Churchill, Manitoba: Airport Accessibility And Travel Options

Churchill, Manitoba is a remote, northern town in Canada, known for being a polar bear hotspot and a great place to see the northern lights. It is a popular destination for ecotourism and scientific research, but there are no roads leading to the town. Instead, visitors must arrive by plane or train. Churchill Airport (IATA: YYQ, ICAO: CYYQ) is located 3 nautical miles (5.6 km; 3.5 mi) east-southeast of Churchill, Manitoba, Canada. The airport serves the town of Churchill and the surrounding region, including the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut.

Churchill Airport's location and history

Churchill Airport is located 3 nautical miles (5.6 km or 3.5 miles) east-southeast of Churchill, Manitoba, Canada. The airport is situated on the west shore of Hudson Bay, approximately 110 kilometres (68 miles) from the Manitoba–Nunavut border. Serving the town of Churchill, it is accessible only by train or plane.

The airport was originally part of the Fort Churchill military installation built by the United States Army Air Forces with the Canadian government's permission during the Second World War. The Fort Churchill infrastructure supported Canadian and American operations of the nearby Churchill Rocket Research Range beginning in the 1950s. The airport later served as a Strategic Air Command base for the 813th Strategic Aerospace Division. The 9,195-foot (2,803-metre) asphalt runway remains maintained and capable of accommodating large jet aircraft like the Boeing 747 or Boeing 777 for emergency landings.

Churchill Airport handles a significant volume of passengers annually, as Churchill is a prominent destination for ecotourism and scientific research. It also functions as a transfer airport for passengers and cargo travelling between Winnipeg and remote communities in the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut. The airport is designated as a remote airport under the National Airports Policy and continues to be owned and operated by Transport Canada.

The airport features accessible signage and amenities, including wheelchair services, automatic doors, accessible parking stalls, and universal washrooms with changing tables. It offers free parking, with some spaces equipped with electrical outlets during the winter. While there are no food services available, a vending machine is present inside the terminal.

Airlines and destinations

Churchill Airport, located in northern Manitoba, serves the town of Churchill and the surrounding Kivalliq Region of Nunavut. The airport is situated 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) east-southeast of Churchill and is accessible only by train or plane.

Churchill Airport is a small domestic airport that handles a high volume of passengers throughout the year due to Churchill being a significant destination for ecotourism and scientific research. It also serves as a transfer airport for passengers and cargo travelling between Winnipeg and remote communities in Nunavut.

Several airlines operate at Churchill Airport, including Calm Air International, WestJet, Air Canada, and Keewatin Air. These airlines connect Churchill with various destinations across Canada and the world. For example, there are direct flights to and from Winnipeg, Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, and even international locations such as Orlando and Tampa.

When booking a flight to Churchill, it is recommended to be flexible with travel dates, departure and arrival airports, and carriers to find the best deals. Booking in advance and being aware of the seasonal demand can also help secure cheaper airfare. Additionally, round-trip flights tend to be more affordable than one-way trips.

Transport options to Churchill

Churchill, Manitoba, Canada, is a small town most famous for its polar bears, beluga whales, and northern lights. Getting to Churchill is part of the adventure, as there are no roads, so you must arrive by train or plane.

Plane

Churchill Airport (IATA: YYQ, ICAO: CYYQ) is located 3.5 miles (5.6 km) from the town of Churchill. The airport is small but handles a high number of passengers as Churchill is a popular destination for ecotourism and scientific research. The airport serves the town of Churchill and the surrounding Kivalliq Region of Nunavut.

A flight from Winnipeg takes approximately two hours. Airlines that fly to Churchill include Calm Air International LP, Fast Air Executive Aviation Services, Northway Aviation Ltd, Perimeter Aviation Ltd, and Taiga Air Services Ltd.

Train

The Via Rail Canada train to Churchill departs from Winnipeg, which is around 1697 kilometres (1054 miles) from Churchill. The train departs Winnipeg every Sunday and Tuesday morning at 9 am, and Churchill every Thursday and Saturday. The journey takes approximately 48 hours, so it is important to plan carefully and book in advance.

Getting Around Churchill

Once you have arrived in Churchill, it is fairly easy to walk around the town. However, it is important to remember that you are in polar bear country, so always respect the signage and warnings. It is not recommended to explore outside the town without a guide.

