Guide to Plane Spotting

GUIDE TO PLANE SPOTTING
Canada

Alberta:

Calgary Intl.

British Columbia:

Vancouver

Manitoba:

Winnipeg

Newfoundland:

St. John's

Nova Scotia:

Halifax

Ontario:

Hamilton
Ottawa International
Toronto - Pearson International

Quebec:

Montreal - Dorval Airport
Montreal - Mirabel Airport
Montreal - St. Hubert

Plane Spotting at Calgary

Tower:118.4
"The best spot is off McKnight Blvd. There is a nice parking lot provided and you can park in a relaxed area. I'm not sure of exact runway direction (approx. north/south) but you get a excellent view of takeoffs and landings. Very busy airport and lots to see."
Contributor: Dave Love

"The prevailing wind in Calgary is westerly so there's another great spot at the end of Runway 28/10, again with parking and picnic tables. You get there by going north on either Barlow Trail or McCall Way, then left at 78 Ave. which takes you down to the cargo area of the airport."
Contributor: Brent Brooks

"An alternate spot at the north end of 16/34 can be reached by the access road off Country Hills Blvd. It takes you by the ranchers house to the D.O.T. gate. You're even with touchdowns from the north, and can take great pictures of takeoffs on 10/28 with the ATC tower and the fabulous skyline of Calgary as a backdrop.
Two links which would help the spotters heading for Calgary are: CIA Page
Calgary ATC Page
Contributor: George Shibley
Back to Alberta

Plane Spotting at Calgary
Tower:118.4
"The best spot is off McKnight Blvd. There is a nice parking lot provided and you can park in a relaxed area. I'm not sure of exact runway direction (approx. north/south) but you get a excellent view of takeoffs and landings. Very busy airport and lots to see." Contributor: Dave Love "The prevailing wind in Calgary is westerly so there's another great spot at the end of Runway 28/10, again with parking and picnic tables. You get there by going north on either Barlow Trail or McCall Way, then left at 78 Ave. which takes you down to the cargo area of the airport." Contributor: Brent Brooks "An alternate spot at the north end of 16/34 can be reached by the access road off Country Hills Blvd. It takes you by the ranchers house to the D.O.T. gate. You're even with touchdowns from the north, and can take great pictures of takeoffs on 10/28 with the ATC tower and the fabulous skyline of Calgary as a backdrop. Two links which would help the spotters heading for Calgary are: CIA Page Calgary ATC Page Contributor: George Shibley Back to Alberta

Plane Spotting at Vancouver

ATIS:124.6
Tower:118.7
Runways: 8/26 - 8A/26A - 12/30
"Vancouver International Airport's all new terminal, control tower, and runway are now under construction. As I know, they will be opened in June,1996.
There is a good place for plane watching and photographing if the runway 26 is used. There is a flat grassland beside Russ Baker Way and Dinsmore Bridge. You can park on this grassland when it is not too muddy. Then, you will find that the airplanes almost fly pass your head and land soon. The direction of sunlight is also fine for taking pictures. I think a 80-200mm lens is quiet enough, because you won't be far away from the landing planes.
I also recommend the other place, the South Terminal parking lot. There is a fence to seperate the cars'parking lot and the airplanes' parking lot. You'll watch many private and smaller planes taxing and parking just in front of you. However, you might have to pay Canadian $1 per hour."
Contributor: John Yu

"In order to see planes landing on the new runway, you can go along Grant McConachie Way just past the HeliJet area, and turn right and go all the way till the AVIS parking lot . If no one is around, park in their front area and you can see plane touching down just in front of you, or you can stand up on top of your car or truck and take pictures ! Strongly advised that you have a 135mm zoom or better though . All major airlines serve Vancouver."
Contributor: Robert Rindt

