โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
20
minutes
Domestic โ International
45
minutes
Interline Connections
60
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Small former community airstrip area; check current operational status.
๐ Connection Tips
Williams Harbour Airport (YWM/CCZ9) represents a fascinating piece of Newfoundland and Labrador's aviation history, serving what was once an isolated fishing community on Labrador's remote south coast that underwent complete resettlement in 2017 after residents unanimously voted for relocation. This former gravel airstrip facility served a community that had dwindled to just 15 permanent residents by 2016, marking the end of over a century of fishing operations and year-round settlement that began in the 1970s. The airport's operational status remains uncertain following the provincial government's $4 million resettlement program that relocated all families to larger communities, representing one of Canada's most recent examples of rural community abandonment due to geographic isolation and infrastructure challenges. During its operational years, the facility provided essential emergency access and supply deliveries to a community completely cut off from road networks, lacking medical services, and dependent entirely on boat transportation during ice-free months and aircraft during harsh winter conditions. The airstrip's isolated location required careful coordination with local boat operators for ground transportation, as no cellular service existed in the area and weather conditions could strand travelers for extended periods. Aviation operations faced significant challenges including unpredictable coastal weather, dense fog, high winds from the Atlantic, and seasonal access limitations that made Williams Harbour one of Newfoundland's most challenging aviation destinations. The community's story illustrates the critical role of aviation infrastructure in maintaining remote settlements and the economic realities that ultimately led to the provincial resettlement program that saved an estimated $7.9 million over twenty years while ending generations of traditional coastal Labrador life. Today, the facility stands as a testament to the challenges of providing aviation services to Canada's most isolated communities.
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 Williams Harbour Airport