Billy Bishop Airport: A Compact Aviation Hub In Toronto

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, formerly known as Toronto City Centre Airport, is located on an island in Toronto Harbour, just minutes away from the city's financial, industrial, and entertainment districts. The airport is named after William Avery Billy Bishop, a Canadian First World War flying ace and World War II Air Marshal. It is a small airport with one main east-west runway, a shorter runway 20 degrees off, and a seaplane base. The airport is easily accessible through a pedestrian tunnel and a ferry system, providing a quick and convenient travel experience for its users.

Location

Billy Bishop Airport, officially known as Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, is located on the Toronto Islands in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is often referred to as the Toronto Island Airport and was previously known as Toronto City Centre Airport. The airport is just minutes away from the city's financial, industrial, and entertainment districts. It is also within a 4-kilometer radius of notable landmarks such as the CN Tower, Eaton Centre, Queen's Park, and City Hall.

The airport is accessible via a pedestrian tunnel that connects the Toronto mainland to the island. This tunnel is approximately 240 meters (800 feet) long and has moving sidewalks and elevators at both ends. It is free to use and provides quick and easy access to the airport. Additionally, a ferry system operates during airport hours, with a passenger and vehicle ferry making round trips every 15 minutes. The first ferry at 5:15 am is for airport staff, while airline passengers can begin crossing at 5:30 am. A free shuttle bus service is also available from the intersection of York Street and Front Street. Short-term and long-term parking options are located at the dock and on the island, but there is no curb-side parking.

For public transportation, the 509 Harbourfront streetcar line, which connects to the subway, can be accessed at the intersection of Bathurst Street and Queens Quay, one block north of the ferry dock. The airport also has a seaplane base, Billy Bishop Toronto City Water Aerodrome, and is in close proximity to downtown hospitals, making it suitable for medical evacuation flights.

Billy Bishop Airport is named after William Avery "Billy" Bishop, a Canadian World War I flying ace and World War II Air Marshal. The airport is operated as a division of PortsToronto (formerly Toronto Port Authority) and is classified as an airport of entry by Nav Canada. It is staffed by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), with officers capable of handling aircraft with up to 90 passengers.

Transport links

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is located on Toronto Island, just off the shore of downtown Toronto, and offers many convenient transportation options to and from the airport. The airport is served by Porter Airlines, Air Canada, and charter helicopter and aircraft.

Ferry

The airport ferry is located at the foot of Bathurst Street and takes only 90 seconds to reach the airport, making it one of the shortest ferry trips in the world. The ferry is free for travellers and non-travellers and leaves every 15 minutes.

Pedestrian tunnel

A pedestrian tunnel with moving sidewalks was opened in 2015 to give access to the airport terminal. The tunnel connects Toronto's mainland to the island terminal, providing a fast, reliable, and convenient way to access the airport. It takes less than six minutes to get from the tunnel to downtown Toronto.

Complimentary shuttle

Six complimentary shuttle buses connect passengers between Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and Toronto's Union Station, with connections to public and regional transit. The shuttle buses operate every 10 to 15 minutes and are equipped with free on-board Wi-Fi. The shuttle trip takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Public transit

Billy Bishop Airport is connected to Toronto's downtown core by public transit. TTC streetcars 509 from Bathurst Station and 511 from Union Station stop near the airport.

Car

Due to the airport's downtown setting, parking on-site is limited, with the majority of parking located off-site. There are three Billy Bishop Airport parking lots:

• South end of Stadium Road, two streets west of Bathurst St and the ferry terminal
• On-site at the airport
• On the mainland at the entrance to the pedestrian tunnel

Bicycle

The airport is a short bike ride from Toronto's downtown core along the scenic Martin Goodman Trail, making biking a popular transportation option for passengers. There is a Bike Share Toronto station located minutes from the airport at the corner of Bathurst Street and Queens Quay.

Taxi

Taxi services are available at the airport.

History

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, located on Toronto Island, has been serving Toronto and the surrounding area for over 85 years. The airport is named after William Avery "Billy" Bishop, a Canadian First World War flying ace and World War II Air Marshal.