Vancouver has too be one of the best places to watch aircraft. If you go around to by the south terminal, there is a parking lot there that provides excellent profile views of aircraft using 08/26, soon to be 08R/26L. Also, for you float plane buffs, having a seat on the patio at the "Flying Beaver" restaurant in the Harbour Air terminal affords an amazing view of the numerous float planes using the water aerodrome. Of course, the easiest place to hang out is on either side of Russ Baker Way which is directly off the eastern end of 08/26. This location has picnic benches and is a popular family spot. Another good spot to watch approaches to 08 is from the dyke in Richmond which is on the opposite side of the river. Lastly, if runway 12/30 is in use, follow the South Terminal road all the way around as if going toward the Shell Aerocentre. If you take the access road for the Coast Guard station and park on the grass just outside the fence/gate, you are at the south east end of 12/30. This location is also good for watching the approach end of 08.
Contributor: Melanie Fontaine & Rob Pietersen
Back to British Columbia

Plane Spotting at Vancouver
ATIS:124.6 Tower:118.7 Runways: 8/26 - 8A/26A - 12/30
"Vancouver International Airport's all new terminal, control tower, and runway are now under construction. As I know, they will be opened in June,1996. There is a good place for plane watching and photographing if the runway 26 is used. There is a flat grassland beside Russ Baker Way and Dinsmore Bridge. You can park on this grassland when it is not too muddy. Then, you will find that the airplanes almost fly pass your head and land soon. The direction of sunlight is also fine for taking pictures. I think a 80-200mm lens is quiet enough, because you won't be far away from the landing planes. I also recommend the other place, the South Terminal parking lot. There is a fence to seperate the cars'parking lot and the airplanes' parking lot. You'll watch many private and smaller planes taxing and parking just in front of you. However, you might have to pay Canadian $1 per hour." Contributor: John Yu "In order to see planes landing on the new runway, you can go along Grant McConachie Way just past the HeliJet area, and turn right and go all the way till the AVIS parking lot . If no one is around, park in their front area and you can see plane touching down just in front of you, or you can stand up on top of your car or truck and take pictures ! Strongly advised that you have a 135mm zoom or better though . All major airlines serve Vancouver." Contributor: Robert Rindt Vancouver has too be one of the best places to watch aircraft. If you go around to by the south terminal, there is a parking lot there that provides excellent profile views of aircraft using 08/26, soon to be 08R/26L. Also, for you float plane buffs, having a seat on the patio at the "Flying Beaver" restaurant in the Harbour Air terminal affords an amazing view of the numerous float planes using the water aerodrome. Of course, the easiest place to hang out is on either side of Russ Baker Way which is directly off the eastern end of 08/26. This location has picnic benches and is a popular family spot. Another good spot to watch approaches to 08 is from the dyke in Richmond which is on the opposite side of the river. Lastly, if runway 12/30 is in use, follow the South Terminal road all the way around as if going toward the Shell Aerocentre. If you take the access road for the Coast Guard station and park on the grass just outside the fence/gate, you are at the south east end of 12/30. This location is also good for watching the approach end of 08. Contributor: Melanie Fontaine & Rob Pietersen Back to British Columbia

Plane Spotting at Winnipeg

ATIS:114.8
Tower:118.3
Runways: 13/13 - 7/25 - 18/36
"1.Notre Dame Avenue and Brookside Boulevard
This location provides excellent access to 18-36, an 11,000 ft runway. This is a good spot to get a look at the Antonovs and 747s up close.
2.Air Canada Cargo parking lot-End of Sargent Avenue
This location provides a good close up view of operations on 13-31.
3. Silver Avenue between Albany and Ferry Road
This location provides access to 13-31, with a particularly good view of approaches on 31. The soft ball diamonds off this road get a good look at the underbellies of take offs."
Contributor:Chris Ferris

Probably the best place in Winnipeg to watch the landings on runway 36 is in the field just north of the junction of Ness Ave. and Mount Royal St. Being in a suburban area, the field is easily reached by car or the #24 bus. Bring protection against mosquito bites, particularly in the evenings.
Contributor: Kevin McDougald

A good spot for watching planes at YWG is on the approach for runway 18, on Selkirk Avenue. Its a dirt road, but you don't have to drive far from Brookside Blvd. before you are directly under the approach path.
Contributor: Kyle Nordman
Back to Manitoba

