GLOBAL SPOTTING REPORTS
CANADA
View From the CN Tower, Toronto
Abbotsford (Vancouver Area) - 2005
Calgary - May 2018
LANDSIDE
The terminal has been extended and although there are a few windows its not ideal. The multistory car park opposite terminal D / Westjet has views over these stands and runway 16R. Arrivals on 16L may also be seen from here. Sunwest have a large hanger opposite and should have a few aircraft parked outside, most likely early morning or evening. Its also possible to see the cross runway 10 – 28 from here but it’s a fair distance and a good pair of binoculars will be needed for movements here.
Calgary also has a large number of General Aviation, commuter airlines and FBO’s. Most are located at the other end of the airport and not visible from the terminal area. This area also has its own runway. Previously a lot of the smaller aircraft used this but this didn’t seem to be the case on this visit. There are also a vast amount of hangers and stored aircraft here so it is highly recommended that you hire a car. The other option is to book a hotel on the southern end of the airport and go exploring from there. Expect to do a lot of walking though, especially if you want to go the hangers on the opposite side of the runway.
On leaving the airport take a right turn onto Airport Trail NE and then right at the end. Continue all the way to the next main junction and turn right into NE Barlow trail. Explore this area and you will find a massive complex of hangers to explore, including the art smith aero centre which has B737 C-GWJU parked outside. This is the B737-200 not to be confused with the B737-600 of the same registration.
When your finished here continue south on Barlow trail or McCall Way and turn right onto Mcknight Blvd, taking you past runway 34 threshold. Take you first available right and you will find an excellent viewing area. From here continue towards the hangers on this side of the runway. Unfortunatley most hangers now don’t have views inside but it can be worth exploring this area every now and again. There can be a lot of activity at times and this means hanger doors are opening and closing fairly regular with different aircraft being pulled in and out. It possible to go back an hour later and see 3 or 4 aircraft that were not there before. Weekday mornings and evenings are obviously the best times.
There is a lot of exploring to do around this airport and you can expect to spend a few hours hunting around.
AIRSIDE
Decent window views means most movements at this end of the airport are seen.
HOTELS
Best Western ports o call – This is located very close to the intersection of McCall Way and McKnight Blvd and therefore is walking distance to the hanger areas and viewing area. Some rooms have a view of the approach for runway 34L but you can’t see the field very well and better views can be had from the viewing area. There is a free shuttle to and from the airport.
Best Western Premier Freeport is in a good location to the north of the airport. Movements can be seen but SBS required.
Hampton Inn could have good views.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Westjet have a large base here and a decent number of there fleet should be seen. Air Canada Jazz also have several aircraft based.
Central Mountain Air B1900s
Sunwest DHC8s and B1900s
Several Metro’s, jetstreams and other general aviation
Expect to see a lot of CRJ’s and Dash 8’s etc stored for scrapping or resale
Art Smith Aero Centre – C-GWJU B732 parked outside with several smaller exhibits inside.
Edmonton – Oct 2010
LANDSIDE
Top of the multistory has good views of all movements. Don’t think there are views from inside the terminal but didn’t look to far.
The roads between the terminal and hanger area are alongside the main runway and you can probably find some decent spots here.
The hangers are a long walk from the terminal so a car is recommended. Its not possible to see into most of them but there should be some aircraft parked outside. Alternatively if they are departing from this end, take a right hand seat for departure and you should taxi past them.
AIRSIDE
No problems from here, all gates and movements can be seen.
HOTELS
None seen or known about
WHAT TO EXPECT
Theres not much here that you can’t see elsewhere. The only thing of note is that Canadian North are based here and they can be difficult to get in other places.
Around the hangers I noted 2 metros, a Jetstream, DHC8 and a few other smaller bits and pieces.
If your interested then there is general aviation airport downtown, Edmonton city centre airport, with a museum containing a B737-200 C-GIPW amongst others. See www.albertaaviationmuseum.com
The airport has a lot of hangers but very little could be seen. Alberta government have a DH8 that is supposedly based but wasn’t visible if it was around.
Its about a 30 – 40 minute drive through downtown depending upon traffic from the international airport.
If you do want to visit Edmonton its possible to do a 1 way drop off with a car rental. You could pick up a car in Calgary and drop it off in Edmonton or vice versa which is about a 1 hour 30 drive. You could also visit Red Deer en route which reportedly has some older aircraft.
