The closest international airport for the Rockies is Calgary International Airport, or “YYC” (its international aeronautical designation). This airport is about 100 km east of Banff & Canmore, about an hour’s drive. If you are heading into BC’s Rockies, Calgary is about 2-1/3 hours from Radium, Invermere, Fairmont or Golden. and about 3 hours from Fernie, and 4 hours drive from Cranbrook and Revelstoke.
If you are heading further south, to Kimberley, Cranbrook or Fernie, you should consider flying into Cranbrook-Kimberley (see right below).
Another option, for Jasper is flying into Edmonton’s international airport (YEG), which is about a 4 hour drive.
Cranbrook-Kimberley Airport (YXC)
This airport closest to Cranbrook provides the best service for Kimberley, Cranbrook or Fernie. This airport is located off Highway 95A (at 9370 Airport Access Road), 15 km from Cranbrook and 20 km from Kimberley. Air Canada, WestJet and Pacific Coastal airlines provide connections to major cities fly in/out of this site, and there is a customs unit. Car rentals are available.
(250 426-7913). Arrivals & Departures link.
Cranbrook airport is serviced by:
- Pacific Coastal Airlines Ltd: 250-489-5542 and toll-free 800-663-2872
- Air Canada – Jazz: 250-426-7719 and toll-free 888-247-2262
- Kootenay Airways: 250-426-3762
Taxi to Cranbrook and Kimberley is approximately $25-$27 one way, and ground shuttle is about $11. The airport has car rental desks for Budget, Avis and National.
The Rockies are also served by these small airports that do not have scheduled airline service
Fernie-Sparwood (YSW)
Sparwood/Elk Valley Airport (YSW), is located 4 nautical miles (7.4 km; 4.6 mi) north of Sparwood, BC, and about 19 km E of Fernie, BC.
Fairmont, BC (CYCZ)
Fairmont has a small Fairmont Hot Springs Airport (CYCZ) for private planes, adjacent to the highway, across from the resort, a 2,000 m (6,200 ft) runway at 2,661 ft above sea level welcomes private and charter aircraft up to the Boeing 737. (Airport direct: 250-345-2121)
Golden, BC (CYGE)
Golden Municipal Airport, (CYGE), which is owned by the town of Golden is located at 2,575 ft above sea level with a paved 4,500 ft. x 75 ft. runway, and is located on the south edge of Golden BC, (NOTAM number is 250-344-2271)
Revelstoke, AB (CYRV)
Revelstoke Airport (CYRV), is owned by the Regional District and is located 1.7 nautical miles (3.1 km; 2.0 mi) south southeast of Revelstoke, and has a 4,825 ft (1,571m) long by 75 ft wide asphalt runway at 1457 ft above sea level (direction: 12/30).(airport direct: 250-837-7007)