The Ultimate Playground: Play on the Runway at Downsview Airport
Have you ever imagined the thrill of freely roaming and playing on an airport runway? If you reside in the Toronto area, your dream is about to come true. Downsview Airport is granting a one-day opportunity for people of all ages, including our four-legged friends, to experience the joy of the runway. Just about an hour away from Whitby, you can enjoy this family-friendly event for all ages!
Get Ready for ‘Play on the Runway’ Downsview Airport is bringing back the highly anticipated event called ‘Play on the Runway,’ where lucky visitors will have the chance to enjoy a massive playground spanning over 2km of runway. Mark your calendars for July 16th, as this extraordinary event will take place for three hours, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Last year, the airport hosted a similar event on June 16th, attracting thousands of enthusiastic participants. This year’s edition will feature a live DJ, and amenities such as food and ice cream trucks will be available. The event is also dog-friendly, although all furry companions must be kept on leashes.
A Few Guidelines While you gear up for this thrilling experience, please note that certain items and activities are not permitted on the runway. For safety reasons, “anything that flies,” including drones, kites, or frisbees, are prohibited. Additionally, items like paint or chalk that could leave a mark on the runway are also not allowed.
How to Participate The best part? Admission to the ‘Play on the Runway’ event is completely free of charge. However, to secure your spot, it is necessary to register in advance on EventBrite, which you can find here. Don’t worry, it’s FREE. The event website advises registering as early as possible, as there is a limited timed entry. Rain or shine, the event will run from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Getting to Downsview Airport Situated approximately 15km from downtown Toronto, Downsview Airport is easily accessible by car, bus, or even on foot. This former military base was acquired by Bombardier in 1994 and has served as a testing facility. With its future uncertain following Bombardier’s sale of the site, this might be your last chance to freely explore the Downsview runway.
A Glimpse into Downsview’s Runway History According to BlogTO, the last time the Downsview Airport runway was open to the public (excluding last year’s event) was for the Molson Canadian Rocks for Toronto concert, also known as SARSStock, back in 2003. This remarkable benefit concert attracted nearly half a million attendees and holds a significant place as one of Canada’s largest ticketed events. A year prior to that, the airport welcomed an estimated 800,000 people to commemorate the visit of Pope John Paul II to Canada.
So, don’t miss this unique opportunity to embark on an unforgettable adventure at Downsview Airport’s ‘Play on the Runway’ event. Register early, bring your family and friends, and make lasting memories on this historic runway.
