Tuesday 18 June 2013

Billy Bishop Toronto City (aka Island) Airport, Toronto, ON

Whenever I fly, my first choice is out of the Island Airport.

Conceived in the 1930s as the main airport for Toronto, the construction of the airport was completed in 1939 by the Toronto Harbour Commission (THC). At the same time, the THC built Malton Airport (now Toronto Pearson International Airport) as an alternate but Malton became Toronto's main passenger airline hub instead, leaving the island airport for general aviation and military purposes.


It's a 10 minute/$15 cab ride to get there from home rather than a 30 minute ride/$50 cab ride to Pearson.

I use it when I'm heading on short trips like Montreal, Ottawa or Halifax (longer flights don't leave from this airport).

The only way to get to the airport is by ferry.  It's only 122m/400ft across and takes just a couple minutes.  The ferry is free and runs every 15 minutes.



In 2012, construction began on a pedestrian tunnel which will provide additional access to the airport. The tunnel is projected to be completed in 2014. Ferry service will continue after completion of the tunnel, for the use of vehicles and supplies transportation.


Snacks like pop, coffee, water, almonds and cookies are complimentary in the lounge (you have to pay for sandwiches, liquor, salads, etc.).


Here is the lounge with the snacks.


Here is the waiting lounge.


Getting ready to take off!


And we're off ... heading to Montreal!

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