Bearskin Airlines

Bearskin Airlines (Bearskin Lake Air Service) is not just a regional carrier, but a true lifeline for Northern Ontario and parts of Manitoba. The company, whose history began with flights over the Canadian wilderness and lakes, has today become a symbol of reliability and punctuality for local residents and business travelers. If you are planning a trip through this picturesque but rugged region, flights with Bearskin, or as it is affectionately known, "The Bear", offer you a fast and convenient way to reach your destination, bypassing long hours on highways.

History and Modernity

Founded in 1963, the airline was named after the settlement of Bearskin Lake, located deep in Northern Ontario. Starting as a small charter firm operating floatplanes to deliver cargo and passengers to remote Indigenous communities, it gradually transformed into a key regional player. Today, Bearskin Lake Air Service is part of the Exchange Income Corporation (EIC) group and works closely with Perimeter Aviation while maintaining its unique identity and high level of service.

Fleet Features

The airline's fleet consists primarily of time-tested Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner turboprop aircraft. These aircraft are ideal for short flights between small airports: they are fuel-efficient, fast, and equipped with a pressurized cabin, ensuring comfort even in the challenging weather conditions of the Canadian North. Although there are no flight attendants on board (due to the 19-seat size of the aircraft), passengers appreciate these flights for the speed of boarding and disembarking, as well as the opportunity to observe the pilots at work.

Flight Geography and Advantages

The airline's main mission is to connect northern industrial and administrative centers. The route network is strategically built to minimize travel time for business travelers. For example, regular flights connect the major transport hub of Winnipeg with the city of Thunder Bay, which serves as the gateway to Northwestern Ontario.

An important hub for the company is Sudbury, from where frequent departures to neighboring cities are operated. Travelers can quickly reach the border city of Sault Ste. Marie or head to North Bay. Thanks to high flight frequency and a schedule oriented towards business travel, Bearskin Airlines has earned a reputation as a carrier that helps save time.

Contacting Bearskin Airlines (Bearskin Lake Air Service) is quite simple, as the carrier focuses on close interaction with the local communities of Ontario and Manitoba. For questions regarding booking, schedule changes, or cargo transportation, a toll-free line operating throughout North America is available to passengers.

Official Website

The main source of information and ticket booking: www.bearskinairlines.com (the site is integrated with the Perimeter Aviation partner network).

Contact Details

• Support and Booking Service (Toll-free in Canada and USA): 1-800-465-2327
• Local Phone (Thunder Bay): +1 807-577-1141
• Email for General Inquiries and Reservations: reservations@bearskinairlines.com
• Mobile App: The airline does not have a dedicated app; it is recommended to use the mobile version of the official website to manage bookings.

Social Media

• Facebook: Bearskin Airlines — news about flights, weather conditions, and special offers are published here.

Local Offices and Airport Counters

Airline representatives and check-in counters are located in the terminals of the route network airports. You can contact Bearskin Airlines staff directly before departure at the following key hubs:

• Thunder Bay: Thunder Bay Airport (Thunder Bay, ON) — this is the operational base.
• Sudbury: Sudbury Airport (Sudbury, ON) — the carrier's main hub.
• Winnipeg: James Armstrong Richardson Airport (Winnipeg, MB).
• Sault Ste. Marie: Sault Ste. Marie Airport (Sault Ste. Marie, ON).
• North Bay: North Bay Airport (North Bay, ON).

Additional Information

The reservation service operates daily, however, the working hours of live operators may vary depending on the day of the week (schedule may be reduced on weekends and holidays). It is recommended to call during business hours, Eastern Time.

Please note: contact details and operating hours are subject to change. We strongly recommend checking the latest information on the official website before traveling.

Traveling with Bearskin Airlines has its own unique features due to the type of aircraft used. Since flights are operated on small Fairchild Metroliner turboprop planes, space on board is limited. Understanding the baggage rules will help you avoid delays and make your flight as comfortable as possible.

Carry-On Baggage: "Bearskin Valet" Service

Due to the compact size of the cabin, Bearskin aircraft lack the usual overhead bins for suitcases. For passenger convenience, the airline offers the "Valet" (Sky Check) service:

• Main Carry-On: "Cabin size" suitcases and large bags are handed over directly at the aircraft stairs before boarding. Upon arrival, you collect them at the same spot immediately after exiting the plane. It is fast and convenient.
• Personal Items in Cabin: You may take only one small personal item with you to your seat (a lady's handbag, a briefcase with a laptop, or a small backpack).
• Dimensions: Items you take into the cabin must fit freely under the seat in front of you. The maximum height of the space under the seat is only about 15 cm.

