โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
25
minutes
Domestic โ International
55
minutes
Interline Connections
85
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Downsview Airport (YZD/CYZD) permanently closed April 2024 following 95 years as Canada's aerospace manufacturing heartland where de Havilland opened the airfield in 1929 on 70 acres of farmland, revolutionizing Canadian aviation through iconic aircraft including Beaver, Twin Otter, and Dash 8 before Bombardier's 1992 acquisition transformed the site into global jet manufacturing center producing Q400 turboprops and assembling Global Express business jets until March 23, 2024, when the final Global 7500 departed marking the end of Toronto's aerospace manufacturing era. Located in North York where wartime expansion as RCAF Station Downsview supported Allied aircraft production during WWII before becoming CFB Toronto until 1996, the 370-acre site now undergoes $22 billion transformation by Northcrest Developments creating North America's largest urban community project featuring 28 million square feet residential space, 7 million square feet commercial property, and 74 acres of parks by 2054 with net-zero carbon targets by 2040.
Historic aerospace infrastructure that never supported commercial passenger service required prior Bombardier Emergency Services permission for all visiting aircraft, featuring twelve hangars in the southwest corner where Dash 8 assembly lines operated alongside Global Express final assembly following 1993 program launch, establishing Downsview as Bombardier's primary Q400 manufacturing site serving Air Canada Express and WestJet Encore fleets. The facility's closure followed 2018 sale to Public Sector Pension Investment Board subsidiary Northcrest, with Bombardier relocating to new 770,000-square-foot Pearson Airport facility opened May 1, 2024, dedicated to Global 7500 and 6500 private jet manufacturing.
Operational legacy encompasses testing grounds for Canada's most significant aircraft where de Havilland's DHC-2 Beaver first flew August 16, 1947, revolutionizing bush flying worldwide, followed by DHC-6 Twin Otter establishing STOL transport standards, and Dash 8 becoming world's best-selling turboprop through Downsview production lines that assembled over 1,000 aircraft before closure. The site witnessed aerospace milestones including Avro Canada CF-105 Arrow component testing during Canada's supersonic fighter program and Global Express development establishing Bombardier's business jet leadership through Downsview flight test operations.
Strategic transformation from aerospace heritage to urban development preserves YZD identity through Northcrest's August 17, 2024 rebranding honoring aviation legacy while creating sustainable community accommodating 55,000 residents and 23,000 jobs, demonstrating successful industrial site conversion where nearly century-long aerospace manufacturing tradition yields to contemporary urban needs. The closure marks Canada's aerospace industry consolidation at Pearson while Downsview's transformation represents Toronto's largest development opportunity, converting former test flights and assembly halls into residential neighborhoods preserving aerospace memory through YZD designation maintaining connection to aviation heritage that shaped Canadian aerospace leadership from de Havilland's pioneering bush planes through Bombardier's global jet revolution.
๐ Connection Tips
Downsview Airport permanently closed as of April 2024 following 95 years of aviation operations dating from 1929. The YZD identifier has been repurposed by Northcrest as the new community brand. Construction begins 2026 with net-zero carbon targets by 2040. Northcrest Developments now controls the site for redevelopment into North America's largest urban community project, valued at $22 billion over 30 years.
The 370-acre site required prior permission and security clearance through Bombardier Emergency Services for all visiting aircraft. Originally de Havilland Airfield, it served as RCAF Station Downsview during WWII and later CFB Toronto until 1996. Historical significance includes testing sites for famous Canadian aircraft including Beaver, Twin Otter, Dash 8, Global Express, and Global 5000. For current aviation needs in Toronto area, passengers must use Pearson International (YYZ) for commercial flights, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) for regional services, or Buttonville (YKZ) for general aviation until its closure.
The transformation will create 28 million square feet of residential space, 7 million square feet of commercial property, and 74 acres of parks by 2054. No commercial passenger service ever operated - access was restricted to aerospace manufacturing, flight testing, and authorized general aviation with advance coordination. From 1994-2024, Bombardier Aerospace operated the facility as their primary Q400 manufacturing and flight test center, with the final aircraft departing March 23, 2024. The airport's closure marks the end of Toronto's aerospace manufacturing era at this location.
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) is really a lodge-access strip rather than a normal airport connection point, and that changes the whole planning model. The key operational fact is that many guests connect through Vancouver's South Terminal rather than the main YVR terminal, which means the true risk is not inside the final wilderness airstrip but in how cleanly you transition from the commercial hub to the private charter operation. That handoff should be treated like an airport transfer in its own right.
If your main flight lands at Vancouver International, build enough time to transfer to the South Terminal operation without stress. A private wilderness charter does not behave like a major-airline departure bank; if you miss it, the consequences can be much more significant than just waiting for the next flight.
At the lodge end, the airport's value is obvious: it gets you directly into a remote part of the Chilcotin where road access is long and slow. But that also means the local side is intentionally sparse. Your luggage limits, pickup, and lodge instructions matter more than terminal amenities. CJH works best when Vancouver is treated as the protected commercial hub and Chilko Lake as the final wilderness segment. The smart planning is all in the South Terminal handoff and in making sure the lodge charter is the last well-buffered step of the day.
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