Plane Spotting at Winnipeg
ATIS:114.8
Tower:118.3
Runways: 13/13 - 7/25 - 18/36
"1.Notre Dame Avenue and Brookside Boulevard This location provides excellent access to 18-36, an 11,000 ft runway. This is a good spot to get a look at the Antonovs and 747s up close. 2.Air Canada Cargo parking lot-End of Sargent Avenue This location provides a good close up view of operations on 13-31. 3. Silver Avenue between Albany and Ferry Road This location provides access to 13-31, with a particularly good view of approaches on 31. The soft ball diamonds off this road get a good look at the underbellies of take offs." Contributor:Chris Ferris Probably the best place in Winnipeg to watch the landings on runway 36 is in the field just north of the junction of Ness Ave. and Mount Royal St. Being in a suburban area, the field is easily reached by car or the #24 bus. Bring protection against mosquito bites, particularly in the evenings. Contributor: Kevin McDougald A good spot for watching planes at YWG is on the approach for runway 18, on Selkirk Avenue. Its a dirt road, but you don't have to drive far from Brookside Blvd. before you are directly under the approach path. Contributor: Kyle Nordman Back to Manitoba

Plane Spotting at St. John's International

ATIS: 128.00
Tower:120.6
Runways: 11/29 - 16/34 - 2/20 - 8/26
"St. John's International Airport is a tuff place to watch airplane as it was never designed with the viewer in mind. The terrain is rolling, hiding portions of most runways, but there are a couple of good spots if you know how to find them. Built as a military field during WWII, the airport to this day has two distinct areas: the former military side, now used by general aviation, and the commercial side with its passenger terminal and freight handling facilities.
On the commercial side there are two good spots for viewing and picture taking: in the parking lot to the right (as you enter) which will give you a fair to excellent view of takeoffs/landings on 16/34 and 02/20 depending on wind direction. Ramp area is also very visible from here. About a half kilometre to the north, just beneath the control tower, is a good spot to see the ramp area, taxiing a/c and some take off/landing action. For general aviation, military, flight training (single/twin engine stuff) and some cargo flying, check out the general aviation area accessable from Torbay Road. Lots of buildings to block runway/ramp views here will make it necessary to move around a bit for a full check of area to see if there's anything interesting on the ground but the main approach path for 29 is also here and a great spot for shots of 'em coming in or taking off, depending on wind. It's possible to get virtually right under the flight path in your car but bring ear plugs...they're literally feet above you at this point. A five year plan for future development of the commercial area offers the POSSIBILITY of a dedicated viewing area for plane buffs, perhaps on the terminal roof! There are Canadair CL-215 and Consolidated PBY Catalina water bombers stationed here in summer (Cats are due for replacement in next year or two), lotsa Cessna/Piper traffic, biz jets, a Convair 5400 freighter (only one of its kind in the world!) and some neat twins plus the occasional float plane living here. Occasional visits from NATO military fighters, transports and other a/c."
Contributor: Gary Hebbard
Back to Newfoundland

Plane Spotting at St. John's International
ATIS: 128.00
Tower:120.6
Runways: 11/29 - 16/34 - 2/20 - 8/26
"St. John's International Airport is a tuff place to watch airplane as it was never designed with the viewer in mind. The terrain is rolling, hiding portions of most runways, but there are a couple of good spots if you know how to find them. Built as a military field during WWII, the airport to this day has two distinct areas: the former military side, now used by general aviation, and the commercial side with its passenger terminal and freight handling facilities. On the commercial side there are two good spots for viewing and picture taking: in the parking lot to the right (as you enter) which will give you a fair to excellent view of takeoffs/landings on 16/34 and 02/20 depending on wind direction. Ramp area is also very visible from here. About a half kilometre to the north, just beneath the control tower, is a good spot to see the ramp area, taxiing a/c and some take off/landing action. For general aviation, military, flight training (single/twin engine stuff) and some cargo flying, check out the general aviation area accessable from Torbay Road. Lots of buildings to block runway/ramp views here will make it necessary to move around a bit for a full check of area to see if there's anything interesting on the ground but the main approach path for 29 is also here and a great spot for shots of 'em coming in or taking off, depending on wind. It's possible to get virtually right under the flight path in your car but bring ear plugs...they're literally feet above you at this point. A five year plan for future development of the commercial area offers the POSSIBILITY of a dedicated viewing area for plane buffs, perhaps on the terminal roof! There are Canadair CL-215 and Consolidated PBY Catalina water bombers stationed here in summer (Cats are due for replacement in next year or two), lotsa Cessna/Piper traffic, biz jets, a Convair 5400 freighter (only one of its kind in the world!) and some neat twins plus the occasional float plane living here. Occasional visits from NATO military fighters, transports and other a/c." Contributor: Gary Hebbard Back to Newfoundland

