โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Comox Valley Airport operates as a unique joint military-civilian facility sharing airfield infrastructure with Canadian Forces Base Comox (19 Wing), established when the RAF built this strategic location in spring 1942 to guard against Japanese threats before the RCAF assumed control on May 1, 1943, transforming it into one of Canada's most significant maritime defense installations. Located 2.5 nautical miles northeast of Comox on Vancouver Island, this dual-use facility combines civilian terminal operations managed by the Comox Valley Airport Commission with military operations housing CP-140 Aurora maritime patrol aircraftโone of only two Canadian bases operating these advanced anti-submarine and surveillance platforms.
The airport features parallel military and civilian infrastructure supporting WestJet and Pacific Coastal Airlines scheduled services to Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton, while military operations include 407 Long Range Patrol Squadron (CP-140 Aurora), 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron (CC-295 Kingfisher and CH-149 Cormorant), and 418 Search and Rescue Operational Training Squadron covering Search and Rescue Region Victoria from the BC-Washington border to Yukon and 1,200 kilometers into the Pacific. Civilian terminal facilities include On the Fly Cafรฉ, Compass Gallery + Gifts, bike repair stations, and e-bike rentals catering to Vancouver Island's outdoor recreation culture.
Operational characteristics center on balancing commercial aviation with critical military missions including coastal patrol, anti-submarine warfare, and search-and-rescue operations coordinated through the Canadian Forces School of Search and Rescue where all Canadian SAR Technicians train. Weather challenges include dense Georgia Strait fog and Pacific winter storms affecting both civilian and military operations, while the facility's airport-of-entry status requires enhanced security procedures reflecting its dual civilian-military nature and strategic importance.
Strategic importance encompasses defending Canada's Pacific approaches through advanced maritime surveillance capabilities developed over eight decades of coastal defense evolution, training elite search-and-rescue specialists protecting vast wilderness areas from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, supporting Vancouver Island's growing tourism and resource industries through reliable commercial air service, and maintaining operational readiness at this critical link in North American aerospace defense where civilian convenience meets national security imperatives on one of the continent's most strategically positioned airfields.
๐ Connection Tips
Comox Valley Airport operates as a unique joint military-civilian facility on Vancouver Island, sharing airfield infrastructure with Canadian Forces Base Comox, home to 19 Wing's maritime patrol and search-and-rescue operations. The civilian terminal, managed by the Comox Valley Airport Commission, handles scheduled flights primarily via WestJet and Pacific Coastal Airlines to Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton, with Air Canada Express providing additional regional connectivity. As both an airport of entry and military installation, security procedures may be more thorough than typical regional airports, so allow extra time for check-in and screening.
The airport's strategic Pacific coast location makes it vulnerable to weather disruptions, particularly winter storms and dense fog rolling in from Georgia Strait, which can cause delays or diversions. Ground transportation options include rental cars from the terminal, taxi services to Courtenay and Comox, and the Valley Connector bus system linking the airport to Campbell River and other island communities. The facility's dual military-civilian nature means occasional restrictions during military exercises or VIP movements, though commercial operations typically continue with minimal disruption.
On-site amenities include On the Fly Cafรฉ for dining and Compass Gallery + Gifts for last-minute purchases, plus unique features like a bike repair station and EVOLVE e-bike rentals catering to Vancouver Island's outdoor recreation culture. The airport's proximity to CFB Comox's maritime patrol aircraft operations provides an interesting aviation backdrop but also means noise levels can be higher than typical regional airports. Winter travelers should note that while the island climate is milder than mainland BC, sudden weather changes can still impact flight schedules, particularly for smaller aircraft serving remote island communities.
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 Comox Valley Airport / CFB Comox