If you love watching airplanes take off and land, Max Ward Memorial Park (formerly known as Danville Park) is a hidden gem you need to visit. Located just minutes from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), this park offers one of the best vantage points in the GTA for aviation enthusiasts, photographers, and families who simply enjoy the thrill of seeing planes up close.
✈️ Why Max Ward Memorial Park is Special
This park isn’t your typical city green space — it’s a wide, open area with a large hill that gives you a perfect view of the runways at Pearson. From sunrise to sunset, you can watch planes take off, land, and taxi, making it a top destination for both casual visitors and serious plane spotters.
🌅 Best Time to Visit
Golden hour — early morning or late afternoon — offers beautiful lighting for photographers and a quieter atmosphere for watching. Weekends can be busier with other plane enthusiasts, which can make it a fun, social experience.
In 2025 the City of Mississauga approved renaming Danville Park to Max Ward Memorial Park in recognition of Maxwell “Max” Ward — the founder of Wardair Airlines — with the consent of his estate.
The park was a former landfill site, redeveloped into its current state by the city of Mississauga and the Toronto Aviation System.
Max Ward Memorial Park is located in Mississauga, just north of Pearson Airport. It’s easy to reach by car, with free parking available on-site. It’s a quick drive from the airport — perfect if you have time before a flight or are waiting to pick someone up.
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