Plane Spotting at Halifax International

Tower:115.8
Runways: 15/33 - 6/24
The best place for viewing is along side of runway 6/24, accessed via the airport industrial park ( towards Goffs on hwy 212). It gives an open view of the full length of the runway as well as the terminal and ramp area. If runway 15/33 is being used, you can park right at the end of this runway just further up the winding road on 212 towards Goffs. Contributor: David Ohlsson
Back to Nova Scotia

Plane Spotting at Halifax International
Tower:115.8
Runways: 15/33 - 6/24
The best place for viewing is along side of runway 6/24, accessed via the airport industrial park ( towards Goffs on hwy 212). It gives an open view of the full length of the runway as well as the terminal and ramp area. If runway 15/33 is being used, you can park right at the end of this runway just further up the winding road on 212 towards Goffs. Contributor: David Ohlsson Back to Nova Scotia

Plane Spotting at Hamilton

"The best place to spot at CYHM is at the end of Glancaster Road. To get there follow Highway 403 westbound, exit Fiddlers Green Rd., follow Fiddlers Green south to Butter Rd, follow Butter Rd east to Glancaster Rd. Head north on Glancaster. Travel as far as you can and you will come to a turn around. This is a good place to watch aircraft using Runway 12L/30R as you will be about 1,000 feet from the side of the runway."
Contributor: Steve
Back to Ontario

Plane Spotting at Hamilton
"The best place to spot at CYHM is at the end of Glancaster Road. To get there follow Highway 403 westbound, exit Fiddlers Green Rd., follow Fiddlers Green south to Butter Rd, follow Butter Rd east to Glancaster Rd. Head north on Glancaster. Travel as far as you can and you will come to a turn around. This is a good place to watch aircraft using Runway 12L/30R as you will be about 1,000 feet from the side of the runway." Contributor: Steve Back to Ontario

Plane Spotting at Ottawa - McDonald Cartier Intl.

ATIS:121.15 / 132.95
Tower:118.8
Runways: 7/25 - 14/32 - 4/22 - 17/35
"The best place to watch the airplanes is on Letrium Rd. You will be at the end of runway 32 where the planes will land over your head and you will see the end of 25\7 the busiest runway at the Ottawa airport."
Contributor: Jeff Brunet

"Another good place to watch planes at Ottawa is on Alert Road. Take the Airport Parkway and exit at Alert Road. Past the First Air Hangar is a spot near the button of runway 25. Arriving aircraft are very close; departures taxi so close that the wing of a larger aircraft can pass right over the fence. For a monthly list of interesting arrivals and other airport info, click here."
Contributor: Terry Martin
Back to Ontario

Plane Spotting at Ottawa - McDonald Cartier Intl.
ATIS:121.15 / 132.95
Tower:118.8
Runways: 7/25 - 14/32 - 4/22 - 17/35
"The best place to watch the airplanes is on Letrium Rd. You will be at the end of runway 32 where the planes will land over your head and you will see the end of 25\7 the busiest runway at the Ottawa airport." Contributor: Jeff Brunet "Another good place to watch planes at Ottawa is on Alert Road. Take the Airport Parkway and exit at Alert Road. Past the First Air Hangar is a spot near the button of runway 25. Arriving aircraft are very close; departures taxi so close that the wing of a larger aircraft can pass right over the fence. For a monthly list of interesting arrivals and other airport info, click here." Contributor: Terry Martin Back to Ontario

