare system. As a key economic driver generating over $2 billion in output yearly, Billy Bishop Airport has been an integral part of Toronto’s journey.
With free admission, the airport expects thousands to flock to the waterfront on May 25th as it commemorates 85 years of connecting Toronto to the world through the skies.
For more information, visit the event website.
