โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
25
minutes
Domestic โ International
55
minutes
Interline Connections
85
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Trail Regional Airport serves the West Kootenay region and sits in the Columbia River valley. The airport has a single 4,800-foot asphalt runway and is owned and operated by the City of Trail.
The terminal is a 4,200 sq ft building opened in November 2017. It includes designated drop-off and pick-up zones, short- and long-term parking, a spacious waiting area with easy check-in, a business lounge, a kids' corner, and a snack center with Wi-Fi.
Passenger-facing amenities also include washrooms, vending/snack options, car rentals, and 24-hour taxi service, supporting the airport's scheduled service and community use.
๐ Connection Tips
Trail Regional Airport serves West Kootenay's Columbia River valley community dominated by Teck's massive lead-zinc smelter, the world's largest integrated non-ferrous facility operating since 1931 following 1890s gold rush origins when ore processing began above the river bench. Located 11.3 kilometers southeast of Trail between Monashee and Selkirk Mountains, this city-owned facility features a 4,800-foot asphalt runway challenging for approaches through valley topography, with morning fog frequently causing diversions to nearby Castlegar's West Kootenay Regional Airport. Pacific Coastal Airlines provides twice-daily turboprop service to Vancouver and Victoria, essential connections for Teck's workforce and tourists accessing world-class outdoor recreation including Red Mountain Resort skiing, Columbia River fishing, and Trans Canada Trail cycling through this scenic mountain gateway. The modern 4,200-square-foot terminal opened November 2017 offers spacious waiting areas, business lounge, kids' corner, Wi-Fi-equipped snack center, and 24-hour taxi service supporting scheduled flights and charter operations serving regional mining exploration. Trail's industrial heritage attracts visitors for 2.5-hour Teck smelter tours showcasing massive lead-zinc processing operations visible throughout the valley, while the facility's environmental improvements transformed formerly barren hillsides into revegetated slopes demonstrating modern mining rehabilitation. Ground transportation includes rental cars and taxis essential for reaching downtown Trail or connecting to Nelson (70km) and Castlegar (40km), as no public transit serves this valley location requiring advance planning for hotel transfers. Weather challenges include persistent valley fog, winter icing conditions, and summer smoke from forest fires affecting visibility, with the short runway limiting aircraft types during adverse conditions. The terminal's limited operating hours outside scheduled flight times require careful planning for charter operations, though amenities adequately serve the modest passenger volumes accessing this industrial community of 7,700 residents whose economy depends entirely on Teck's smelter employing 1,400 workers processing ore from global sources.
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.
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