โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
30
minutes
Domestic โ International
60
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Anahim Lake Airport (YAA), designated by the ICAO as CAJ4, is a regional aviation facility serving the West Chilcotin region of British Columbia, located approximately 1.2 miles (2 km) south of the community center. The airport features a modern, rustic passenger terminal building that opened in 2014, uniquely constructed from local cedar timber and innovative 'woodcrete' to harmonize with the surrounding wilderness. It acts as a vital gateway for remote fishing and hunting lodges, Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, and essential emergency services.
The terminal infrastructure is compact and focused on essential transit services, providing a single-level space that combines the check-in area, waiting lounge, and baggage claim. While the facility lacks on-site commercial dining or retail shops, it offers vending machines for snacks and beverages and provides public restroom facilities for travelers. The building also includes a second-story suite for an on-site airport caretaker, ensuring 24-hour monitoring of the facility. Travelers are advised to bring their own refreshments and to be prepared for limited cellular connectivity in this remote location.
Operationally, the airport features a single 3,936-foot asphalt runway and is primarily served by Pacific Coastal Airlines, connecting the region to the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) South Terminal. The facility also functions as a critical base for BC Wildfire Service operations and medevac flights for the regional health authority. Ground transportation is informal, with most visitors utilizing free on-site parking or pre-arranged pickups provided by local lodges, as there are no permanent taxi or ride-sharing services stationed at the airstrip.
๐ Connection Tips
Anahim Lake Airport offers stress-free connections with its single-hall terminal where all operations occur in one space. Pacific Coastal Airlines provides scheduled service to Vancouver (YVR) and Bella Coola (QBC) using Beechcraft 1900 aircraft. The compact 900-square-foot terminal eliminates navigation concerns - passengers walk directly from the terminal door to aircraft via the apron. No jet bridges or shuttle buses complicate transfers. For connections, arrive 30-45 minutes before departure as there are no security lines or complex procedures typical of larger airports. The airport lacks restaurants or cafes, offering only vending machines with snacks and beverages, so bring your own meals for longer layovers. Charter services connect to fishing lodges, wilderness destinations, and provide medical evacuation support. During forest fire season, the airport becomes a firefighting aviation hub, which may affect scheduled operations. Winter weather at 3,639 feet elevation can impact connections, so allow flexibility in travel plans. The single 3,936-foot runway accommodates turboprop aircraft but limits larger jet operations. Fuel services (100LL and Jet A) support general aviation connections. The airport serves as a crucial lifeline for the remote Chilcotin region, connecting First Nations communities and providing access to medical services, supplies, and tourism opportunities. Wildlife viewing from the terminal includes moose, deer, and various bird species that frequent the surrounding meadows. Flight schedules can be affected by wildlife on the runway, requiring occasional delays for animal clearing procedures. The facility operates without control tower services, relying on mandatory frequency operations for air traffic coordination. Despite basic amenities, the airport's simplicity ensures quick, efficient transfers for the west Chilcotin region's vital air link.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Chilko Lake (Tsylos Park Lodge) Airport (CJH), also known by its TC LID CAG3, is a specialized private aviation facility located at the north end of Chilko Lake in the Chilcotin region of British Columbia, Canada. Serving as the primary aerial gateway for the prestigious Tsylos Park Lodge, the airport acts as a critical link for international eco-tourists, fly-fishing enthusiasts, and wilderness explorers. The airfield is positioned in a dramatic mountain valley and provides a seamless entry point to one of the most remote and pristine landscapes in the Pacific Northwest.
The airport features a well-maintained 3,200-foot gravel airstrip (18/36) that is specifically designed to handle the light turboprop and piston aircraft typically used for backcountry charters. While there is no traditional passenger terminal building at the airfield itself, the 'terminal' operations are fully integrated with the nearby Tsylos Park Lodge. All guest arrivals, departures, and flight briefings are coordinated through the lodge's main reception. The facility consists of an open staging area with aircraft tie-downs and run-up pads, ensuring a functional and efficient environment for private pilots and charter crews operating in the rugged interior of BC.
Commercial services at CJH are strictly charter-based and primarily support the lodge's seasonal operations. Most travelers arrive via private aircraft or dedicated lodge charters departing from Vancouver (YVR), with the flight providing spectacular views of the Coast Mountains and the azure waters of Chilko Lake. The airport's role is fundamental to the regional wilderness economy, facilitating the movement of high-end tourists to the Chilko River, famous for its world-class grizzly bear viewing and trout fishing. Ground transportation from the airstrip is provided by the lodge's fleet of 4WD vehicles, which meet every arriving aircraft to transport guests directly to their timber-frame cabins and suites. The airfield remains a vital infrastructure asset for the sustainable development and protection of the Tsylos Provincial Park region.
๐ Connection Tips
Chilko Lake Airport (CJH), also known by its TC LID CAG3, is a specialized private airstrip at the northern end of Chilko Lake in the Chilcotin region of British Columbia. It serves as the primary fly-in gateway for guests of the Tsylos Park Lodge, an Orvis-endorsed wilderness destination famous for fly-fishing and grizzly bear viewing. Connecting to CJH involves a unique process at Vancouver International Airport (YVR); most lodge packages include a private charter departing from the Sky Services building (Air Elite) in the South Terminal area. It is vital to note that these flights do not depart from the YVR Main Terminal. Travelers should utilize the free South Terminal shuttle or take a 10-minute taxi to the Sky Services building, arriving at least 40 minutes before the typically early Sunday morning departure. Charter aircraft, such as the Navajo Chieftain or Beech 1900, have a strict 45 lb (20 kg) weight limit and require soft-sided duffel bags to fit into small cargo pods. For international travelers, arriving in Vancouver on Saturday night is highly recommended to ensure you don't miss the once-weekly Sunday charter due to flight delays. On your return journey, charters typically land in Vancouver by 1:00 PM; avoid booking onward flights before 3:30 PM to allow for terminal transfers and customs. The 3,200-foot gravel airstrip at CJH provides direct access to the lodge, though in certain weather conditions, aircraft may divert to Puntzi Lake (CYXQ), necessitating a 1.5-hour vehicle transfer. Always confirm your ground pickup and baggage weight with the lodge 24 hours in advance to ensure a seamless transition into the rugged Pacific Northwest wilderness.
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