Halifax - May 2018
LANDSIDE
Very little can be seen on the main terminal. A walk don past the hanger areas may produce a few aircraft.
AIRSIDE
Decent views of the runways
HOTELS
ALT Hotel - Connected to the terminal by a bridge. Excellent views from some rooms. There are 15 floors. I had room 1202 on the 12th. They are corner rooms with views in 2 directions. All movements could be seen. It looks like only 2 rooms on each floor would have a view. I forgot to look but I imagine 1201 was the other.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Not particularly busy but there maybe a few new Air Canada or Westjet DHC8s around.
EVAS have B1900s based with 4 seen. They have a hanger here which had one inside.
Air Saint Pierre have regular flights into here with there sole ATR.
N837CA and N857CA are currently stored.
Kelowna – May 2018
LANDSIDE
I didn’t enter the terminal but everything can be seen driving around and a few good spots to park up around the perimeter and threshold.
AIRSIDE
HOTELS
WHAT TO EXPECT
B727 N231FL is WFU along with a couple of metros and a few other things.
Cargo conversion is done here so there may be one or two B737s around.
Westjet and Air Canada have several flights a day between various regional destinations.
Its a stunningly beautiful drive here from Calgary or Vancouver but if you don’t fancy that you can fly between those destinations with a stop here.
Montreal - May 2018
LANDSIDE
None from the terminal area. There are reportedly some views from the multi storey but I didn’t look. You really need to hire a car here. There is a lot of hangers to check out and you would miss a lot if you didn’t.
See www.yulspotter.com for detailed information.
There is a great spot alongside one of the runways that all the locals use. However finding it is a whole other problem. The road system is very complicated and confusing and I got lost a few times. In order to turn left, you first have to turn right and then do a u turn thru an under pass. Take the 520 east and follow signs for 55th avenue North. You should find some spots along the roadside or in a car park with good views of this runway and the terminal. All movements can be seen from here.
Get back onto the 526 east and take the exit for Montee de Liesse north. Go to the end of the road and turn left. There are several hangers along with Bombardiers plant. There should be a few Global Express and Challengers parked and there are views back across the runway to the Biz Ramp and other hangers.
AIRSIDE
Windows allow most movements to be seen. Would not recommend staying airside but you can expect to get everything on gate.
If your flying to the US then they have there own separate wing at the rear of the main terminal which only has views of these gates.
HOTELS
There is a Marriot located next to the terminal complex. I didn’t stay here but its possible a high room would have excellent views.
The Sheraton and A Loft hotels look like they would have good views of the airport. The Best Western is behind these and only has limited views of arrivals or departures on this runway but no views of the airport. The Fairmont hotel behind the Best Western looks like a high floor would have a view.
WHAT TO EXPECT
A fantastic place with lots of variety and unusual visitors. A must visit for a trip to Canada. My favourite Airport in Canada along with Calgary.
Firstly Global Express final production is here. You should be able to get a few of them although frustratingly you know theres a whole lot more behind closed doors. You should also see a couple of challengers.
Air Creebec and Air Inuit operate several flights a day with Dash 8’s.
Air Canada Jazz have a fleet based here that you won’t see in Toronto.
Porter Airlines are regular and Provincial Airlines operate a DHC8 out of here.
Early morning 6 till 9 or evening 5 till 8 are the best times.
Mirabel - May 2018
Mirabel is about a half hour drive away and is where Bombardier make the CRJ900 / 1000’s and CS series. Again most aircraft will be behind closed doors but I logged 8 parked outside on each of my two visits.
Cargo also operates from this airport with Fedex having a few aircraft parked up along with a Cargojet.
If you continue past the cargo hangers you will find Nolinors terminal and Pratt and Whitneys hanger. Nolinor had several aircraft parked including newly acquired TAAG B732 D2-TBC at the time. Pratt and Whitneys B747 was in the hanger. A few aircraft where also WFU including an Air Transat A310 and Weststar B727.
Ottawa – Oct 2010
LANDSIDE
I didn’t go into the terminal so no idea on views from here. I would recommend a car so you can explore various hangers etc or it would be a long walk to see everything. Nav Canada have a hanger with several aircraft in it. Didn’t see there Dash8’s or CRJ’s here though. Opposite is a derelict First Air B727 parked on the grass. You can go right up to it. C-FIFA C/N 20381. Another B727 was parked WFU on the ramp near this area with Training / Formation titles but I still don’t know the identity of this. First Air are based here and 2 B737’s nightstopped outside the hanger. They allowed me access and inside was there B767.
