โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
30
minutes
Domestic โ International
60
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Peace River Airport serves the historic confluence where Alexander Mackenzie wintered at Fort Fork in 1792-93 during his legendary journeys reaching both the Arctic (1789) and Pacific (1793) oceans via the Peace River, later documenting bituminous fountains near the Athabasca that presaged Alberta's oil sands industry. Located 5 kilometers west of Peace River on Highway 2, this municipal facility operates where the 1916 railway arrival transformed fur trading territory into Canada's last agricultural frontier, opening the fertile Peace Country to homesteaders in 1910 and establishing the station that served as regional hub until 1981.
The airport features infrastructure supporting Northern Air's Monday-Friday service to Edmonton International, charter operations, and air ambulance services essential for the region positioned near Alberta's third-largest oil sands depositโthe Peace River Oil Sands where Canadian Natural Resources operates in-situ facilities using cyclic steam stimulation technology. Terminal facilities coordinate operations serving the town's proximity to DMI pulp mill 20 kilometers north (established in the 1970s wave with Chetwynd and Grande Prairie mills) and supporting the agricultural heartland where ranching and farming flourished after railway access enabled settlement.
Operational characteristics center on serving diverse economic sectors from traditional agriculture that followed the 1910 homestead opening to modern energy extraction including Penn West's $1.25-billion China Investment Corporation partnership signed in 2010 for Peace River oil sands development. The facility handles essential services for remote communities throughout the Peace Country where David Thompson also wintered in 1802, following Mackenzie's footsteps through territory that saw surge fur trade activity with forts from Fort Vermilion to Hudson's Hope along the river corridor.
Strategic importance encompasses maintaining aviation connectivity to where Sir Alexander Mackenzie's 1788 observation of 20-foot poles inserting without resistance into bituminous fountains first documented oil sands 130 years before commercial development, supporting the Peace Country's evolution from fur trade routes to railway hub to modern energy extraction center, facilitating access to both agricultural operations on fertile lands opened by the 1916 railway and oil sands facilities representing billions in investment, and preserving connections for communities whose history spans from Indigenous peoples through fur traders, railway builders, homesteaders, and modern energy workers in Alberta's northwestern frontier.
๐ Connection Tips
Peace River Airport serves as northern Alberta's primary regional aviation hub with a 5,000-foot runway capable of accommodating Boeing 737-600/700/800 aircraft equipped with short-field packages. Ground transportation includes taxi services, rental cars, and shuttle connections to downtown Peace River, located 5 nautical miles east of the airport. Winter conditions present significant operational challenges with temperatures dropping to -40ยฐC and heavy snowfall requiring specialized aircraft equipment and de-icing procedures. Flight planning should account for limited alternate airports in northern Alberta, with Grande Prairie and Edmonton serving as primary alternates during weather events. Geographic constraints limit runway expansion due to Strong Creek ravine to the west and Highway 2 on the east side, making operational planning crucial for larger aircraft.
The airport's elevation of 1,872 feet requires density altitude considerations during summer operations when temperatures can exceed 30ยฐC. Parking is free and abundant with easy terminal access. Historical significance includes reopening for major airline service in January 1961 after being the former Peace Air hub until 2007. Northern Air operates as the primary carrier with scheduled service to Edmonton International Airport, complemented by charter and air ambulance operations serving remote northern communities. Fuel services include 100LL and Jet A with 24-hour availability for scheduled operations.
The facility operates under Edmonton FIR control with published METAR/TAF weather observations supporting instrument approaches. The modern 21,000 square foot terminal building provides full passenger services including security screening and baggage handling. The airport serves oil and gas industry workers, government services, and medical transport for the Peace River region's 70,000+ residents. Runway 04/22 orientation can create crosswind challenges during prevailing northwest weather patterns.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
30
minutes
Domestic โ International
60
minutes
Interline Connections
90
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Great Bear Lake Airport (DAS), also identified by its ICAO code CFF4, is a specialized private aviation facility located on the remote shores of Great Bear Lake in the Northwest Territories, Canada. Situated on the Dease Arm of the lake, the airport is primarily owned and operated by Plummer's Great Bear Lake Lodge, one of the world's premier destinations for trophy lake trout fishing. As a private facility, the airport serves as the exclusive entry point for guests arriving on all-inclusive fly-in adventures, bypassing the need for long and difficult overland travel through the Arctic wilderness.
The airport's physical infrastructure is centered around a single well-maintained gravel runway that measures approximately 1,584 meters (5,200 feet) in length. This substantial runway is capable of accommodating large regional turboprops and specialized bush planes, making it one of the most capable private strips in the northern territories. The airfield is also uniquely positioned to support amphibious operations, frequently serving as a base for Turbine Otter float planes that transport guests to even more remote fishing outposts across the vast expanse of the lake.
While the airport does not feature a traditional public passenger terminal, the 'arrival experience' is seamlessly integrated into the operations of Plummer's Lodge. Arriving guests are typically met on the runway by lodge staff and transported a short distance to the main clubhouse, which functions as the central hub for check-in, dining, and guest services. The lodge facilities provide a high level of comfort in a rugged environment, including a gift shop, internet access, and professional lounge areas, offering a stark contrast to the surrounding Arctic tundra.
Strategically, DAS is an essential node for the high-end tourism industry in the Northwest Territories. It facilitates the transport of specialized technical equipment, fresh gourmet supplies, and international travelers from around the globe. The approach to the runway offers spectacular views of the crystal-clear waters of Great Bear Lake and the surrounding pristine wilderness. Due to its private and remote status, all flight operations must be coordinated directly with the lodge management, and there are no public refueling or maintenance services available for transient aircraft.
๐ Connection Tips
Great Bear Lake Airport (DAS) is a private aviation facility on the remote Dease Arm of Great Bear Lake, Canada. It is primarily operated by Plummerโs Great Bear Lake Lodge, and there are no scheduled public commercial services; all arrivals are part of fly-in fishing and wilderness packages. Your primary connection point will almost always be Yellowknife Airport (YZF), from where the lodge coordinates charters using regional turboprops or bush planes like the Turbine Otter. A critical tip: guests are usually required to arrive in Yellowknife at least one day before their flight to the lodge to account for Arctic weather delays.
Upon landing at the 5,200-foot gravel runway at DAS, you will be met by lodge staff and transported by boat or light vehicle to the clubhouse. There is no public terminal, car rentals, or taxis; all transport is provided by the lodge. For more remote outposts, the airport serves as a base for floatplane transfers. Packing is restricted; use soft-sided duffel bags to fit in small aircraft cargo pods.
Weather is the most significant factor; fog, high winds, and early-season ice can lead to multi-day delays, so building a flexible 'buffer' into your return travel from Yellowknife is essential. While the lodge provides satellite internet, mobile coverage is non-existent at the airstrip. Self-sufficiency for personal needs is required once you leave Yellowknife.
โ Back to Peace River Airport