Plane Spotting at Toronto - Pearson International

ATIS:120.825
Tower: 118.7
Runways: 15/33 - 6L/24R - 6R/24L
"Toronto also has a parking garage, and if you go to the top floor, you can see the entire airport there..."
Contributor: Dan Benci

"If you are on Derry Rd. you can go west and turn left on to Dixie Rd. If you drive for about 20 seconds you there is a small turf where you can park your car and see ALL of RUNWAY 06L. Directly across from that area is 24R and you can park in a parking lot near a gas station or in the customs area."
Contributor: Bassam Al-Sarraj

"A very popular spot for watching planes at Toronto's Pearson International Airport is on the side of a roadway at the end of 24L. So popular that the airport officials installed a concrete traffic barrier to control the traffic flow and there is even a guy with a weenie wagon selling hot dogs and soft drinks.
For watching approaches on 15 or once the planes are airborne off 33, there is a spot which you can access off Derry Rd past the FBO'S near what used to be the general aviation weather office."
Contributor: Ray Valadaka

"One of the best places to watch planes at Pearson is just off of Airport Rd. You go down airport road past all entrances to the airport, and past all hangers. When you do this you will find on your left(if heading north) a McDonnell Douglas plant. On the weekends the gates for the parking lot are open. You can turn in here and go right up to the fence line. No one will bother you on the weekend, they will during the week though. If you stand here you are right at the end of runway 06L and you can feel the blast from the engines as they take off. Another good place is right across the street(on the right going north) there is a "Wendies" and a gas station. If you stand in the picnic ground beside the resturant, the planes will pass right over you, maybe 40 feet up. You can't miss where to stand, there are lights to line up the runway. I can read the numbers on the bottoms of the wings from here."
Contributor: Mike Paterson

Thanks to Trevor Lowe for the frequency information.

A little bit of bad news for all the spotters in Toronto - The area that was set aside for watching aircraft on Silver Dart Drive at the end of 24L has been closed off and "no stopping" signs have been posted. I guess they just don't appreciate the satisfaction that can come from watching aviation progress close up.

Another update (6/9/99): Terminal One was built many years ago, plane spotters could enjoy a panoramic view from the terminal's rooftop parking facility, but this will soon end. Terminal One is slated for destruction in early 2002 to make way for the new mega terminal that will replace Terminal one and two.
Contributor: Ray Valadaka
Back to Toronto

Plane Spotting at Toronto - Pearson International
ATIS:120.825
Tower: 118.7
Runways: 15/33 - 6L/24R - 6R/24L
"Toronto also has a parking garage, and if you go to the top floor, you can see the entire airport there..." Contributor: Dan Benci "If you are on Derry Rd. you can go west and turn left on to Dixie Rd. If you drive for about 20 seconds you there is a small turf where you can park your car and see ALL of RUNWAY 06L. Directly across from that area is 24R and you can park in a parking lot near a gas station or in the customs area." Contributor: Bassam Al-Sarraj "A very popular spot for watching planes at Toronto's Pearson International Airport is on the side of a roadway at the end of 24L. So popular that the airport officials installed a concrete traffic barrier to control the traffic flow and there is even a guy with a weenie wagon selling hot dogs and soft drinks. For watching approaches on 15 or once the planes are airborne off 33, there is a spot which you can access off Derry Rd past the FBO'S near what used to be the general aviation weather office." Contributor: Ray Valadaka "One of the best places to watch planes at Pearson is just off of Airport Rd. You go down airport road past all entrances to the airport, and past all hangers. When you do this you will find on your left(if heading north) a McDonnell Douglas plant. On the weekends the gates for the parking lot are open. You can turn in here and go right up to the fence line. No one will bother you on the weekend, they will during the week though. If you stand here you are right at the end of runway 06L and you can feel the blast from the engines as they take off. Another good place is right across the street(on the right going north) there is a "Wendies" and a gas station. If you stand in the picnic ground beside the resturant, the planes will pass right over you, maybe 40 feet up. You can't miss where to stand, there are lights to line up the runway. I can read the numbers on the bottoms of the wings from here." Contributor: Mike Paterson Thanks to Trevor Lowe for the frequency information. A little bit of bad news for all the spotters in Toronto - The area that was set aside for watching aircraft on Silver Dart Drive at the end of 24L has been closed off and "no stopping" signs have been posted. I guess they just don't appreciate the satisfaction that can come from watching aviation progress close up. Another update (6/9/99): Terminal One was built many years ago, plane spotters could enjoy a panoramic view from the terminal's rooftop parking facility, but this will soon end. Terminal One is slated for destruction in early 2002 to make way for the new mega terminal that will replace Terminal one and two. Contributor: Ray Valadaka Back to Toronto

