Here's where you can watch the CNE Air Show for free in Toronto

Toronto, it's approaching that time of year again when the CNE Air Show takes to the skies for 2025, and you'll want to stake out a spot in advance for this year's biggest aviation display.

The Canadian International Air Show returns on Labour Day weekend with everyone's favourite military and demonstration aircraft, which will soon be whizzing through the air doing spectacular stunts, and, like every other year, you don't want to miss it.

While there are plenty of paid options to view this year's event, many will opt to take in the display above for free from a handful of key viewing locations.

The air show has become a Toronto tradition — no wonder it's coming back for its 76th year — and thousands of people around the city gather in different areas around town to see the spectacle. Some pay for tickets while others prefer to watch it for free. And for the latter, there’s usually a common ground everyone used to flock to: Ontario Place. Right?

However, with the bulk of Ontario Place closed to the public amid a controversial redevelopment, spectators may be left wondering where they can watch the air show for free this year.

Well, there are places beyond Ontario Place where you can get some picture-worthy views of the show without having to break the bank — or even access the bank at all, for that matter.

Where to watch the air show for free

I know you don't want to be stuck in a crowd, squinting to catch a glimpse of the air show action; even watching the nosedives through binoculars or a long lens won't do it justice.

You want to secure a spot where you can catch the thrill of each performance with the naked eye. So, where do you go? I got you covered. Here are the tried and tested viewing points to enjoy this year's thrilling aviation production without any obstruction.

• Coronation Park, 711 Lake Shore Boulevard West
• Marilyn Bell Park, 1095 Lake Shore Boulevard West (remain outside the fenced area for the perfect view. The fenced off area is for ticketholders only.)
• Sheldon Lookout, Martin Goodman Trail
• Sunnyside Beach, 1755 Lake Shore Boulevard West
• Trillium Park, 955 Lake Shore Boulevard West

Things to keep in mind

Take this experience as you would any outdoor adventure in a crowded space, because a free event will draw large crowds, right? Right! So, what do you need to be comfortable?

Bring a lawn chair to sit and watch so you avoid bumping into other spectators, a cooler of snacks and beverages to enjoy throughout the show, and wear sunscreen and a hat — it's still summer — and most importantly, arrive early! You don't want to heckle for a spot by arriving right on time — nobody likes a heckler...

The Canadian International Air Show takes place August 30 to September 1, from 12 p.m. to 3:40 p.m., daily, and happens at Marilyn Bell Park located at 1095 Lake Shore Boulevard West.