Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ/CYYZ) is Canada’s largest airport and the main gateway for the city of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). In 2019, around 50 Million passengers travelled through the airport – also commonly referred to only as “YYZ” – making it the 34th busiest airport worldwide.

Pearson International is the homebase and main hub of Air Canada and its subsidiaries Air Canada Express (CRJ, Dash8, E175) and Rouge (A319, A321, 763) and an important base for WestJet (incl. Encore which operates one of the largest Dash8-Q400 fleets). Together, they represent the majority of traffic. The Canadian airlines AirTransat, Flair Airlines, Swoop and Sunwing offer dozens of daily flights, too. Apart from them, YYZ is served by all mainline US-carriers and many different airlines from Asia, Africa, Europe, South America and the Middle East. The airport is open 24h but just a few flights, mainly cargo, are at night.

It is located around 22km northwest of Toronto’s city center. The bigger part of the airport’s surface is located on the territory of the neighboring city of Mississauga. Pearson Intl. can be reached via Highways 409 and 427. If you prefer to take the train, you can take the Toronto subway to “Kipling” station and continue with the “Airport Rocket”. Since June 2015 it is also possible to go directly from Toronto Central Station to Terminal 1 by using the “Union Pearson Express”.

Regarding the amount of photos and Videos taken at YYZ, one could easily get the impression that plane spotting at YYZ is very popular – during our visit we experienced that this is not entirely correct. At the famous spots, spotters are a known sight, but when it comes to the less popular spots, you should expect to be approached by the authorities and probably to be displaced.

Written by S. Hackenberger, J. Seba, L. Manara, Damien Nordness, Marcus and Th. Okaty. Last Change: June 2024 (Spot 10 added)​

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
05/23	3.389 m (11.1120 ft) Asphalt
06L/24R	2.955 m (9.697 ft) Asphalt
06R/24L	2.743 m (9.000 ft) Asphalt
15L/33R	3.368 m (11.050 ft) Asphalt
15R/33L	2.770 m (9.088 ft) Asphalt
Terminals
Terminal 1	Air Canada and Star Alliance partners, Emirates (A380)
Terminal 3	WestJet, SkyTeam, Oneworld and all other carriers
Infield Terminal	Some international carriers, eg Icelandair, WOW, Condor
Airport Chart
Spotting Information
Ladder	Not needed and even not recommended; the use of a ladder next to the airport fence will attract the authorities.
Car/Public Transport	We recommend one, especially for spots number 5-10. You can also park directly at almost every spotting location. If you stay in one of the hotels next to the terminals and there are 23/24 ops. you can walk or use public transport to spots 1-4 and 11.
Restrooms	In the terminal and in the many many restaurants and hotels around the airport. Especially at locations 1-4 and 11.
Drinks/Food	There are a few restaurants and shops nearby every spotting location offering supply of food and Drinks. Especially at locations 1-4 and 11.
Hotels	There are many hotels nearby the Airport especially east of the terminals along Dixon Rd. From there you can walk to spots 1-4 and even 11 if you don´t mind. There are some with a nice view of RWY24 approach too so just ask for a room heading south.
Season	The traffic at Toronto Pearson does basically consist of mainline and Business carriers, that is why there is no remarkable difference between summer and winter in number of movements. The canadian carriers offering seasonal (charter) flights to Europe during the summer and to Florida, Carribbean Sea and South America during the cold canadian winter months. Due to the directon of the two main runways, spotting makes more sense during the warmer summer months.
Runway Usage
05/23	One of the two main runways and used in all directions. Mainly northern routes using this runway which includes most heavies.
06L/24R	One of the two main runways and used in all directions. Mainly southern routes using this runway.
06R/24L	Less in use than his parallel running partner but used in all directions too. Especially during peak times it is used for arrivals whilst 06L/24R is used for departures.
15L/33R	Barely in use during strong winds only.
15R/33L	Barely in use during strong winds only.

Park´N Fly & Coffee Time on Carlingview Dr - 24R arrivals

WHERE	The spots on the Park`N Fly parking lot and the Coffee Time parking lot respectively are located east and west of Carlingview Drive (near the Dixon Rd & Carlingview Dr intersection). Please check their website for the current parking rates. If you are coming from the terminal or stay in one of the airport hotels in that area you can easily walk to these spots. The angle at the Coffe Time parking lot is a bit more unfavorable compared to the Park´N Fly location, but you can park there free of charge and there are no obstructing objects. On the Park`N Fly lot, the view is partially obstructed by light poles and power lines, but there are enough gaps.
WHAT	Arrivals on RWY 24R only.
TIME	From mid-late afternoon until sunset. In winter, there will only be a short window for decently lit shots.
MISC.	There are plenty of gas stations, hotels and (fast food) restaurants on Carlingview Dr.
FOCAL LENGTH	Park`N Fly: 738 = 350mm Coffee Time: 738 = 180mm

    Park`N Fly:

YYZ Spot 1

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    Coffee Time parking lot:

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Warehouses - 24R arrivals

WHERE	From the terminal, follow the signs towards the Airport Road. Go East on Airport road and right on Carlingview Drive. After the Hooters restaurant, go left onto Meteor Drive and enter the industrial area. Find a spot on the parking lot.
WHAT	Arrivals runway 24R.
TIME	From sunrise until afternoon all year round.
MISC.	There is nothing nearby. This are some companies so its “private property”. It is better to visit it during weekends when nobody is there. Alternative is #3.
FOCAL LENGTH	~ 170 – 250 mm.