Checked Baggage

Free baggage allowances depend on the fare purchased (e.g., Fixed, Flex, or Freedom). We recommend checking exact details on your itinerary receipt before departure.

• Standard Allowance: Usually, passengers are allowed to transport up to 2-3 pieces of baggage, with the total weight often limited (typically up to 23-32 kg per passenger depending on the booking class).
• Maximum Weight per Piece: For the health and safety of baggage handlers and flight safety, the weight of a single bag must not exceed 32 kg (70 lbs). Baggage heavier than this limit can only be shipped as Cargo.

Excess Baggage and Fees

If your baggage exceeds the weight or piece limits, an additional fee applies. However, Bearskin Airlines has an important "guaranteed delivery" rule:

• Priority: Baggage within the free allowance has priority during loading.
• Excess: Excess baggage is accepted for carriage only if there is free space in the cargo hold. In rare cases, if the aircraft is fully loaded, extra bags may be sent on the next flight.

Sports Equipment and Musical Instruments

The airline's flight region is a land of lakes and forests, so transporting equipment is very popular here. For example, many fly with fishing rods to Sault Ste. Marie or with skis to the north.

• Sports Equipment: Bicycles, skis, snowboards, fishing gear, and golf clubs are accepted for carriage. They may be included in the free baggage allowance or paid for separately, depending on their dimensions and weight. Bicycles must be partially disassembled and packed in a box or case.
• Musical Instruments: Small instruments (violin, flute) can be taken into the cabin as a personal item if they fit under the seat. Large instruments (guitars, cellos) must be checked in hard cases ("Valet" service is also available for them to minimize the risk of damage).

Prohibited and Restricted Items

Bearskin Airlines safety rules comply with Transport Canada standards. Strictly prohibited for carriage are:

• Explosives, fireworks, flares.
• Flammable liquids and solids (gasoline, lighter fluid, "strike-anywhere" matches).
• Compressed gases (scuba tanks, propane).
• Corrosive and caustic substances.

Electronic cigarettes and spare lithium batteries must be kept only in carry-on baggage; checking them in is prohibited.

Tips for Efficient Packing

Given the specifics of Metroliner aircraft, these tips will help you avoid inconvenience:

1. Soft is better than hard: Soft duffel bags are much easier to fit into the baggage hold of a small plane than rigid plastic suitcases.
2. Valuables with you: Always keep documents, medication, keys, and fragile electronics in your personal bag under the seat.
3. Bright tag: Since many bags look alike, attach a bright tag with your name and contact details. This is especially relevant if you are connecting, for example, through Winnipeg or Sudbury.
4. Dress warmly: When boarding and disembarking outdoors, as well as waiting for baggage at the stairs ("Valet"), you may need a warm jacket, even if the flight is short.

Flying with a pet on Bearskin Lake Air Service (JV) flights involves a critically important feature that every pet owner must know. Since the airline's fleet consists exclusively of Fairchild Metroliner aircraft, the baggage holds are not heated or properly pressurized for transporting living creatures. For safety and humane treatment, Bearskin Airlines accepts animals for transport only in the aircraft cabin (In-Cabin). Transporting pets in checked baggage or as unaccompanied cargo is strictly prohibited.

In-Cabin Transport Rules (Carry-On)

You can only take small cats and small dogs on board. Given the compactness of the Metroliner cabin, space under the seats is very limited, so dimension requirements are stricter than those of major airlines.

• Carrier Type: Soft-sided carriers are strongly recommended. Rigid plastic containers may simply not fit under the seat due to the aircraft's design features.
• Dimensions and Weight: The animal must fit comfortably in the carrier, be able to stand up and turn around. The total weight of the pet together with the bag must not exceed the established limit (usually about 9-10 kg, but it is better to check when booking).
• Placement: The carrier must fit completely under the seat in front of you and remain closed there throughout the entire flight, whether it is a short trip to Sault Ste. Marie or a longer journey.

Booking and Quotas

The number of animals on a single flight is strictly limited (usually no more than 1-2 pets per entire plane). A spot for your four-legged friend must be booked in advance.