For watching movements there are some good spots on the opposite side of the runway. To get here drive past the First Air hanger and you will find yourself at the threshold to this runway and should be good for arrival shots. Continue down the road and you can park near the fire station, giving good views of the runway and terminal. B727 bits remain at the fire station but I havent been able to identify this either.
AIRSIDE
?
HOTELS
None at the airport
WHAT TO EXPECT
As mentioned above Nav Canada and First Air should have some aircraft present. Bearskin operate metro’s with 4 being seen in a few hours.
Air Canada operate several flights with CRJ’s and Porter are regular with Dash 8’s.
Not amazingly busy but can fill some gaps and is en route from Toronto to Montreal if you are driving.
Tip – Canada Aviation Museum is located in the centre of Ottawa at Rockcliffe Airport. See www.aviation.technomuses.ca/about_us/ . They have a large exhibit of aircraft incuding Air Canada DC9 CF-TLL.
Quebec City - May 2018
LANDSIDE
Top of the car park has good views over one runway, some remote stands and the GA area. I didn’t look in the terminal so not sure if views exist of these stand or the runway on that side.
Its possible to drive around the hanger areas although none could be seen into.
AIRSIDE
HOTELS
WHAT TO EXPECT
Not particularly busy and not worth spending much time at. Several Air Canada and Westjet DHC8s along with the occasional Provincial Airlines and Air Inuit. Theres a good number of aircraft parked around the GA area, mostly Beech 200s or similar.
The Government of Quebec base there aircraft here. Several CL215s where parked along with a DHC8. I was fortunate they opened the hanger door when I was there as the other DHC8 was pulled out and departed and could also see a challenger inside.
A Fedex ATR72 daystopped from Mirabel at the time during weekdays.
Saskatoon – Oct 2010
LANDSIDE
Outside the terminal its possible to get good views from the perimeter fence. Not sure about inside. From here its about a 10-15 minute walk to the hangers were some commuter traffic and stored aircraft should be parked.
AIRSIDE
All movements can be seen from here.
HOTELS
None seen or known about.
WHAT TO EXPECT
At the time there was 24 Canadian Airlines F28s WFU here, some by the hangers and some on the other side of the field.
West wind aviation are also based here but in terms of regular flights it is extremely quiet. You don’t want to spend any time here but maybe worth a quick visit if you want the stored aircraft. I booked a flight from Winnipeg to Vancouver which required a plane change at Saskatoon and Edmonton so that worked in really well. A 1 hour connection was just enough time to run to the hangers and back.
St Johns - May 2018
LANDSIDE
Possible to see most things from outside the terminal. There is a small observation area but looking through 2 sets of glass.
AIRSIDE
Good Views
HOTELS
WHAT TO EXPECT
Provincial Airlines are supposedly based although only 1 seen. They have large complex on the far side and are involved in other areas. They have a DHC8 modified for maritime surveillance which arrived along with 2 fighters. It was however quickly hidden in a hanger so I got lucky with that.
At the time they had two former Bahamasair DHC8s parked outside the hanger. C6-BFJ and BFP.
Thunder Bay – Oct 2010
LANDSIDE
Windows inside the terminal and outside either side of the terminal allow everything to be seen. Several hangers and general aviation areas are close by and easy to walk around.
AIRSIDE
Window views allow everything to be seen
HOTELS
The Travelodge located at the threshold of runway 25 and about a mile from the airport. Distant views of the airport can be had from here and good views of arriving traffic.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Not particularly busy but a few things you may not see elsewhere.
Wasaya are based with there B1900’s and a DHC8.
Bearskin have several flights with Metro’s.
On the opposite side of the runway is the aviation centre of excellence with former Air Canada DC9 CF-TLT.
Expect several other aircraft around the general aviation area and hangers.
Toronto – May 2018
LANDSIDE
Views are very poor from the terminal area. From T1 some of the Air Canada Jazz gates can be seen. From T3 take the bridge to the Sheraton and take the elevator to the top floor. There are window views from here allowing most movements to be seen and exactly the same as what you would get if you had a reservation here. If nobody reports you then you could probably stay there for a long time.
