Ontario Airports Travel Guide - Beyond Borders

Ontario Airports Travel Guide

Post Author

The Remitly editorial team is a global group of writers and editors who are passionate about helping people thrive across borders.

Key Highlights

  • Ontario has many airports. These include Toronto Pearson (YYZ), which is Canada’s main airport, and Toronto City Airport (YTZ), which is close to downtown.

  • This guide gives a full list of airports in the province. There are both major international airports and smaller airports that help people travel easily from one area to another.

  • Find out about key passenger services you can use. These include lounges, food, places to shop, and many ways to get to and from the airport. These help all travelers have a good trip.

  • Toronto Pearson is the biggest and busiest. It has more international and direct flights to different places around the world than any other airport in the area.

  • Smaller airports like Billy Bishop are great for fast trips in Canada. Some other airports are also used for cargo and general aviation, making them important for the region.

Introduction

Welcome to your guide to airports in Ontario! If you have a trip for work or fun, you will find many ways to travel through Ontario’s airports. You can fly out of busy terminals like Toronto Pearson and Toronto Pearson International, the main hub for international flights in the area. There are also many smaller, regional airports to help you get to where you need to go. These airports make travel and tourism in Ontario easy for people from all over. They work hard to give smooth and quick trips to millions of travelers every year.

Comprehensive List of Ontario Airports

Ontario has a big list of airports. This includes large international airports and smaller ones that help local areas. The network is part of the National Airports System. It helps people get safe and easy air travel in the province and even outside it.

Pilots and people who love planes often use the Canada Flight Supplement for the best and newest details. But if you are just trying to travel, it is good to know the main airports. This will help you make your plans with no stress. Here is a look at the top airports in Ontario to help you find the one that will work best for you.

1. Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)

Toronto Pearson International Airport is the busiest airport in Canada. It is the main place for travel in the Greater Toronto Area and connects people from the Toronto area to cities all over the world. This airport has many international flights and direct flights every day. Toronto Pearson is an important spot for Air Canada. Whether you travel for work or fun, you will find that it can handle a lot of people in a good way.

There are two main passenger terminals at Toronto Pearson. They are called Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. At both, the Canada Border Services Agency is there to help with international arrivals. Getting to downtown Toronto from pearson international airport is easy. You can take the Union Pearson Express train, and you will be downtown in just 25 minutes.

If you want to drive, the airport has many parking lots, including long-term spots. Viscount Value Park is one of them. It costs less and gives you a simple train ride to the main terminals. Pearson International Airport is looked after by Transport Canada. Toronto Pearson airport is set up to make your trip smooth.

2. Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW)

Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW) is the top airport in Ottawa and one of the important international airports in Ontario, besides Toronto. This airport serves the country’s capital and is key for the federal government and travelers who come to the Ottawa area. YOW flies to many places. You can find both domestic flights and flights to the U.S. and other international airports.

YOW is a busy spot. The airport has great passenger services that help make travel easy for everyone. There are lots of things to help you from check-in all the way to the boarding gate. Air Canada is one of the main carriers here. It has many flights that connect Ottawa with other cities in Canada and with destinations around the world.

Just like other top airports, Ottawa International has staff from the Canada Border Services Agency who help arrivals from outside Canada. Their team works fast to let people in. The airport has new and modern facilities. Its good location makes it a smart pick for you, whether you are flying to or from Eastern Ontario.

3. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) sits on the Toronto Islands and is just a few minutes from downtown Toronto. The airport gives people a special and easy way to travel. If you want to take short flights inside Canada or if you travel for work, you will find this regional airport good because it is so close to downtown. In 2024, the airport had 2.1 million travelers,which is a lot for its size.

The main airline at Billy Bishop Airport is Porter Airlines. This airline has many flight options in Canada and the U.S. When you take off or land, you can look out and see the Toronto skyline, which makes the trip more exciting. There is a tunnel for people to walk through and also a short ferry ride. These both link the toronto city airport to the city.

The airport is not just for big flights with many people. It is also open for general aviation. Billy Bishop Airport has short runways, but it does a good job. The airport helps many people avoid the larger airports, making short trips in the area easy and stress-free.

4. John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM)

John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport sits just outside the busy parts of the Greater Toronto Area. The airport stands out as an important spot among international airports in Ontario. Many people know hamilton international airport because it is a big hub for cargo planes. This airport helps move goods in and out, which is key for supply chains in Southern Ontario.

When it comes to passengers, this airport gives people another option besides Pearson. It is great for anyone looking for budget airlines in the greater toronto area. There are several low-cost airlines here, so you can get cheap flights to sunny spots or to other places. Many people want to fly from here because they can save money on tickets. This is why the airport is a favored spot for travelers who want to go on vacation.

With less traffic and good highway links, hamilton international airport offers an easy travel experience. It keeps getting bigger as more people and businesses see how quick and low-cost it is. It is a smart choice for those in the toronto area who want to travel or send things by plane.