Discussions about building an airport in Toronto began in the late 1920s between City of Toronto officials and the federal Department of Transport. In June 1929, the Toronto Harbour Commission (THC) proposed a four-stage plan, starting with an air harbour for seaplanes. The construction of the airport was completed in 1939 by the THC, with the first flight landing on 4 February 1939. The airport was conceived as the main airport for Toronto, but nearby Malton Airport (now Toronto Pearson International Airport) became the city's primary passenger airline hub instead, leaving Billy Bishop Airport for general aviation and military purposes.

In 2009, the Toronto Port Authority (TPA) announced that it would rename the airport after Billy Bishop, drawing criticism from some who felt it was a "feel-good story" to distract from governance questions. The airport was officially renamed on 10 November 2009 and is now a world-class, award-winning airport, serving around 2.8 million passengers annually. It offers service to over 20 cities in Canada and the US, with connections to more than 100 international destinations.

Services and facilities

Billy Bishop Airport, officially known as Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, is located on the Toronto Islands, southwest of Downtown Toronto. The airport offers a range of services and facilities to ensure a smooth and convenient travel experience for its passengers.

Shuttle and Ferry Services

The airport provides a free shuttle bus service from the intersection of York Street and Front Street to the airport. Additionally, Porter Airlines offers a complimentary shuttle service every 10 to 15 minutes near the southwest corner of York and Front Streets. The shuttle takes approximately 10 minutes to reach the Airport Ferry. Passengers can also opt for the ferry service, which operates every 15 minutes from 5:15 a.m. to midnight. The ferry ride is complimentary and takes only a few minutes to reach the airport terminal.

Parking

Due to its downtown location, on-site parking is limited. There are three main parking options for travellers: the first is located at the south end of Stadium Road, west of Bathurst Street and the ferry terminal; the second is on-site island parking, which is the closest option but requires a separate reservation for the ferry; and the third is at the Canada Malting facility, just east of Bathurst. For long-term parking, there is a large facility located 2 kilometres away, offering an airport shuttle service that can be booked in advance.

Transportation to Downtown Toronto

Billy Bishop Airport is conveniently located just 3 kilometres from Toronto's downtown core. The 509 Harbourfront streetcar line, accessible from Bathurst Street and Queens Quay, connects to the subway system, providing easy access to downtown Toronto and its attractions.

Terminal Services and Amenities

The airport features a range of services and amenities within its terminal. Passengers can take advantage of complimentary baggage carts, nursing pods, and a secure Lost and Found. The terminal also offers duty-free shopping for luxury items, gifts, souvenirs, and travel essentials. Art and culture are celebrated through permanent and temporary art installations displayed throughout the airport. Additionally, passengers can enjoy a variety of dining options, showcasing locally sourced menus that reflect the flavours of Toronto.

Awards

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, formerly known as Toronto City Centre Airport and also referred to as Toronto Island Airport, is located on the Toronto Islands in Toronto Harbour. The airport has been praised for its efficiency, convenience, and smooth boarding experience. In March 2017, the airport was named the "Best Airport in North America" in two categories based on 2016 surveys.

The airport is named after William Avery "Billy" Bishop, a Canadian World War I flying ace and World War II Air Marshal. Bishop himself received numerous awards and honours throughout his career and subsequent years.

• Victoria Cross (VC) – awarded on 30 August 1917 for a solo mission behind enemy lines, during which he claimed to have shot down three aircraft and destroyed several more on the ground.
• Inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame in 1967.
• Air Force Association of Canada approved the establishment of a trophy in Bishop's honour, recognising his "outstanding contribution to the legacy of excellence in Canadian aviation".
• Bishop's childhood home in Owen Sound, Ontario, was turned into the Billy Bishop Home and Museum in 1987.
• Featured on Canadian stamps as part of the "Great Canadians" series issued by Canada Post in 1994.
• Two airports in Ontario bear Bishop's name: the Owen Sound Billy Bishop Regional Airport and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, renamed in 2009.
• Added to the wall of honour at the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario, in 2009.
• Subject of numerous artistic works, including the 1978 Canadian play and musical "Billy Bishop Goes to War" and a 1983 CBC Television documentary titled "The Kid Who Couldn't Miss".

Frequently asked questions