A car is recommended as there are several vantage points and hangers around the perimeter. Due to the size of the airport and the runways in use it is very hard to get everything. At the opposite end of the airport from the terminals you can find spots at the end of the runways. Dixie Road is the main road at this end of the airport and goes past the threshold of runway 05. From here take Britannia Road towards the airport and its possible to access the midfield complex where the control tower and some hangers are. From here its possible to get some views of the terminal and see most movements. However these are private car parks so its possible you may get moved on. Some bizjets and aircraft parked outside of the bombardier hangers can also be seen from this area. Also from here there is road going past the threshold of runways 06L and 06R which are next to each other. If they are landing on 23 or 24L, 24R there are also various spots to park in these areas.
Toronto also has 2 other runways running perpendicular to the others but they don’t seemed to be used regular. Runways 15L, 15R – 33L, 33R are located either side of the midfield complex and you will drive under 1 of them to gain access to this area. It should be possible to find reasonable vantage points to watch the movements on these as well.
There are several other hangers located close together on Derry road on the North West side of the field, including field aviation who do modifications on Dash8’s. A drive around here should produce some interesting aircraft as well as some biz. Cargo is also up the road from here and it should be possible to get whats on stand.
There is no 1 particular best place to be. You need to see what the runway configuration is at the time and find the best spot. Be sure to take a map of the airport area to help but its very easy to find your way around.
AIRSIDE
Both terminal 1 and terminal 3 have decent window views and most aircraft should be seen from here.
HOTELS
Sheraton Gateway
Located outside terminal 3 and has excellent views over the whole airport. Everything can be seen although you will need sbs for some stuff. The runways are a distance away and with heat haze its not possible to read them off unless they pass by you. Saying that you will get most stuff with all Westjet gates in front of you and some Air Canada visable. If your looking for photo’s then you will prefer the spots on the perimeter. You should still hire a car at some point to see the hangers on Derry Road. Hire car is an obvious problem from here due to paying $30 a night to park at the hotel. Saying that, the car rentals are situated almost directly under the hotel. I returned to the hotel on 2 occasions and both times parked back in the car rental spots occurring no charges.
Hilton – I stayed here in 2013. Situated just down the road and has excellent views of runway 23 and 24L as well as several T1 stands. If they are using these runways then you are effectively seeing two thirds of the movements and over the course of a day you shouldn’t miss too much. When booking this hotel online I was given the option of paying $5 to go on standby for a room with a view. They are obviously used to the request and trying to make money on it. Obviously its on a first come first serve basis. When I checked in they had an appropriate room ready for me and never charged the $5.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Canada’s busiest airport but not the best in terms of variety. Air Canada and Westjet dominate with very little else in terms of Canadian stuff. Air Transat and Sunwing should have several aircraft around with the rest being made up of European and asian long haul flights and a large number of regional jets from the states.
Toronto Other Airports - Apr 2013
Downsview Airport
Located fairly close by and is Bombardiers assembly line for the DHC8 400 and Global Express. One of the car parks to the right has views and several aircraft may be parked outside.
Toronto City Airport
Located downtown and is the home of Porter Airlines. Most of there fleet should be seen first thing along with a few Air Canada DHC8 400’s. The CN tower has excellent views of the airport and allows excellent photo’s as you are above the arrivals. There are several spots along the waterfront to watch the movements and you could combine it with a ferry ride to Toronto Island park. No need to go to the airport itself which involves a ferry ride and probably has no views. There are 2 Arkia DHC7’s and a UN DHC7 stored here – C- GNUY, C-GYTZ and C-FWYU.
Tip – The city of Hamilton is less than an hours drive to the South and is the predominant cargo airport for the Toronto area – see report.
Tip - Peterborough Airpor is about a 1 hour 20 drive. Currently has 5 CRJS stored and I noted 4 Global Express.
Tip - Trenton Air Force Base is maybe a 2 hour drive or more. I haven’t been but there A310s and C17s are reportedly based and they have a museum here with a B720.
Toronto Hamilton – Apr 2013
LANDSIDE
There are several different apron and hanger areas to explore. I was able to get most stuff by driving around. Whether there is any particular spot for watching movements I don’t know.
