Aircraft lovers are gathering at Calgary International Airport, eager to witness remarkable airplanes landing for the G7 leaders’ summit taking place in nearby Kananaskis, Alberta.
Corbin Johnson is particularly keen to see the plane that carries U.S. President Donald Trump.
“Air Force 1 is definitely the highlight, but I think everyone, including myself, is thrilled to see all the different aircraft arriving,” Johnson stated on Saturday while exploring a viewing spot at the airport.
This location is one of three official demonstration zones set by the police in Calgary, with another also in Banff.
Prime Minister Mark Carney is hosting leaders from the G7 nations, such as the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and Italy, who are anticipated to reach Sunday to kick off the three-day summit in Kananaskis, situated southwest of Calgary in the Rocky Mountains. Some leaders from non-member countries, including Ukraine and India, are expected to attend as well.
With a camera slung around his neck, Johnson mentioned that he shares all his airplane photos on Instagram.
“My passion for planes began right here. My parents brought me to this location to watch the planes, and it has stuck with me ever since,” he reflected.
“This is absolutely my favorite hobby. You can dedicate as much time as you wish to it.”
Plane enthusiast Corbin Johnson stands at the Calgary International Airport on Saturday, June 14, 2025. As world leaders arrive for the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, aviation fans are at the Calgary airport hoping to spot some significant aircraft. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Bill Graveland.
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Jaidon Phelps, a 20-year-old aspiring pilot working at WestJet, arrived at the viewing area by 6 a.m. on Sunday.
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“It’s exciting to witness what’s happening and see which aircraft are arriving from the nations involved, especially hoping to spot Air Force 1,” he said.
“It really shows the scale of the event. It’s something I’ve always wanted to witness.”
The plane spotting community often shares information, with some enthusiasts mentioning early Sunday that the Japanese delegation was already en route to Canada. There were also discussions on the best vantage points for watching the arrivals.
While the leaders were scheduled to fly in, hundreds of protesters from various groups gathered in front of Calgary City Hall, another designated protest site in the city.
Among the signs, there was a clear anti-Trump theme, with messages such as “Yankee Go Home,” “Elbows Up,” and “True North Strong and Peeved.”
Leanne MacKenzie, who spent 20 years living in California before returning to Canada, expressed her concerns regarding the National Guard’s situation there.
Trump dispatched the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles following protests that blocked a freeway in response to raids on federal immigration enforcement last week.
and set vehicles ablaze.
The governor of California has expressed opposition to these deployments, and the state has initiated legal action to halt them.
“With Trump supposedly in town for the G7, I’m here today to stand against fascism in the U.S.A.,” MacKenzie stated.
“I’ve heard that this protest is being streamed live. He’ll probably ignore it because he’s the most childish person around, but I’m doing everything I can to make an impact, and this feels like the only option I have right now.”
Lesley Boyer, a self-proclaimed grandmother, sat in her wheelchair holding a sign that openly criticized Trump.
“Both my grandfathers fought against fascism, and I’m very worried about (Trump’s) comment about a 51st state. I genuinely fear he may attempt something,” she expressed.
While domestic flights continue to operate normally, the Calgary airport is experiencing anything but typical conditions this weekend.
Law enforcement officials indicated that they expect protests, and these demonstrations will be shown on monitors set up for the leaders in Kananaskis.
RCMP Chief Superintendent David Hall emphasized a desire for peaceful protests.
“We understand how important it is for people to convey their messages to world leaders, which is why we’ve arranged live feeds,” he explained.
“Our focus is on monitoring actions, not beliefs. Therefore, I urge everyone to conduct any demonstrations over the coming days lawfully, peacefully, and safely.”
© 2025 The Canadian Press
