In 1946, the Skyway Theatre, Canada’s first drive-in cinema, opened at Stoney Creek, Ontario, east of Hamilton. The Skyway had speaker poles that played the soundtrack of movies at each parking spot, because not all cars had built-in radios at the time.
Drive-in theatres reached their zenith during the 1940s and 1950s and then slowly declined in popularity as indoor movie theatre technology advanced. Despite this, drive-in theatres are still found across the country and make for a nostalgic night out for many Canadians.
16
Number of drive-in theatres in Ontario. About half of Canada’s remaining drive-ins are located in the province.
557
Area in square metres of the screen at Starlight Drive-In Theatre in Sherwood Park, Alberta. Bigger than an NBA court, it stands as the largest drive-in movie screen in the country.
1.6
Maximum height in metres of vehicles permitted in the main parking section of the Valley Drive-In Theatre in Nova Scotia. Taller vehicles must park in a back section to ensure that all patrons can see the screen.
5
Number of screens at the Drive-In Saint-Eustache in Quebec, making it the biggest drive-in theatre space in Canada.
436
Car capacity of the Twilight Drive-In Theatre, Metro Vancouver’s only drive-in movie cinema.
Help keep Canada’s stories strong (and free)
We hope you will help us continue to share fascinating stories about Canada’s past.
We highlight our nation’s diverse past by telling stories that illuminate the people, places, and events that unite us as Canadians, and by making those stories accessible to everyone through our free online content.
Canada’s History is a registered charity that depends on contributions from readers like you to share inspiring and informative stories with students and citizens of all ages — award-winning stories written by Canada’s top historians, authors, journalists, and history enthusiasts.
Any amount helps, or better yet, start a monthly donation today. Your support makes all the difference. Thank you!