Canadian Forces Base Trenton (YTR/CYTR) is located in the Ontario region of Canada and is the largest Canadian Air Base. It is a 1h50 drive from YYZ and 3h30 from Montreal Airport. It is exclusively operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). The base is very attractive for spotters as this is the main facility for the air transport operations in Canada and abroad as well.

The RCAF operates the 8 Wing which includes several units that operate the CC130 Hercules, CC150 Polaris, CC177 Globemaster III, CC144 Challenger, CH146 Griffon and CC138 Twin Otter.

Written by Galen Burrows. Last Update: April 2025

Rating
Movements
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
06/24	3,048 m (10,000 ft) – Asphalte
Spotting Information
Ladder	A ladder is not needed neither recommended, it will attract attention.
Car/Public Transport	Car is necessary due to distance and lack of public transit.
Drinks/Food	Available near Bain park location.
Hotels	There are a few hotels along highway 2.
Season	You’ll encounter most of the Sécurité Civile flights during the high forest season thus in summer is the good period to go.
Security	Don’t take photos from the fence, it will draw the attention of the military police.  The base is double fenced regardless so it’s not possible to take photos from the fence.  Using a ladder is a quick way to draw the attention of the military police who regularly patrol the area,  do not use one close to the fence. Photography anywhere along highway 2 which bisects the base will draw quick attention from military police. Do not photograph stuff on the ground or in the hangers.  avoid sharing specific times and dates of fighter aircraft photos is a good practice and ensures spotting doesn’t become frowned upon here. Scanners are legal however the military police tend to have a poor understanding of this it may lead to questioning.
Runway Usage
06/24	Runway 24 is used more commonly than 06.

	Spot #1 – Whites Road
WHERE	The spot is along Whites Road on the east side of the airport. You can reach it from highway 2. Unfortunately the road is a no parking area so park nearby and walk to the desired location.
WHAT	Good location for 24 arrivals all day long. 06 departures can also be captured here from further south on whites road in the area of the trailer park.
TIME	South: Winter all day and Summer until 14h00. North: Winter backlight and Summer from 16h00.
MISC.	Do not block any of the driveways or gates along whites road. Most of the time military police will leave you alone however they will sometimes stop and question you and even ask you to leave or stop taking pictures.
FOCAL LENGTH	Morning: C17 departure = 140mm & A332 arrival = 70mm Afternoon: C130 = 130mm

Mornings

YTR-SPOT 1 Mornings

YTR-SPOT 1 Mornings

YTR-SPOT 1 Mornings

Afternoons

YTR-SPOT 1 Afternoons

YTR-SPOT 1 Afternoons

YTR-SPOT 1 Afternoons

	Spot #2 – Bain Park & Sport/Medical Center
WHERE	Bain Park is a public park on the westside of the airport. You can spot from the parking lots and move around as required.  The north side of the approach, a Medical Center, is military property and you may be questioned or asked to leave. The alternative would be to move in the Museum from the inside you’ll be safe.
WHAT	Good for arrivals on 06. You may need to move around to get between trees and lamp poles at Bain Park.  You can also get 24 departures however they tend to be a little high. Search and rescue helicopters operate from the west end and will often come and go over Bain park making for good photo opportunities.
TIME	Bain Park: Winter all day and Summer until 14h00. Medical Center: Winter backlight and Summer from 16h00.
MISC.	Bain Park is a public park and you can be comfortable at this location. Keep a low profile and be polite with the police.
FOCAL LENGTH	Morning: C17 departure = 140mm, C130 = 140mm & A310 arrival = 70mm Afternoon: C130 = 130mm

Mornings

YTR-SPOT 2 Mornings

YTR-SPOT 2 Mornings

YTR-SPOT 2 Mornings

Afternoons

YTR-SPOT 2 Afternoons

YTR-SPOT 2 Afternoons

YTR-SPOT 2 Afternoons

YTR - Museum

YTR - Museum

YTR - Museum