Plane Spotting at Montreal - Dorval Airport

ATIS:128.0 / 127.5
Tower:119.9
Runways: 6R/24L - 6L/24R - 10/28
"For picture taking, you take the exit for Highway 13 from Cote de Liesse, and at the stop sign you come to Ryan Avenue which runs parallel to 24L. You can park anywhere and lie on the field and take pictures at your leisure. This is the busiest runway.
You can also go to Cote Vertu towards the Air Canada hangar and take pictures of either runway, as you are in between the two.
You can also go to the airport and go towards the cargo terminals taking Cardinal Street. Turn towards the cargo area and go to the end. At the fence you get a good view of takeoffs from the short runway. "
Contributor: Michael Koppe
Back to Montréal

Plane Spotting at Montreal - Dorval Airport
ATIS:128.0 / 127.5
Tower:119.9
Runways: 6R/24L - 6L/24R - 10/28
"For picture taking, you take the exit for Highway 13 from Cote de Liesse, and at the stop sign you come to Ryan Avenue which runs parallel to 24L. You can park anywhere and lie on the field and take pictures at your leisure. This is the busiest runway. You can also go to Cote Vertu towards the Air Canada hangar and take pictures of either runway, as you are in between the two. You can also go to the airport and go towards the cargo terminals taking Cardinal Street. Turn towards the cargo area and go to the end. At the fence you get a good view of takeoffs from the short runway. " Contributor: Michael Koppe Back to Montréal

Plane Spotting at Montreal - Mirabel Airport

ATIS:125.7 / 126.1
Tower:119.1
Runways: 11/29 - 6/24
"At Mirabel,...the only place I know of is the main approach road from Highway 15 leading up to the terminal."
Contributor: Michael Koppe
Back to Montréal

Plane Spotting at Montreal - Mirabel Airport
ATIS:125.7 / 126.1
Tower:119.1
Runways: 11/29 - 6/24
"At Mirabel,...the only place I know of is the main approach road from Highway 15 leading up to the terminal." Contributor: Michael Koppe Back to Montréal

Plane Spotting at Montreal - St. Hubert

ATIS:124.9 / 124.1
Tower:118.4
Runways: 6R/24L - 6L/24R - 18/36 - 10/28
"St. Hubert...is a secondary airport with lots of activities. Pratt & Withney as a test center wich is the home of the PT-6 and PW-100 engines. It can be interesting to sometime see the emergency landings they have to make when they are testing new engines. You can see smoke coming out of the turbines after the emergency landing.
The best site to look at this aircraft is on Clairevue Blvd. right at the end of the runway. You can't miss this big red smoker!"
Contributor: Alain Bourque
Back to Montréal

Plane Spotting at Montreal - St. Hubert
ATIS:124.9 / 124.1
Tower:118.4
Runways: 6R/24L - 6L/24R - 18/36 - 10/28
"St. Hubert...is a secondary airport with lots of activities. Pratt & Withney as a test center wich is the home of the PT-6 and PW-100 engines. It can be interesting to sometime see the emergency landings they have to make when they are testing new engines. You can see smoke coming out of the turbines after the emergency landing. The best site to look at this aircraft is on Clairevue Blvd. right at the end of the runway. You can't miss this big red smoker!" Contributor: Alain Bourque Back to Montréal

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