Gateway to British Columbia's scenic West Kootenay region.
Location
Castlegar, Canada
Castlegar/West Kootenay Regional Airport (IATA: YCG, ICAO: CYCG) is a small regional airport serving Castlegar and the surrounding West Kootenay area of southeastern British Columbia, Canada. It sits at an elevation of approximately 1,495 feet (456 metres) above sea level and is operated by the City of Castlegar.
The airport is known for its challenging approach and departure procedures due to the mountainous terrain surrounding the Columbia River valley, which can result in frequent weather-related diversions or delays. Despite its small size, it plays an important role in connecting the region to major Canadian hubs.
The airport primarily offers scheduled passenger service to Vancouver, providing a vital air link for residents who would otherwise face long overland journeys through the mountains.
Terminals
The airport has a single small terminal building handling all passenger check-in, arrivals, and departures.
Getting to & from
Ground transport between the airport and Castlegar is primarily by private vehicle or taxi, with no regular public transit service.
Airlines here
Air Canada Express (operated by Jazz Aviation) provides scheduled service connecting Castlegar to Vancouver International Airport.
Notable facts
- ›The airport is nicknamed 'Cancelgar' by locals due to the high frequency of weather-related flight cancellations and diversions.
- ›Surrounding mountainous terrain makes instrument approaches particularly demanding for pilots.
- ›The airport sits within the Columbia River valley, contributing to its challenging meteorological conditions.
- ›It is one of the smaller airports in the Transport Canada network but serves an economically significant region.
- ›Trails and ski areas such as Red Mountain Resort in nearby Rossland contribute to regional passenger demand.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