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Silver Dart Dr - 24R arrivals and line-up

WHERE	This is an alternative to #2. Coming from Spot #1, Carlingview Drive turn the next right, pass the 427 and then left. There is a small open parking to your right hand side. It belongs to Hertz Rent a Car but it should be fine if you stay there (as of April 2024 parking there is no longer possible as the lot is gated). You can park at #1 or in one of the nearby business, spot in the morning here and walk back when the sun has moved to the opposite side. Now you have to walk along SilverDart Dr. for just a few minutes heading to the 24R approach path. Stay on the right side behind the barriers until you have find your prefered position. For line-up you have to cross SilverDart Dr. and you have to shot through the fence. When the sun moves to the other side just continue on this road. A parking for the afternoon side is marked on the map. You can walk there from the terminals too as the SilverDart Dr. starts at the international terminal.
WHAT	All arrivals and line-up on 24R
TIME	From sunrise until afternoon all year round. In summer summer move to the other side when the sun has turned around.
MISC.	Nothing nearby. Everything you need at Spot #1.
FOCAL LENGTH	Arrival: 763 = 100mm; CRJ900 = 140mm; 73G = 140mm Line-Up: 717 = 160mm; 763= 100mm; Dash8-Q400 = 180mmAfternoon: A320 = 140mm; CRJ200 = 150mm

    Morning:

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    Afternoon:

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Silver Dart Dr - 24L arrivals

WHERE	Same direction as described above but from the Herz employee parking  just cross the road by the roadside.
WHAT	Arrivals on 24L only. Mainly in use during peak times when 24R is in use for departures.
TIME	From sunrise until afternoon all year round.
MISC.	Nothing nearby. Everything you need at Spot #1.
FOCAL LENGTH	Dash 8-100 = 150mm; Dash 8-Q400 = 100mm

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Convair Drive - 06R arrivals

WHERE	The spot is at the Convair Drive. Easy to reach if coming from spots 3/4 you just have to follow the road along the perimeter fence, parallel to 06R/24L till the end of the runway. A small area is available for parking your car. An elevated grass area offers a perfect place to relax, position your equipment and shoot landing aircraft that come very low and with a perfect light in the morning.
WHAT	06R and 06L arrivals and 06L line-ups. 06R is only in use during peak times.
TIME	From sunrise until afternoon all year round.
MISC.	Absolutley nothing nearby. No issues with security or police. No ladder needed for ground photos as you can easily photograph over the fence.
FOCAL LENGTH	06L: CRJ200 = 160mm, 06R arrival and line-up: B738 = 320mm

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Dead End Rd - 06L/R arrivals

WHERE	The spot is on the opposite side of the terminals at the end of Luke Rd. Easy to reach if coming from spots 3/4 you just have to follow the road along the perimeter fence, parallel to 06R/24L. Then three times left and you are in Luke Rd. Drive until the end. There is a bus stop at Dixie Rd if you don´t have a car.
WHAT	06L/R arrivals only.
TIME	In the summer only from late afternoon till sunset.
MISC.	Absolutley nothing nearby. Some hotels and fast food chains at Dixie Rd south of it.
FOCAL LENGTH	77W = 90mm; 73H = 160mm

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Hill - 33L arrivals and departures

WHERE	The spot is at the threshold of RWY 33L. Use the same road if coming from #3/4 parallel to the runway but instead of turning left to #5 continue a few meters until you see a small hill to your left, on the opposite side of the threshold. Park along the road and climb up to avoid the fence in your photos.
WHAT	In the rare case they use 33L this is a good spot. Taxiway F can be photographed as well from here. We did not test it but departures on 15R should be possible too if you walk a bit more down the road.
TIME	From noon till sunset all year round.
MISC.	Nothing nearby. Don´t block the crash gate when parking.
FOCAL LENGTH	763 = 140mm; A330 = 120mm

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Infield Terminal - 15L/33R

WHERE	Once again if coming from 3/4 on the parallel route take the first right after you have passed the threshold of RWY06. Continue until you see the Inflield Terminal and turn right before it. Drive until the fence and park your car on the right side.
WHAT	All movements on RWY 15L/33R and taxiway E.
TIME	From noon until sunset all year round.
MISC.	Nothing nearby.  Taking the photos through the mesh is a bit tricky as the planes on the runway are already very quick. Be aware of heat haze issues on runway.
FOCAL LENGTH	Runway operations: B789 = 240mm / B772 = 200mm / A319 = 120mm Taxiway operations: F2TH = 120mm

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Dixie Rd - Runway 05 Arrivals