5. London International Airport (YXU)

London International Airport (YXU) is an important regional airport for London and Southwestern Ontario. It may be smaller than big hubs like Toronto and Ottawa. But London International gives people a handy and easy way to fly, so many do not have to drive far to bigger airports when taking domestic flights.

The airport has a lot of helpful passenger services to make your trip easy. There are check-in counters for the big airlines, like Air Canada. Air Canada helps connect London to more places. The building at London International Airport is simple to get around, so your time before flying is not stressful.

London International Airport works hard to give good and steady service to people from the area. It helps both business and fun trips, and acts as a strong part of the local economy. The airport is a key gateway that links the community to the rest of Canada and more.

6. Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT)

Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT) is the main place for air travel in Northwestern Ontario. It is one of the busiest regional airports in the area. The airport connects Thunder Bay to big cities with direct flights. It also links Thunder Bay to many smaller and remote places.

This airport has the status of one of Canada’s international airports. It can handle flights from the United States. The airport offers many passenger services. Travelers can find connections with big airlines like Air Canada. This helps people living in the north get to other parts of the world. The airport is known to be well run and works smoothly. It is set up for both business and leisure trips.

YQT is home to more than just regular flights. It is important for general aviation and medevac flights as well. The airport plays a big role in keeping the people and the economy of the Thunder Bay area healthy and strong.

7. Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF)

The Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) is becoming more important. It is in a great spot to serve the busy tech scene and schools in Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge. This regional airport is a good choice for business travel. It helps you avoid the heavy traffic found at bigger airports.

Waterloo International Airport now has more domestic flights. These flights connect the area to big cities in Canada. Airlines like Air Canada fly from this airport. This gives people and companies in the area more ways to travel. The airport is known for its easy-to-use layout and quick service.

With new buildings and a plan to make travel simple, YKF helps the region’s economy grow. Private pilots can also find what they need at this airport. There is Avgas from Summit Fuel on Apron 2.

8. Sudbury Airport (YSB)

Sudbury Airport (YSB) is in the largest city in Northern Ontario. This regional airport is very important for the people in the area. It helps connect the Sudbury community with Toronto and other places. The airport is needed for business and personal trips. It offers domestic flights that many people count on in this area.

The airport has all the passenger services you need to have a comfortable trip. There are places for you to check in, get help with your bags, and rent a car. The airport is not too big, so you will find it easy to get around. This will help you feel less stress when you travel.

Sudbury Airport also allows a lot of general aviation traffic. This means private planes and air ambulance flights use the airport often. The airport helps local people get where they need to go. It is a key part of the region’s growth and supports many jobs in the area.

9. Windsor International Airport (YQG)

Windsor International Airport (YQG) is close to the United States border. This puts it in a special spot. It sits in the southern part of Ontario. The airport is easy for people from Windsor-Essex to get to, and Detroit is just a short drive away.

This regional airport mostly handles domestic flights. It links Windsor with big Canadian cities like Toronto and Montreal. The airport’s location also helps with cross-border flights and general aviation. People can travel easily between Canada and the United States for both work and fun.

Windsor International Airport works hard to give travelers a good and quick travel experience. It is a big help for the local area. It helps bring in tourists and keeps the economy strong by making the region open to more people.

10. Sault Ste. Marie Airport (YAM)

Sault Ste. Marie Airport (YAM) is the main airport for the Algoma District in Northern Ontario. This regional airport connects the people in Sault Ste. Marie with other towns and cities in the province and the country. YAM has scheduled domestic flights to big places like Toronto.

You will find important passenger services at the airport. They help make your trip easy and stress-free. No matter if you fly for work, fun, or to see family, YAM gives you a good place to be. You can quickly find information about any Canada flight, so it is easy to make your travel plans.

The Sault Ste. Marie Airport is more than just a place for people to fly. This airport helps move air cargo and supports air ambulance and other emergency services, too. It lets the community stay connected all year, even when the weather is bad or the roads are closed.

Key Facilities and Services at Major Ontario Airports

When you go through Ontario’s main airports, you will find many passenger services that help your trip be smooth and nice. You can relax before your flight with handy things nearby. You can also get parking and ground transportation when you need it. These airports give you many ways to be taken care of.

If you want a gift at the last minute, a meal, or need an easy way to get to your gate, you will see the airport spaces are new and set up for people. The next parts will tell you more about shopping, places to eat, lounges, passenger services for getting around, and how you can get extra help if you need it.

Passenger amenities and lounges

Major airports in Ontario know people want comfort and easy travel, especially if they are on long flights or there for business travel. There are many things in the airport made to help you relax and feel ready to go. Airport lounges are a good place to get away from the busy terminal.

At big airports like Toronto Pearson International Airport, you can find some special lounges. These places offer free food and drinks, nice seats, and places where you can work. It is a good spot to get work done or just rest before your flight.

Along with the airport lounges, there are other things you will find in the terminals.

