โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Airport serving Old Crow.
๐ Connection Tips
Old Crow Airport serves the remote Gwich'in First Nation community of Old Crow in Canada's far northern Yukon Territory, representing the northernmost community in the Yukon and one of Canada's most isolated settlements. This Arctic airport operates through Air Canada connections, providing absolutely essential connectivity for the Gwich'in people while supporting traditional subsistence activities, community services, and cultural preservation in this pristine Arctic environment. The airport serves a community deeply connected to traditional caribou hunting, fishing, and land-based activities that define Gwich'in culture and survival in the Arctic. Weather conditions in this extreme northern location present some of the most challenging aviation conditions in North America. Winter brings brutal cold with temperatures often plunging below -50ยฐC, fierce Arctic winds, heavy snow, and months of complete polar darkness that can shut down operations entirely. Spring offers gradually improving conditions but includes rapid weather changes and challenging operational requirements. Summer provides the primary flying window with continuous daylight, though sudden Arctic storms, wildlife activity, and operational challenges persist throughout the brief season. Ground transportation is extremely limited, consisting of community vehicles, boats during the brief ice-free period on the Porcupine River, snowmobiles, and traditional transportation methods essential to Gwich'in lifestyle. The terminal building is basic but vital, engineered to withstand extreme Arctic conditions while serving the essential transportation needs of this traditional community. Security procedures are minimal given the community size and remote location, though standard identification remains required. Flight schedules are entirely dependent on extreme Arctic weather conditions and community needs, requiring maximum flexibility in all travel arrangements. Medical facilities are limited to basic community health services, with serious medical emergencies requiring immediate evacuation to Whitehorse or other southern centers. The airport serves as an absolutely critical lifeline for this traditional Gwich'in community in Canada's pristine Arctic wilderness.
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 Old Crow Airport