Question: Air Canada Plane Spotting YYZ (Toronto)
Jun 20, 2011, 11:08 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Toronto
Programs: AC SE (+1MM)
Posts: 240
Air Canada Plane Spotting YYZ (Toronto)
So where is the best place to take your family to spot planes taking off and landing at YYZ? Years ago as I child I remember "Pepi's Jet Set Drive Inn" which I think was on Dixon / Airport Road. The parking lot was adjacent to the main North / South runway. You could grab some fast food and watch the planes up close as they flew over. I would like to offer the same experience to my wife and son. Any suggestions as to where to park and watch the planes fly by (up close)?
Jun 20, 2011, 11:10 am
#2
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Toronto, ON
Programs: AC 75K
Posts: 6,358
Check out this site: it lists a few options http://contrailsphotography.com/spottingyyz.html
I like #8 for arrivals from the east/departures to the west. and #7 for arrivals from the west.
I like #8 for arrivals from the east/departures to the west. and #7 for arrivals from the west.
Jun 20, 2011, 11:41 am
#4
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: YYZ
Posts: 6,138
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Wendy's is the best place, by far. By two-year-old loves watching the planes land there.
Wendy's is the best place, by far. By two-year-old loves watching the planes land there.
Jun 20, 2011, 12:36 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Toronto
Programs: AC SE (+1MM)
Posts: 240
Thank You for your help. I think spot 8, particularly the Wendy's is where the old Drive In restaurant was when I was a kid. I am going to take my family to spot 8 as soon as I get a chance...
Jun 20, 2011, 12:46 pm
#6
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: YYZ
Posts: 6,138
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It's most fun when the planes are landing on that runway (23?). Check liveatc.net to hear which runway is active before you go to best stake out your spot.
There is also a liveatc iPhone app (yes, I am that big of a nerd).
Originally Posted by Jim007
Thank You for your help. I think spot 8, particularly the Wendy's is where the old Drive In restaurant was when I was a kid. I am going to take my family to spot 8 as soon as I get a chance...
There is also a liveatc iPhone app (yes, I am that big of a nerd).
Jun 20, 2011, 4:02 pm
#8
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: YVR
Programs: AC E50K
Posts: 994
I like #7. From Derry, turn into FedEx and it is at the end of the road. You can watch planes taking off and landing from both directions. Since it is a dead end, you don't worry about traffic and let the kids roam freely. Bring drink/snack as there is no service around. Yes, empty the bladder (at Wendy's) before you get there. Lots of spotters here with ATC radio scanners, you can listen in and know what is coming and going. All spotter are very friendly. Check my handle.
Warning about #8. The plane landing on runway 23 seems appear all the sudden above your head and loud. Small kids may be scared.
Warning about #8. The plane landing on runway 23 seems appear all the sudden above your head and loud. Small kids may be scared.
Jun 20, 2011, 4:09 pm
#9
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: YVR
Programs: AC E50K
Posts: 994
Jun 20, 2011, 4:24 pm
#10
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: YTZ
Programs: Hertz & Avis PC; National EE; SPG & Hilton Gold; AC 35K (yawn)
Posts: 5,921
FEDEX is fine, but you don't get the shock and awe that Wendy's gives you:
Blue Angel by BriYYZ, on Flickr
Air France A340-300 F-GNIH by BriYYZ, on Flickr
Emirates A380 by BriYYZ, on Flickr
Blue Angel by BriYYZ, on Flickr
Air France A340-300 F-GNIH by BriYYZ, on Flickr
Emirates A380 by BriYYZ, on Flickr
Jun 20, 2011, 4:26 pm
#11
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: YTZ
Programs: Hertz & Avis PC; National EE; SPG & Hilton Gold; AC 35K (yawn)
Posts: 5,921