  • Free Wi-Fi so you can stay connected

  • Lots of charging stations for your phone or other electronics

  • Quiet zones and interfaith chapels for when you need a calm moment

If you are at Toronto Pearson, Pearson International Airport, or Toronto Pearson International, you have all these great options if you travel for work or for fun.

Shopping and dining options

You will not be hungry or bored at the big airports in Ontario. There are many places to shop and eat, so you can find something for every taste and price range. In toronto pearson, it can feel like you are in a shopping mall. There are many stores here, from fancy fashion brands to simple convenience shops.

Before you get on your flight, you can look through the duty-free stores. You may find good deals on things like liquor, beauty items, and things to wear. These shops are great if you want to buy a gift or get yourself something nice. You can pick up everything from sunglasses by big brands to Canadian souvenirs. There is a lot to see.

You can also find all kinds of food at the airport.

  • There are quick-service counters if you want a fast bite before you board.

  • You can also sit down at a restaurant that serves food from many countries.

  • Or, you might want to relax in a cozy cafe and have some coffee with a pastry.

Ground transportation and parking

Getting to and from Ontario’s airports is easy and clear because there are many ground transportation choices. At Toronto Pearson, you can use the Union Pearson Express train. This train gives you a fast way to get between the airport and downtown Toronto. You will not need to worry about traffic. You can also take public transit at most big airports, which is a good way to save money and help the environment.

If you like to drive, you will see many parking lots you can use. Airports have parking for every type of trip, from short-term express parking for quick pick-ups and drop-offs to long-term economy lots if you need to park for more days. Pearson’s Viscount Value Park is a top spot for people who want a low-priced long-term lot.

There are also more helpful services you can use:

  • Car rentals from big international brands

  • Taxis and limos if you want a direct and private ride

  • Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft

Accessibility services for travelers

Ontario’s main airports want to make travel better for everyone. They work hard to remove barriers, so all travelers can move around with comfort and respect. These passenger services are very important at airports like Toronto Pearson.

When you get to the airport, you can ask for help right away. The airlines and airport team are ready to support you. They can help you with check-in, getting around, and boarding your flight. The terminals are built to help everyone, with ramps, elevators, and wide halls for a wheelchair or for people who use other tools to move.

There are many other ways these airports, like Toronto Pearson, help with accessibility:

  • Accessible bathrooms and places to change in private

  • Visual screen systems and TTY phones if you have trouble hearing

  • Marked spots for service animals to use

These passenger services make it better and easier for people to travel.

Understanding Airport Codes and Maps in Ontario

When you book a flight or plan your travel, you will see three-letter codes for airports. For example, YYZ is for Toronto, and YOW is for Ottawa. The codes are special and used all over the world. Knowing them can help make your plans much easier.

Groups like NAV CANADA keep all the main information about Ontario airports. They have the airport codes and clear maps. You can find a lot of this data in tools like the Canada Flight Supplement or by visiting airport websites. The Canada Flight Supplement has lots of details. If you need a map that is easy to use, the airport’s own website is a good place to start. Here’s how you can find these codes and look at maps for your next trip.

How to find official airport codes

Finding the official airport codes for Ontario’s airports is easy. These codes are standardized by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and are used on your boarding pass, baggage tags, and flight itineraries. The simplest way to find a code is by searching for the airport online, but for a complete official list, you would turn to aviation resources.

Publications like the Canada Flight Supplement, produced by NAV CANADA, contain the most detailed information on all registered aerodromes in the country. This includes airports in the National Airports System as well as smaller airfields.

For your convenience, here is a short list of codes for some of Ontario’s major airports. Knowing these can help you quickly identify airports when booking your travel.

Airport Name

IATA Code

Toronto Pearson International Airport

YYZ

Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport

YOW

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

YTZ

John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport

YHM

London International Airport

YXU

Where to access an Ontario airports map

If you need an Ontario airport map, you have a few good choices. A large map that shows all airport spots can help you see your whole route. It also helps you pick the best airport for your trip. You can find these maps on many public websites.

If you want a map of a single airport’s terminals, the airport’s own website is the best place to visit. These maps show gates, security areas, stores, and food places. They make moving through big terminals much easier and less stressful.

You can find good airport maps at these places:

  • Official airport websites, such as torontopearson.com, have both interactive and downloadable terminal maps.

  • Aviation groups like NAV CANADA give pilots charts and data with lots of airport details.

  • Online maps can show airport sites next to cities and roads so you can plan your trip from the airport.

Conclusion

Traveling in Ontario can be easy when you know about its airports and what they offer. There are many good things for passengers and ways to get around at these places. If you know these things, your trip will be better. You might land at Toronto Pearson International Airport, or maybe at another airport in the area. All of them let you see the best of Ontario. Try to get to know airport codes and look at maps so it is easy for you to get around. We hope this guide helps you to have a good time as you travel. Safe travels!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main airports located in Ontario, Canada?

The main airports in Ontario are Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW), and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ). Toronto Pearson is known as the busiest airport in Canada. Other important places in the list of international airports are Hamilton International and some key regional airports like London International Airport.