โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
35
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
International โ Domestic
75
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
105
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Primary airport for Vancouver Island; single terminal with multiple gates.
๐ Connection Tips
Victoria International Airport serves as Vancouver Island's primary gateway, handling 1.87 million passengers annually as Canada's 11th busiest airport, located 12 nautical miles north-northwest of Victoria. The single terminal operates 4 AM-1 AM with three baggage carousels (two domestic, one international within customs area). Major airlines include Air Canada with connections to Montreal/Toronto/Ottawa, WestJet serving Calgary/Edmonton/Vancouver, Alaska Airlines providing sole US service to Seattle, and Pacific Coastal serving smaller BC communities including Kamloops/Prince George. No US preclearance facility available - passengers clear customs/immigration upon arrival in the US, though Vancouver connections offer preclearance options. Peak screening delays occur during early morning, mid-morning, and early evening periods requiring extra buffer time. CBSA handles aircraft up to 450 passengers (staged unloading) or 120 normal capacity. Primary domestic connections flow through Vancouver (YVR) with five carrier options including Air Canada, Air North, Harbour Air, and Pacific Coastal. International routing typically via Vancouver (YVR), Calgary (YYC), or Seattle (SEA). Recent service reductions include Delta discontinuing three daily Seattle flights (2019) and United ending San Francisco service (2019), leaving Alaska Airlines as sole US carrier. Terminal features compact layout with dining, shopping, and ground transportation options. Island Express Air and Orca Airways provide charter services. Harbour Air operates seaplane connections to Vancouver's Coal Harbour. CATSA provides security screening with enhanced protocols during peak travel periods. The facility supports both scheduled service and significant general aviation traffic serving Vancouver Island's tourism and business communities. Ferry alternatives via BC Ferries connect to mainland but require 1.5-3 hour sailing times plus driving to Vancouver airports.
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 Victoria International Airport