Churchill Airport facilities

Churchill Airport, located in northern Manitoba, Canada, is a small domestic airport that handles a high volume of passengers annually. The airport is situated 3.5 miles (5.6 km) east-southeast of Churchill, on the west shore of Hudson Bay. It serves as a gateway to the town of Churchill and the surrounding Kivalliq Region of Nunavut.

History and Military Significance:

Churchill Airport has a rich history, dating back to its construction by the United States Air Force during World War II. With the permission of the Canadian government, the airport was established as part of the Fort Churchill military installation. In the 1950s, the facilities at Fort Churchill supported Canadian and American operations at the nearby Churchill Rocket Research Range. The airport later served as a Strategic Air Command base, housing the 3949th Air Base Squadron.

Facilities and Accessibility:

Churchill Airport features a 9,195-foot (2,803-meter) asphalt runway, which is maintained and capable of accommodating jet aircraft like the Boeing 747 or Boeing 777 for emergency landings. The airport provides accessible signage and amenities, ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal access to its facilities. These amenities include wheelchair service within the terminal, a drop-off/loading zone, automatic doors, accessible parking stalls, and universal washrooms with changing tables.

The terminal building is open seven days a week, typically from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, although these hours may vary depending on flight schedules. The administration office is open during regular business hours from Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays.

Parking and Ground Transportation:

Churchill Airport offers free parking for passengers and visitors, with the exception of parking spaces equipped with electrical outlets during the winter season, which incur additional charges. Ground transportation options include Tamarack Rentals Ltd. and North Coast Taxi Company, providing travel services within Churchill and the surrounding areas.

Airlines and Destinations:

Churchill Airport serves as a transfer airport for passengers and cargo travelling between Winnipeg and remote communities in the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut. It is a vital hub for ecotourism and scientific research, attracting visitors interested in polar bear watching, beluga whale spotting, and witnessing the northern lights.

Dining Options:

The airport does not offer dedicated food services, but a vending machine is available inside the terminal for snacks and beverages.

Churchill Airport contact information

Churchill Airport is located 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) east-southeast of Churchill, Manitoba, Canada. The airport serves the town of Churchill and the surrounding region, including the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut. It is a small domestic airport that handles a high volume of passengers due to Churchill being a popular destination for ecotourism and scientific research. The airport is also a transfer point for passengers and cargo travelling between Winnipeg and remote communities in the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut.

Contact Information

For general inquiries, the airport can be reached at the following phone numbers:

• 204-675-2090 (during normal hours of operation)
• 204-675-0057 (after hours or in an emergency)

The airport's physical address is:

1 Airport Road

PO Box 1059

Churchill, MB R0B 0E0

The terminal building is open 7 days a week from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, subject to change depending on flight times. The administration office is open Monday to Friday, except for statutory holidays, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Transportation and Parking

The airport provides free parking, with the exception of parking spaces equipped with electrical outlets during the winter season. For parking rates and availability, contact the airport directly.

The following ground transportation options are available in Churchill:

• Tamarack Rentals Ltd. (Telephone: 204-675-2192)
• North Coast Taxi Company (Telephone: 204-675-2345)

Accessibility

Churchill Airport has accessible signage and amenities, including:

• Wheelchair service in the terminal
• A drop-off/loading zone in front of the terminal
• Automatic doors
• Accessible parking stalls
• Accessible universal washrooms with change tables

Airlines and Services

The following airlines and services operate from Churchill Airport:

• Keewatin Air (Medical and Charter Services)
• Telephone: 204-888-0100 or 1-877-879-8477 (Reception)
• Telephone: 1-800-913-4393 (Medevac division)
• Website: Keewatin Air
• Nolinor Aviation (Charter Services)
• Telephone: 1-888-505-7025 (Reservations)
• Telephone: 1-450-476-0018 (Reception)
• Website: Nolinor Aviation
• Custom Helicopters
• Telephone: 204-338-7953 or 1-800-782-0780
• Website: Custom Helicopters
• Hudson Bay Helicopters
• Telephone: 204-675-2576
• Website: Hudson Bay Helicopters

Emergencies and Non-Emergencies

In case of an emergency, the following phone numbers can be contacted:

• Police: 204-675-2551
• Ambulance: 204-675-8300

Frequently asked questions