Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport serves as Canada’s main gateway to one of North America’s largest cities. Located on a small island between downtown Toronto and the Toronto Islands, it provides quick access to urban attractions while keeping noise levels lower than many other major airports. The terminal features modern amenities including shops, dining options and transit connections such as streetcars and buses that link directly into the city center. Its central position makes travel efficient for tourists and business travelers alike.
| Power Grid: |
120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Canadian Dollar (CAD) £1 ≈ CA$1.87 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted, especially in urban areas. Most businesses accept credit and debit cards, and mobile payment options like Apple Pay are popular.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is customary in Canada, with a typical tip of 10-20% in restaurants. Tipping is also expected in taxis and for hotel staff, usually 1-2 CAD for bellhops and housekeepers. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking laws vary by province, but it's often allowed in designated areas such as festivals or certain parks. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited indoors in public spaces and in most outdoor spaces in urban areas. Some provinces have stricter laws than others. |
| Canada Day (July) |
The country celebrates with fireworks and festivals. Expect crowded tourist spots and high demand for accommodations. |
|---|---|
| Thanksgiving (October) |
A major family holiday with many businesses closed, especially in rural areas. |
| Christmas (December) |
Festive markets and winter activities are popular, but expect higher accommodation prices and busy cities. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Uber, Lyft, Bolt |
| Other: | Canada is vast, so be prepared for long distances between cities and varying weather conditions depending on the region. |
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport stands out for its intimacy and accessibility, with a short ferry or underground pedestrian tunnel connecting the terminal on the island to the city mainland. The airport terminal is compact but well-maintained, with a cozy lounge atmosphere and direct views of the water.
Passengers often highlight the airport’s efficiency, quick security lines and friendly staff. Dining options include locally sourced menus with cafes and bars offering Canadian gourmet treats. The flights are mostly operated by Porter Airlines and Air Canada, focusing on regional connections to cities like Ottawa, Montreal and New York.
Though loved for its location and convenience, the airport’s small size means it can feel crowded during peak travel times and vehicle parking options on the mainland are limited and pricey. Weather can impact seaplane operations, so flexibility is important.
Caution: Travelers should arrive early to navigate the ferry or tunnel transfers, especially during rush hours or bad weather. Some find the airport’s prices for food and services to be higher than typical given the size and location.
Located just beyond security in the domestic departures area, the lounge offers complimentary Wi-Fi, locally sourced food and drinks, comfortable seating, and panoramic views of the airport and water. Open daily from 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM, it accepts Priority Pass, Aeroplan elite members, and day passes, catering to a variety of premium travellers.
Guests usually opt to stay in downtown Toronto around the Financial District, Waterfront or Entertainment District, offering a wide spectrum of accommodations from luxury hotels to affordable guesthouses, all within easy reach of the airport via ferry or tunnel.
To Toronto downtown:
Access to downtown Toronto from the airport is seamless via the pedestrian tunnel or frequent ferries operating every 15 minutes. The tunnel offers a weatherproof walk or escalator ride and connects directly to the mainland. Public transport options including buses and streetcars are just a short walk from the terminal on the mainland, with fares around CA$3.50 (£1.86).
To Ottawa:
Ottawa is reachable by a short flight from Billy Bishop operated by Porter Airlines and Air Canada, offering quick connections between the two capital cities.
To Montreal:
Regular regional flights connect Billy Bishop to Montreal, serving both business and leisure travellers seeking speedy access between these eastern hubs.
+1
+1