WHERE	This is a very popular spot among locals along Dixie Road, just south of the Dixie & Derry intersection. Roadside parking is available in a little street called Director Gate, which is just off of Dixie. Mind the heavy traffic on Dixie Rd when walking over to the spotting location! In the morning the game can be tricky as trees and electric poles are a challenge, however, there are plenty of gaps to get good shots. There is an alternate location on Davand Drive, which runs parallel to Dixie Rd. Don’t get fooled, the sign at the entrance to the business at this spot says “1365 Mid-way Blvd” though. The advantage of this location on Danard over the one on Dixie is that you have your car close by – parking is available all along the road – and that there is much less traffic. Disadvantage: approaching planes will disappear behind a building for a short moment (see sample shot of the Etihad 773) and you will also be dealing with trees and power lines partially obstructing your view. For the afternoon (summer only), coming from Director Gate, just walk across the grassy area along Dixie Rd towards the Dixie/Derry intersection until you have put enough distance between yourself and the approach path to avoid using a wide-angle lens.
WHAT	All arrivals on runway 05. Departures on 23 are already quite high, but doable. This runway is mostly used by the international traffic/wide bodies.
TIME	From sunrise until afternoon all year round and until sunset during the summer months. In summer, when the sun has turned around, move to the other side.
MISC.	Various fast food places and gas stations along Dixie Rd.
FOCAL LENGTH	For 05 arrivals Morning (Dixie): 772 = 60mm; E175 = 110mm Morning (Davand): 773 = 120mm; A321 = 180mm Afternoon: 773 = 70mm; DHC-8Q400 = 120mm For 23 departures (in climb): >250mm

     Dixie Rd – sunrise until afternoon:

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    Tim Horton’s parking lot on corner of Dixie Rd & Mid-Way Blvd – sunrise until afternoon (departures only):

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    Davand Dr – Sunrise until afternoon (arrivals only):

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    Dixie Rd – afternoon until sunset:

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Tru by Hilton - 05 line up, 23 departures

WHERE	The Tru by Hilton Toronto Airport West at Dixie Road has rooms that face the airport, meaning you can see planes from there. You’ll have to shoot through the window but that’s usually no problem.
WHAT	Best for 23 departures, with a nice background of the terminals. 05 line-ups are possible but limited due to the vegetation.
TIME	Late afternoon until sunset (summer only!).
MISC.	Rooms are around 100$ a night. Various fast food places and gas stations along Dixie Rd.
FOCAL LENGTH	LH 744 = 200mm; AC 38M = 200mm, CZ 777 = 220mm

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Airport Rd - Arrivals RWY23

WHERE	This likely most popular spotting location at YYZ is right next to a gas station, which used to make for spectacular shots. However, the roof of the gas station has been removed in 2018, so it’s not as peculiar as it used to be. Nonetheless, it remains a great spotting location! If coming from the terminals just follow the Airport Road for about 2km in western direction until you can see a Wendy’s and a Petrol-Canada gas station on your right. Park your car nearby and pick your preferred position (mainly depending on your preferred angle). There is even a public parking garage where you can go on the top floor in the evening to gain a slightly better angle as from the ground. Update 05/2019: The parking garage has been locked up and is going to be demolished in the near term. (sample photos below were taken from the top deck of the garage, so expect a much different angle from the ground)
WHAT	Arrivals on runway 23 and line-up. For the latter you have to cross the road and shoot through the mesh of the fence.
TIME	You can stay here the whole day. In the morning find a location next to the CIBC bank and in the afternoon (summer months only!) move to the opposite side just a little bit more westwards of the gas station. Line-Up shots possible only from sunrise until afternoon.
MISC.	Everything nearby, like Fresh Burger and the gas station. Various hotels are located on Airport Rd and adjacent roads.
FOCAL LENGTH	50 – 300mm

    Sunrise through early afternoon:

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    Early afternoon until sunset (summer only, shots were taken from the parking garage, see update above!):

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International Blvd - 24L arrivals

WHERE	This spot, which is an alternative to spot #4, is located on the parking lot of the Canadian Baptist Church headquarters right next to the Carlingview Dr & International Blvd intersection. The angle is slightly more favorable compared to spot #4, however, there are a few lamp posts on the parking lot, which have sufficient gaps though, but will force you to time your shots properly. We didn’t encounter any issues while spotting from this location, but bear in mind that it is a private property, so be prepared to be asked to leave!
WHAT	Arrivals on RWY 24L only.
TIME	From sunrise until early afternoon in summer and until late afternoon in winter.
MISC.	Nothing on-site, bring everything you need.
FOCAL LENGTH	50-200mm

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Avworld Canada - 24L arrivals

WHERE	The spot itself is on the parking lot for the “Avworld Canada” aviation store. It can be reached via Carlingview Drive from the terminals.
WHAT	Arrivals on RWY 24L only.
TIME	From mid-late afternoon until sunset. In winter, there will only be a short window for decently lit shots.
MISC.	The store has aviation books, models, apparel, keychains, and many more. Definitely worth a visit by planespotters in the summer, as they also has a Coffee Bar inside. There are some power lines in the area that could obstruct the view of some wide body jets.
FOCAL LENGTH	150-300mm B737-800 at 210 mm B787-8 at 195 mm

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