• How to book: It is impossible to add a pet to a booking online. You must call the Bearskin Airlines reservation center (1-800-465-2327) at least 24–48 hours before departure.
• Popular Routes: If you are flying to busy hubs like Thunder Bay or Sudbury, call immediately after purchasing your ticket to guarantee a spot for your animal.

Service Dogs

Certified service dogs, specially trained to assist people with disabilities, are admitted to the cabin free of charge and without a container, however, certain rules apply:

• Placement: The dog must sit at the owner's feet and be secured to the owner's seat belt (via a harness). The animal must not occupy a separate seat or block the aisle.
• Documents: Proof of training and a certificate from a licensed organization are required.
• Notification: The airline must be notified about flying with a service dog at least 48 hours before departure, especially if your route includes connections, for example, through Winnipeg.

Important Warning: Baggage and Cargo

Please remember: under no circumstances can your animal fly in the baggage hold. During winter in Canada, when flights head to northern cities such as North Bay, the temperature in the cargo hold can drop to critical levels. If your pet is too large for transport in a carrier under the seat, you will have to use another airline or choose ground transport.

Documents and Payment

• Payment: A fixed one-way fee applies for transporting an animal in the cabin (PETC). Service dogs fly free of charge.
• Veterinary Requirements: At check-in, you must present current vaccination certificates (especially for rabies) and a veterinary passport.

Tip: Arrive at the airport early (at least 90 minutes) to pass document checks and carrier weighing without rushing.

Partnership with Aeroplan: Mileage Usage Opportunities

Bearskin Airlines (Bearskin Lake Air Service) holds a special partner status in the Aeroplan loyalty program. Unlike standard alliance members, cooperation here is built on the "Redemption Partner" principle. This means that flights with Bearskin are an excellent way to spend accumulated miles, but not to earn them.

Advantageous Exchange of Miles for Expensive Tickets

Experienced travelers across Canada know that regional short-haul flights often cost disproportionately high amounts in monetary terms due to complex logistics and lack of competition. This is where using Aeroplan points becomes a maximally profitable strategic decision.

• High Mile Value: The cash price of a ticket on the Winnipeg — Thunder Bay route can be high, while the rate in miles remains fixed or dynamically acceptable. Exchanging points for such flights often yields a much better conversion rate than buying tickets to popular international destinations.
• Seat Availability: Bearskin Airlines provides seat quotas for booking with points on most of its regular flights, including popular destinations from the hub in the city of Sudbury.

How to Book a Reward Ticket

Since Bearskin Airlines is integrated into the Aeroplan reward system, the process of issuing a ticket for points takes place through the channels of the national carrier Air Canada, and not through the Bearskin website itself.

• Online: Go to aircanada.com or the Air Canada app, log in to your Aeroplan account, and select the "Book with points" option. When searching for flights, for example, to Sault Ste. Marie or North Bay, the system will automatically show available options on Bearskin flights (code JV).
• Call Center: You can also issue a ticket by calling the Aeroplan contact center. This can be useful when building complex itineraries involving a transfer from an Air Canada flight to a Bearskin flight.

Important Restrictions

When planning a trip, it is important to consider the specifics of this partnership to avoid unjustified expectations:

• No Mileage Accrual: For flights operated by Bearskin Airlines (even if the ticket is bought for cash on Air Canada stock), Aeroplan miles are not earned.
• No Status Points: Flights do not count towards qualification for elite levels (SQM, SQS, SQD).
• Privileges: Aeroplan elite statuses (e.g., lounge access or extra baggage allowances) may not apply to flights operated by Bearskin, as it is an independent regional carrier.

Service on board Bearskin Lake Air Service (JV) differs significantly from what passengers of major mainline airlines are accustomed to. A flight on a small Fairchild Metroliner turboprop is primarily about speed, efficiency, and the unique atmosphere of an "air taxi," where the main goal is to get quickly from point A to point B.

Classes of Service

Bearskin Airlines operates a single economy class. Due to the structural features of the 19-seat aircraft, separation into business and first classes is physically impossible. However, thanks to the cabin layout, every passenger receives a privilege of sorts: there are no "middle" seats on the plane.

Seat Configuration and Comfort

The aircraft cabin has a 1x1 seating arrangement. This means that every seat is simultaneously a window seat and an aisle seat. You will never be squeezed between other passengers.

