โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
30
minutes
Domestic โ International
60
minutes
Interline Connections
90
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Merritt Airport serves Merritt in Canada.
๐ Connection Tips
Merritt Airport, also known as Saunders Field, serves the interior British Columbia community of Merritt, located 2 nautical miles east of the city at an elevation of 2,085 feet in the semi-arid Thompson-Nicola region. The airport operates with a single 3/21 runway and utilizes the Transport Canada location identifier CAD5, as it's classified as a small regional facility without full ICAO designation. This unmanned airport operates strictly during daylight hours with no runway lighting systems, making it essential for pilots to plan arrivals and departures well before sunset. The facility lacks a weather reporting station, requiring pilots to reference conditions from Lytton, located 33 nautical miles away, which can present challenges for accurate local weather assessment. Operating under Vancouver Flight Information Region in the America/Vancouver time zone (UTC-7), the airport serves primarily general aviation and charter operations rather than scheduled commercial service. The high-desert climate of the Merritt area requires special consideration, with significant temperature variations between seasons and potential for rapid weather changes due to the mountainous terrain of the surrounding Nicola Valley. Ground facilities are minimal, with basic services available for private and charter aircraft operations. The airport's remote location and limited infrastructure mean passengers should arrange ground transportation to Merritt in advance, as taxi services may not be readily available. Connection planning should account for the daytime-only operations, seasonal weather variations, and the need to coordinate with charter operators or private aircraft services, as commercial airline connections are not typically available through this facility.
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.
โ Back to Merritt Airport