Montréal for aviation lovers: The ultimate insider’s itinerary
Leisure activities
Whether you are captivated by their transformative engineering or the romance of the skies, airplanes hold an undeniable appeal. Did you know Montréal is a true global powerhouse for flight? Ranking in the top three aerospace hubs worldwide, it is the only region on earth where an entire aircraft—from initial blueprints to final paint—can be assembled from locally built components. With a thriving cluster of nearly 60,000 workers generating over $15 billion in annual sales, Montréal doesn't just love planes; we build them.
If you are an ultimate #AvGeek or a casually curious high-flyer planning a trip to Québec's metropolis, here are the top-tier aviation experiences you cannot miss, optimized for your visit.
Watch planes take off and land: Jacques-de-Lesseps Observatory Park
- Location: 700 Av Jenkins, Dorval. Near YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport
- The vibe: A lively mix of families, aviation buffs with binoculars, and photographers.
- Why go: Named after pioneering French aviator Jacques de Lesseps (the second person to fly across the English Channel), this park is designed explicitly for plane spotting. It features comfortable bleachers and benches right along the flight path.
- Insider tip: Keep an eye out for Montréal's official airport falconer, who trains peregrine falcons to deter local wildlife and keep the runways safe! Take a look at the video below.
- Rules: Drones and picnics are strictly prohibited (food attracts birds, which pose a hazard to aircraft).
Live your James Bond fantasies: Hélicraft
- Location: Greater Montréal region
- The vibe: High-adrenaline, cinematic, and luxurious.
- Why go: Take to the skies with Hélicraft, which operates a sleek fleet of 11 helicopters. They offer scenic recreational air tours over Montréal and fast, efficient air taxi services. Looking for the ultimate souvenir? Enrol in their professional pilot training program and earn your wings.
Step inside the flight deck: AviaSim
- Location: Central Montréal
- The vibe: Immersive, high-tech, and interactive.
- Why go: Take control of a commercial airliner at AviaSim, featuring an ultra-realistic flight simulator modelled after an Airbus A320. You can act as captain, choose from 24,000 global destinations, and program your own flight plan.
- Bonus: They also run specialized sessions to help nervous flyers overcome their fear of flying through controlled, simulated exposure.
Explore aviation history: ICAO Museum
- Location: International Civil Aviation Organization Headquarters (Main Lobby)
- The vibe: Educational, historic, and culturally significant.
- Why go: Head to the headquarters of the UN’s aviation agency to explore the ICAO Museum. Discover rare legal documents, historical milestones, and rotating exhibits (such as “80 Years of ICAO - A journey through the early decades”).
- Cost: Completely free and open to the public.
Fly back in time: Montréal Aviation Museum (MAM)
- Location: Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue (West Island)
- The vibe: Nostalgic, community-driven, and charming.
- Why go: Located just outside the city centre, the Montréal Aviation Museum showcases Canada and Québec’s rich aviation heritage through restored vintage aircraft, rare engines, and historical artifacts. Guided tours are led by passionate, highly knowledgeable volunteers.
- Make a day of it: Combine your museum trip with a leisurely afternoon exploring the historic boardwalk, local boutiques, and cozy cafés in the charming municipality of Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue.
Additional recommendations for aviation lovers in Montréal
To take your aviation-themed trip to the next level, consider adding these local experiences to your itinerary:
- Explore the Cosmodôme (Laval): Just a short drive north of downtown Montréal in Laval, the Cosmodôme is a space exploration museum. Featuring astronaut training simulators, space mission replicas, and immersive exhibits, it’s the perfect cosmic companion to your aviation tour.
- Go to outer space: At the Planétarium you can experience the Universe through awe-inspiring shows in a boldly designed building featuring 360° domes on the cutting edge of technology. Transport yourself to the confines of space, then visit exhibitions that tantalize the imagination and help expand our vision of what lies beyond planet Earth.
- Step into Montréal’s newest airport: The MET – Montreal Metropolitan Airport is the new gateway to destinations across Canada. Just 15 kilometres from downtown, the MET offers a smoother departure experience through a modern, accessible, and efficient terminal designed with today’s—and tomorrow’s—travellers in mind.
Daniel Baylis
Daniel Baylis is a writer, poet, and musician. Several years ago he moved to Montréal to chase silly bohemian dreams. And he’s still at it.
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