โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Airport serving The Pas.
๐ Connection Tips
The Pas Airport serves as the aviation gateway to northern Manitoba's resource corridor, strategically positioned 19 kilometers northeast of The Pas near Clearwater Lake at 888 feet elevation. This certified aerodrome operates in a community that functions as Canada's northern railroad junction where the historic Hudson Bay Railway branches toward Churchill, Flin Flon, and Thompson, making it the transportation nexus for Manitoba's mining and forestry belt. Calmair Airlines provides scheduled passenger service while numerous charter operators support the region's mining operations, forestry activities, and northern communities. The airport serves as a crucial base for Manitoba Wildfire aircraft and waterbomber operations protecting the vast boreal forests that drive the local forestry economy. The Pas itself has been the starting point for northern expeditions since 1920, when it became headquarters for the Hudson Bay Railway construction project, and today remains the supply hub for major mining operations including HudBay Minerals, Vale, and numerous exploration companies working Manitoba's mineral-rich Precambrian Shield. Ground transportation connects directly to the Trans-Canada Highway system and Canadian National Railway facilities, positioning travelers within reach of the Arctic Gateway trade corridor that moves grain, mining concentrates, forestry products, and petroleum through Churchill's ice-free port during the July-November shipping season. The airport experiences challenging subarctic weather with temperatures ranging from -35ยฐC in winter to +30ยฐC in summer, along with potential for severe thunderstorms, blizzards, and forest fire smoke that can affect operations. Charter flights frequently transport mining personnel to remote northern sites, while the facility also supports tourism access to the pristine wilderness areas, Indigenous communities, and polar bear viewing opportunities along the Hudson Bay coast accessible via the railway connection.
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 The Pas Airport