AIRSIDE
HOTELS
WHAT TO EXPECT
Westjet are the only passenger airline here with a few flights. The main reason is for the cargo with Kelowna, Cargojet and Purolator having several flights. At midday I logged 5 B727’s and 3 DC10’s. The first time I went a few years ago, I arrived around 5am as timetables suggested this was a good time. I logged 12 B727’s 3 DC10’s and 3 B1900’s. The B1900’s were a little tricky and hard to spot being parked close to a hanger.
B727 VP-BAJ is WFU here belonging to Mohawk College. C-FCJP B727 is also WFU on cargojets ramp.
The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is located here with many aircraft including the nose section of B727 C-GBWA. Its open 9-5 most days and well worth a visit if you interested on older aircraft.
see www.warplane.com
Tip – Hamilton is en route to Niagara falls so is a convenient stop if your doing some sightseeing.
Vancouver – May 2018
LANDSIDE
There is an excellent viewing area located within the terminal complex. It overlooks the midfield area with the runways either side of you. You can’t see some gates from here but most stuff can be seen taxiing in or out. Certainly the best place when the weather is bad. Smaller stuff using the south terminal may be missed from here.
There south terminal is located on the other side of the southern runway. This is used by several local taxi airlines and is a good location from which to view the various hangers in this area. They have now built a small dedicated viewing platform providing excellent views of the southern runway and some gates on the main terminal. Pacific Coastal have a hanger here and at the time had several aircraft inside and several aircraft in storage outside. There is a free shuttle bus from the main terminal. However, and I’m not sure if this is still the case but several years ago you couldn’t get the shuttle back to the main terminal. After dropping you off the bus went airside and will only transit arriving passengers back to the main terminal. You therefore have to get a taxi. This area is also very close to the seaplane base on the adjacent river.
There are some good spots around the runway thresholds, especially the northern runway if you have a car. No problems parking by the side of the road
The southern runway seems to be mostly departures and south terminal arrivals with most other arrivals on the northern runway.
AIRSIDE
Good views are available from the domestic area and you are free to walk between all the gates allowing some views of the stuff on the other side of the runway. All movements should be seen.
From the international area I suspect you would only get views of the northern runway and would miss some domestic movements.
HOTELS
The Fairmont Vancouver Hotel situated in the international terminal area reportedly has excellent views. However its very pricey and given the available views from other areas its not a necessity. It is very convenient but there are several much cheaper hotels in the vicinity with shuttle buses.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Canada’s second busiest airport. Air Canada and Westjet dominate with very little else on the main terminal. Air Canada Jazz have several aircraft based here so you will want to see them. Westjet had 5 DHC8s early morning. Westjet have about 25 DHC8s flying between the western destinations like Calgary, Edmonton etc so these do gradually change around.
On the commuter terminal Pacific Coastal Airlines are based and most of there fleet should be seen if you explore the hanger area as well. Several smaller aircraft should be seen and you can expect a few aircraft daystopping on the cargo ramp.
If your into floatplanes then this will make it more interesting. Other than that a good selection of international flights from the US and Asia keep things going.
The British Columbia institute of technology have purchased B737-200 C-GWJT along with a CRJ. They are located within there building which is on the way to the south terminal and can easily be seen as you pass by.
Winnipeg – May 2018
LANDSIDE
Terminal – Didn’t notice any views now the terminal has been extended but didn’t look.
You will want to explore the hangers here. Perimeter and Calm Air have hangers on the other side of cargo a couple of kilometers walk away.
Red River college is located on the airport in the north west corner with 2 aircraft WFU. N127FE B727 Fed Ex and C-FTLM DC9 Air Canada. It looks like the DC9 is behind a hanger now and you will need a car if you want to see it. The B727 should be seen from the terminal. A few smaller aircraft are there as well.
AIRSIDE
Window views over the main apron and runways so all movements should be seen
HOTELS
Both The Grand and The Four Seasons hotels next to the terminal have rooms with a view. All movements can be seen and stuff can be read of at night.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Not the busiest airport in terms of regular passenger flights but has lots of general aviation movements and interesting inmates. Definitely worth a visit.
Perimeter Aviation have there own terminal operating many local flights with their fleet of metro’s and DHC8’s.
Calm Air are based here with ATR’s.
The Canadian Armed Forces have a massive complex on the opposite side of the airfield and base there DHC8’s here. 2 seen both times I visited. Unsurprisingly its not possible to get close to this area to search for other aircraft.
Expect to see several other aircraft parked around the hangers / general aviation area.
