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Girls Take Flight

Girls Take Flight

A fun, free, STEM-based event to inspire a new generation to pursue rewarding careers in aviation and aerospace

Girls can become pilots, engineers, mechanics and scientists – the sky is the limit! And at Girls Take Flight, all young learners interested in aviation and aerospace can dream big. This award-winning and free event at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport features exhibitors, static aircraft displays, flight simulations, a speaker series and more.

GIRLS TAKE FLIGHT is returning to Toronto on
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2025
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Last year, thousands of attendees came to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport to enjoy Girls Take Flight. This year, we are set to welcome young people from across the GTA as they get an up-close and personal look at aircraft and airport facilities, learn about science, technology and educational pathways, and meet positive role models that inspire them with possibilities for their future.

Exploration Flights

A limited number of exploration flights are available to give young women ages 8 to 17 to experience what it’s like to operate a small aircraft and ride alongside a pilot on a real flight. Exploration flights are run by event partner Stolport, a fixed-base operator at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, and advance registration is required.

Learn more and submit your application

Speaker Series

The speaker series includes senior leaders Lesley Page (Founder, Girls Take Flight); Tim Yee Lee (Aircraft Design & Development Safety Officer and Manager, Core Airworthiness, Bombardier); Lori Duthie (Executive Director, Canadian International Air Show); Captain Claire Lemiski (Assistant Chief Pilot, Porter Airlines); Lola Reid Allin (Author and Pilot) and Major Marlene Shillingford (MMM., C.D., Air Reserve Flight Commander, 1 Wing Headquarters, Kingston Canadian Armed Forces), plus an inspiring panel featuring RCAF Foundation Scholarship students sharing their journeys.

Read about our inspiring speakers

Exhibitors

Girls Take Flight features an exciting lineup of exhibitors from airlines and flight schools to colleges, aerospace innovators, and inspiring women in aviation.

View a full list of event exhibitors.

What to Expect

  • Close-Up Aircraft Views: Get an exclusive, up-close look at various static aircraft and learn about their functionality and design.
  • Inspiring Speakers: Hear from female pilots, engineers and mechanics (among others) about their journeys and achievements.
  • Career Guidance: Learn about educational pathways and career opportunities in aviation and aerospace.
  • Interactive Exhibits: Engage in flight simulations, aircraft engineering challenges and more.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry professionals and like-minded peers.
  • Exciting prizes: To be won from our event partners.

Who Should Attend

  • Girls interested in aviation, aerospace, science, technology engineering and math (STEM).
  • Industry professionals who want to mentor and inspire the next generation.
  • Educators and parents looking to support and guide girls toward these careers.
  • College and university representatives seeking to promote their aviation and aerospace programs.
  • Anyone passionate about promoting diversity and representation in these fields.

Quick Facts

  • Except for the exploration flights, activities are open to all young people regardless of gender, at no cost, and drop-in—no tickets needed.
  • Girls Take Flight is an Ontario-wide event founded by pilot Lesley Page, with a mission to encourage a new generation of women to pursue their dreams in the dynamic and rewarding fields of aviation and aerospace, as women are still underrepresented in the industry.
  • Aviation and aerospace careers are essential to many different industries, and support our economy, our security and our country’s position as a leader in innovation.
  • Registration for the exploration flights is open for a limited time in September–keep an eye on our social media for announcements. Those that miss the registration window and meet eligibility requirements are encouraged to attend, as occasionally slots can become available. Availability of “rush” slots cannot be guaranteed in advance.
Follow us on social media for updates!

Girls Take Flight is free to attend! Join us for a day of discovery, learning and inspiration. Questions can be directed to [email protected].