Human fascination with flight has made air shows popular since the early days of aviation. Toronto was the site of numerous air shows as it developed into a centre of air transportation and aircraft manufacturing in the early twentieth century. The Canadian International Air Show originated in 1946 when the National Aeronautical Association of Canada attracted overflow crowds to a show at De Havilland Airport in Downsview. Staged annually thereafter, the air show moved to Exhibition Place in 1949 and became a regular feature of the Canadian National Exhibition in 1956. Here, it developed into a world-class exhibition featuring diverse types of aircraft, precision and stunt flying, and aeronautical technology.

Location

North of the Bailey Bridge, overlooking Lakeshore Boulevard — behind the band shell — Exhibition Place, Toronto

Themes

• Arts and culture
• War and conflict