The Canadian International Air Show (CIAS) has been taking place at The CNE since 1949. Highly skilled pilots have been performing thrilling aerobatics over Lake Ontario while crowds watched in amazement.
The National Aircraft Show
Before the Canadian International Air Show, the National Aircraft Show was at the CNE. In 1928, its inaugural year, pilots from Canada and the US dazzled spectators over the 14-day Exhibition. There was parachute jumping on the waterfront and breath-taking trick flying. The Aircraft Building (formerly Machinery Hall) displayed many small to large flying machines.
The Canadian International Air Show and Its History
The CIAS began in 1946 at the De Havilland Canada manufacturing plant, at what was known then as the De Havilland Airport (today’s Downsview Airport). The air show attracted overflow crowds and moved to Exhibition Place three years later. It became a regular feature of The CNE in 1956. The world-class display showcases the advancements in aeronautical technology, various types of aircraft, including high-performance jets and vintage aircraft, as well as precision and stunt flying.
The Canadian International Air Show regularly includes Canadian and US military along with private and civilian performers. A few popular military teams include the CF Snowbirds and Blue Angels. Plus, there have been many notable appearances by other Canadian Armed Forces, US Air Force and US Navy aircraft. The skies over the lake have also seen the Red Arrows, Breitling Jet Team, British Airways Concorde, search and rescue displays, parachuting, heritage aircraft and much more.
Over the years, there has been opposition to the air show, not only due to the noise levels but also the sound of the fighter jets to those who have experienced the trauma of war. Because of the dangers of performing precision manoeuvres and stunts, there have been accidents related to and during the air show.
Labour Day Weekend at the CNE
The air show takes place on Labour Day weekend in the skies over Exhibition grounds and Lake Ontario. See the Canadian International Air Show for details.
Canadian International Air Show Photos
Canadian International Air Show
“Human fascination with flight has made air shows popular since the early days of aviation. Toronto was the site of numerous air shows as it developed into a centre of air transportation and aircraft manufacturing in the early twentieth century. The Canadian International Air Show originated in 1946 when the National Aeronautical Association of Canada attracted overflow crowds to a show at De Havilland Airport in Downsview. Staged annually thereafter, the air show moved to Exhibition Place in 1949 and became a regular feature of the Canadian National Exhibition in 1956. Here it developed into a world class exhibition featuring diverse types of aircraft, precision and stunt flying, and aeronautical technology.”
Ontario Heritage Foundation, an agency of the Government of Ontario
Located north of the Lake Shore Blvd W Bailey Bridge and behind the Fort Rouillé Monument at Exhibition Place
SOURCE
- Heritage Toronto
- Ontario Heritage Trust
- CIAS
- Ontario Heritage Trust: Canadian International Air Show plaque
- The Globe Newspaper Archives: Aug 24, 1928, pg 22
- The Globe Newspaper Archives: Sep 4, 1928, pg 7
- Toronto Star: Air show too traumatic for newcomers who escaped war
- Photos: Denise Marie for TorontoJourney416
- Vintage Photos: City of Toronto Archives, CNE Heritage & The Ex