Girls Can Fly
event details
May 23, 2026 from 10:00am to 4:00pm
Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre
3- 4881 Fountain St N, Breslau, ON
(located at the Region of Waterloo International Airport)
girls can fly
Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre (WWFC) is delighted to announce the return of our annual Girls Can Fly event on Saturday, May 23, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at our location at the Region of Waterloo International Airport.
Join us for this FREE educational experience, featuring aircraft of all sizes, flight simulators, and our amazing industry partners engaging attendees of all ages.
Girls Can Fly aims to inspire young women and girls about the exciting opportunities in the aviation industry. This event is open to everyone, rain or shine!
We’re also offering complimentary flights for girls aged 8 to 18 years, with limited pre-registration required. Flight registration opens in April.
Last year, WWFC welcomed over 4,500 attendees and provided free flights to more than 300 potential future female pilots. Join us for another unforgettable event!
FLIGHT REGISTRATION
Flight registration opens on April 28 at 10:00 a.m.
Don’t want to wait? Check out our Scenic Flights and Introductory Flying Lessons!
FOOD
Runways Café will be open for breakfast and lunch! They offer indoor seating, patio seating, and takeout.
Megacone Creamery will be on site, serving up some yummy treats!
The SWAT Truck will be on site for lunch and snacks!
Parking
VISITOR PARKING:
There are a few options for parking:
- Accessible parking is located in all lots.
Two Parking lots
– One located on the left side of Airport Road, turn left onto Canuck Road to access the entrance.
– One located on the right side of Airport Road as you approach the Main Air Terminal Building.Value Parking Lot is located south of the Airport at 4735 Fountain Street North, Breslau
- A free shuttle provides transportation from the value parking lot to the air terminal building. There is also a school bus running shuttling guests throughout the day.
- For more information on the airport lots, please click here. Please find the maps below.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Girls Can Fly?
Girls Can Fly is a free, family-friendly event hosted by Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre to inspire young women to explore opportunities in aviation. The day includes aircraft displays, interactive exhibits, flight simulators, and a chance for girls aged 8–18 to experience a free flight.
2. When and where is the event taking place?
The event takes place on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre, located at the Region of Waterloo International Airport.
3. Is there an admission fee?
Nope! Admission is completely free for everyone. However, the Food Bank of Waterloo Region will be on site, accepting donations.
4. Who can attend the event?
Everyone is welcome—families, aviation enthusiasts, and community members of all ages!
5. How do I sign up for a free flight?
Pre-registration for free flights is required and will be available on the WWFC Eventbrite Page. Space is limited, available on a first-come, first-served basis, and fills up quickly. Free flights are for girls aged 8–18, the event activities are open to all. Registration opens April 28th at 10am.
6. Are the flights guaranteed?
Free flights are weather-dependent and are only available on May 23, 2026, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Flights have no cash value, are non-transferable, and late arrivals will not be rebooked.
7. What kind of aircraft will be used for the flights?
Free flights take place in 2- or 4-seater aircraft such as the Cessna 172, Piper, and Diamond aircraft. These flights are operated by commercial pilots from Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre and members of COPA Flight 26 (Breslau Flyers).
Helicopter rides are conducted in a 4-seater helicopter, flown by experienced pilots provided by Great Lakes Helicopters.
8. I’m a parent—can I join my child on the flight?
Unfortunately, no. The flights are reserved exclusively for girls aged 8 to 18 to ensure that as many as possible have the opportunity to experience the thrill of flight. We appreciate your understanding and support! There is a waiting area available where arrivals and departures take place.
7. Will there be food available?
Yes! Food vendors will be on-site with snacks and refreshments available for purchase.
8. Is parking available?
Yes, paid parking is available at the Region of Waterloo International Airport, with signage directing you to the event.
10. What happens if it rains?
The event takes place rain or shine. However, free flights may be delayed or cancelled if weather conditions are not safe for flying.
11. Can boys participate in the flights?
The free flights are reserved for girls aged 8–18 as part of the event’s goal to encourage more young women to consider aviation. However, boys and all family members are welcome to enjoy the rest of the event activities!
12. Can I purchase a flight?
Yes! Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre offers scenic flights and introductory flying lessons year-round. It’s a great way to experience flying for yourself or give the gift of flight to someone special!
13: Is smoking permitted at the event?
A: Smoking is only permitted in designated smoking areas, not on the apron or near any aircraft or fueling areas.
2026 Exhibitors (so far!)
Planes and volunteer pilots are generously provided by WWFC and COPA Breslau Flyers Flight 26. Special thanks to Great Lakes Helicopter who have volunteered helicopter rides throughout the day.
- Air Canada
- Air Cadets 822 Tutor Squadron Royal Canadian
- Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA)
- AirSprint
- AME Association of Ontario
- Aspen Air Charters
- Centennial College
- Chartright Air Group
- Conestoga College
- COPA Breslau Flyers Flight 26
- Food Bank of Waterloo Region
- Great Lakes Helicopter
- Gus & Clara Photography
- Jazz Aviation
- Lola Reid Allin
- Mega Cone Creamery
- Mohawk College
- NAV Canada
- Northern Lights Aero Foundation
- Perimeter Aviation
- Porter Airlines
- Runways Café
- SWAT Food Truck
- SkyCare Air Ambulance
- Skywise
- St. John’s Ambulance
- SOSA Gliding Club
- Transport Canada
- uFly Simulator
- University of Waterloo – Aviation
- University of Waterloo – Engineering Outreach
- Voyageur Aviation
- Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics (WISA)
- Waterloo Warbirds
- Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre
- Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre – Drone Training
- WestJet
- Western University – Aviatrix Chapter
- Youth Aerospace Centre
PHOTOS & VIDEO
Please be advised that by participating in this event, you consent to the possibility of your image or likeness being captured in video or photography. These materials may be used for promotional purposes by the event organizers and associated partners. If you have concerns about being photographed or filmed, please inform the event staff upon arrival.
Thank you to our volunteer photographers Gus & Clara Gusair!
Girls Can Fly Timeline
Early 2010s – The Idea Takes Off
Across Canada, aviation organizations begin introducing Girls Can Fly-style events to address the gender gap in aviation and inspire young women to explore careers in the industry.
Mid-2010s – WWFC Joins the Movement
Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre launches its own Girls Can Fly event, starting as a smaller community initiative focused on exposure—aircraft displays, meeting pilots, and introductory flights.
2018–2019 – Growing Interest
The event gains momentum, attracting more attendees, volunteers, and industry partners. Demand for flights and hands-on experiences continues to increase year over year.
2020–2021 – Pause & Reflection
Like many events, Girls Can Fly is paused due to COVID-19. This period is used to reimagine and plan for a bigger, more impactful return.
2022 – Strong Comeback
The event returns with renewed energy, expanded programming, and increased community interest. More partners join, and attendance rebounds quickly.
2023 – Expanding Impact
Girls Can Fly continues to grow, welcoming larger crowds and offering more interactive exhibits, simulators, and career pathways beyond piloting.
2024 – A Major Community Event
The event reaches new milestones, becoming one of the region’s largest aviation outreach events with thousands of attendees and significant industry involvement.
2025 – Record-Breaking Year
Over 4,500 attendees, 50+ exhibitors, and 300+ flights for girls aged 8–18. The event solidifies its reputation as a flagship aviation outreach initiative in Ontario.
2026 – Looking Ahead
Girls Can Fly continues to evolve, with a focus on innovation, inclusivity, and showcasing the full spectrum of aviation careers—helping inspire the next generation of aviators.
