Girls Take Flight 2025: a day of inspiration, learning and lift-off

15/10/2025

On Saturday, October 4, 2025, the terminal and hangars at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport were buzzing with energy as Girls Take Flight 2025 welcomed thousands of participants for a day dedicated to discovery, aviation and STEM education.

Thanks to the event’s incredible partners (PortsToronto, Stolport, Porter Airlines, Nieuport Aviation, Ornge and NAV Canada) this year’s event was a tremendous success.

Learning about lifesaving medevac services with Ornge

We were thrilled to see 85 girls take to the skies in exploration flights exclusive to new fliers, experiencing the thrill of flight firsthand in either a small airplane or helicopter. Inside the airport, attendees of all ages enjoyed interactive exhibits, flight simulators, aircraft displays and hands-on STEM activities that sparked curiosity and opened minds to future possibilities.

One of the standout elements of the day was the speaker series, which featured trailblazing women in the industry. Their stories of perseverance and passion left a lasting impression on all young attendees, sparking inspiration for the future.

Lori Duthie talks about her journey in aviation during the speaker series

Another highlight was the exciting prizes, generously donated by airport partners: a spot in Ground School training program, a set of textbooks (required reading for any hopeful pilot), and a sightseeing flight, all from Island Air, plus a flight simulator experience for up to 12 people from Stolport.

Girls Take Flight was established to break down barriers and show girls what’s possible in the exciting worlds of aviation and aerospace. This year’s event was a powerful reminder that young women have a bright future as pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers and other roles in this fast-growing industry.

“Inspiring young people, and especially young women and girls, with the possibilities that await them in aviation and aerospace is crucial. Industry is quickly expanding and innovating, and it’s important for youth to know they can find rewarding careers in this sector, full of challenge and new adventures—including lots of travel,” said Warren Askew, VP, Airport.

Participants interested in aviation meet with Porter in their hangar

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport makes a perfect training ground and launching pad for young women and girls interested in flight. Since its first beginnings, it has seen women take to the skies and was even the home of Margaret Dunseith, Canada’s first female air-traffic controller.

The next time you’re in the airport, visit the Women in Aviation Wall of Fame, which honors the extraordinary contributions of eight trailblazing women who have left an indelible mark on the aviation industry, including Amelia Earhart, whose inspiration to fly was kindled in Toronto.

Girls Take Flight is an event series founded by pilot Lesley Page that takes place at airports across Ontario. Can’t wait to fly? As Lesley Page said in a CTV News interview, “Just do it!” For information, contact Island Air and Alec Myers Flight Training, tenants of Stolport FBO.

Stay tuned for announcements about the return of Girls Take Flight to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport in 2026.