Little Norway

Ever imagine a slice of Norway nestled in the heart of Toronto? This, my friends, is Little Norway Park. It commemorates a unique chapter in wartime history, a story of resilience, courage, and international cooperation. Little Norway wasn’t always a tranquil park. During World War II, this very spot buzzed with activity. It served as a training ground for the exiled Royal Norwegian Air Force. In 1940, after Nazi Germany occupied their homeland, Norwegian airmen sought refuge and a way to continue fighting. They found both right here in Toronto. Little Norway, officially known as Flyvåpnenets Treningsleir (FTL), meaning “Air Force Training Camp,” became a beacon of hope. Young Norwegians flocked here, eager to join the fight for their country’s liberation. The initial training took place at the Toronto Island Airport. They even borrowed planes from the Toronto Flying Club until their own aircraft arrived. Can you picture these young pilots, soaring above Lake Ontario, honing their skills? Eventually, Little Norway moved to Muskoka Airport in 1942. But this Toronto location holds the beginnings, the first flights towards freedom. More than 2,500 Norwegian airmen trained here, including pilots, navigators, and mechanics. They learned to fly planes like the Fairchild PT-19, the Northrop N-3PB, and even the Curtiss Hawk 75-A8. The training wasn’t without its perils. Tragically, there were accidents, some even fatal. These brave men risked their lives, far from home, driven by the hope of a free Norway. The park’s features, the playground, the sports fields, they stand on land that once echoed with the roar of aircraft and the dreams of exiled airmen. The plaque here, and the boulder brought from Norway itself, serve as poignant reminders of this remarkable period. Little Norway Park isn’t just a green space. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of the Norwegian people and a symbol of the strong bond forged between Norway and Canada during wartime.