Located on Toronto Island, Billy Bishop Airport (IATA: YTZ; ICAO: CYTZ) is the second airport of the city of Toronto with over 2 Mio. pax in 2024 and offers service to more than 20 cities in Canada and the U.S. Because of it’s proximity to Downtown Toronto the airport is called a city airport, like in London, and is acting mainly as an airport for business people.

The commercial pax flights are operated by Air Canada and Porter Airlines with their Dash8. For Porter, YTZ is their major hub and they are responsible for the vast majority of flights. Furthermore you will see some general aviation movements and helicopter flights.

The airport is located at the foot of Eireann Quay on Toronto Island and is only accessible by ferry which runs every 15 minutes. Even if the airport is surrounded by water, there are some very nice and relaxing spotting locations on the north and sout side of the field and the background is looking for his own kind.

Written by Cedric Valente. Pictures for spot 2 provided by Tianyi Liu. Last Update December 2020.

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
06/24	750 m (2.460 ft)
08/26	1.216 m (3.988 ft)
Terminals	One terminal which is only accessible by ferry.
Spotting Information
Ladder	Not needed.
Car/Public Transport	Not needed for any spot and it is not even possible to reach spot 1 and 2 with a car! All other locations are well connected with public transport from Downtown.
Restrooms	Near all spots there are public restrooms and restaurants.
Drinks/Food	Restaurants are close to all spots except 2.
Hotels	Plenty of choices along the waterfront with a nice view of the 26 approch.
Season	The waterfront locations are only available in the summer months. Also the ferry runs more frequent during this period.
Runway Usage
08/26	Longest and major runway. 26 is the preferred direction.
06/24	Not known to be in use.

	Spot #1 – Toronto Centre Island – 26 arrivals and line up
WHERE	The locations are on the Toronto Center Island. You have to take the ferry from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal to Toronto Centre Island (ferry schedule) . There is no road connection to and from the mainland! If you are on the boat from downtown direction island, you can already take great shots of landings on runway 24. Just sit on the upper deck and you’ll get a great view. Once at Main Island turn right and if you don`t wanna walk that much stay the ferry station or at the BBQ and Beer bar. If you wanna get closer to the action there is another relaxing place at the Toronto Island Sailing Club. Walk from the ferry stop on the trail direction the little pleasures boats port and you’ll find some great quiet areas to see all the activities on runway 26.
WHAT	Arrivals on runway 26 with the citys skyscrapers on the back. From the boat club you can see the runway line up as well.
TIME	Light is good from the morning till about 2pm.
MISC.	There is a BBQ & Beer bar with toilets and possible to eat outside with the view on the airplanes. The bar is a little bit expensive. There are public restrooms at the ferry terminal.
FOCAL LENGTH	At least 500mm for a Dash 8.

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	Spot #2 – Hanlan’s Point – 26 arrivals and line-up
WHERE	This is the closest position you can get if runway 26 is in use. This time take the ferry from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal to Hanlan’s Point (ferry schedule) Stay directly at the ferry stop along the water. You can also walk to/from the Centre Island stop but is a long walk.
WHAT	26 arrivals and line-up.
TIME	Light is good from the morning till about 2pm.
MISC.	Absolutely nothing nearby.
FOCAL LENGTH	Dash8 = 130-150mm

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	Spot #3 – Waterfront and The Slip Bar – 26 arrivals
WHERE	This is a very popular place in Downtown Tornot along the water where many people comes in the evening to walk or enjoying the music shows at the arena. There are places to sit and many shops, bars and restaurants. Easiest way to reach this place is by Tram and exit at one of the stations at Queens Quay West and from there walk down to the water.
WHAT	You may take pictures of approaches runway 26. Aircrafts are in the sky but you get great shots.
TIME	Light is good there in the summer only from 5pm till sunset.
MISC.	Plenty of restautrants, bars etc are available along the harbour.
FOCAL LENGTH	200-400mm Porter Dash 8 side on = 270mm

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	Spot #4 – Marina Quay West – 26 movements, 06 departures
WHERE	Similar to the previous spot but If you prefer a great background, join point 4 by foot from downtown or via the tramway and exit at “Queens Quay West At Dan Leckie Way East Side” station. At the port walk direction the boats and enjoy the view.
WHAT	26 arrivals and departures. 06 departures are also fine as some aircrafts are just rotating in front of you.
TIME	Light is good there in the summer only from 5pm till sunset.
MISC.	Nothing nearby and a pretty quiet place.
FOCAL LENGTH	About 250mm for a Dash 8.

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	Spot #5 – Trillium Park – 08 arrivals and line-up
WHERE	Another location along the water on the evening side. To reach the Trillium Park take the tram and exit at “Strachan Ave” station. Now go straight south for approximate 10 minutes.  Once there take the trail along the water and you’ll find quiet places with chairs to see runway 08.
WHAT	Runway 08 arrivals and line-up.
TIME	Light is good for landings from 5pm in the summer but from 1pm for aircrafts turning and lining up runway 08. Be aware of heat distortion due to the distance, even on cold days.
MISC.	There are benches to relax and enjoy the view.
FOCAL LENGTH	300-400mm, depends on the position.

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