• Seats: Usually, these are leather seats. They are comfortable enough for short flights but do not recline.
• Space: The cabin has a low ceiling (most adults will not be able to stand up to full height) and a narrow aisle. Legroom is standard but may seem limited for tall passengers.
• Atmosphere: The cockpit is often not separated by a solid door, providing a unique opportunity (especially from the front rows) to observe the crew's work and the instrument panel during the flight, for example, on the way to Sudbury or Thunder Bay.

Onboard Service

It is important to know that there are no flight attendants on Bearskin Airlines flights. This is standard practice for aircraft of this capacity.

• Food and Drinks: Trolley service is not provided. Food, tea, or coffee are not offered on board. Passengers are advised to have a snack or buy drinks in the airport terminal before departure. Consumption of non-alcoholic beverages brought with you is permitted.
• Restroom: Metroliner aircraft are generally not equipped with a full restroom. It is strongly recommended to use the facilities at the airport immediately before boarding.

Entertainment and Connectivity

There are no multimedia systems, seatback screens, or Wi-Fi on board. The best entertainment will be the views of Canada's northern nature from the window. Given the high noise level from turboprop engines, experienced travelers frequently flying to Winnipeg or Sault Ste. Marie always bring noise-canceling headphones with pre-downloaded music or podcasts.

Special Services

Despite the spartan conditions, the airline tries to take care of passengers with special needs as much as the equipment allows:

• Boarding: An integrated airstair (several steps) leads into the plane. There are no elevators or jet bridges. If a passenger finds it difficult to climb stairs, ground staff will provide necessary assistance during boarding and disembarking.
• Unaccompanied Minors: The airline accepts unaccompanied children (usually aged 5 to 11) for transport on direct flights where no change of aircraft is required.

The route network of Bearskin Lake Air Service covers key regional centers in the provinces of Ontario and Manitoba, providing vital connectivity for local communities and businesses. The carrier's main hub airport is Sudbury, which serves as a convenient starting point for flights to northern destinations. Below is detailed information on flight frequencies for the airline's most popular routes.

Planning a trip with a regional carrier like Bearskin Lake Air Service has its nuances. Given the specifics of the fleet and route network in Northern Ontario and Manitoba, following a few simple recommendations will help you save money and avoid unnecessary stress.

Best Time to Book

Bearskin Airlines ticket prices are generally geared towards business travelers and can be quite high when purchased last minute. To get the best fare:

• Book in Advance: The optimal time to buy a ticket is 14–21 days before departure. The cheapest "Fixed" category fares sell out first.
• Avoid Peak Days: Monday (morning) and Friday (evening) are the busiest times when business travelers fly to work and home. Mid-week flights are often more affordable.

How to Find Discounts and Promotions

Although Bearskin rarely holds global sales, there are ways to save:

• Weekend Promotions: Sometimes the airline offers reduced fares for flights on weekends to fill planes that are occupied by business passengers during the week. Check the official website for special offers.
• Corporate Rates: If you fly frequently for work, for example, between the cities of Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie, inquire about the possibility of a corporate agreement or purchasing "Bulk Tickets" (ticket bundles), which provide a significant discount.

Online Check-in Procedure

Technology has reached small airlines too. Online Check-in (Web Check-in) opens 24 hours and closes 45 minutes before departure.

• Save Time: Checking in online allows you to select a seat (if available) and immediately receive a boarding pass on your smartphone. This is especially convenient if you are flying only with "Valet" carry-on.
• Important Condition: Even if you have checked in online, it is recommended to arrive at the airport no later than 30-45 minutes before departure to clear security, which may not be as fast as it seems in small airports.

Seat Selection Tips

In Metroliner aircraft, the 1x1 seating arrangement guarantees that every passenger will have both a window and an aisle seat. However, there is a nuance:

• Weight Balancing: Since the aircraft is light, the crew may ask passengers to occupy specific seats for proper Weight and Balance. Pilot requests in this matter are mandatory.
• Best View: If you have a choice, seats in the front rows (right behind the cockpit) often allow you to observe the pilots through the open doorway, making the flight exciting. Seats in the rear of the cabin are usually quieter.

Travel Insurance

This is a critical point for flights in Northern Canada. Flights to Winnipeg or Thunder Bay heavily depend on weather conditions (fog, snowfall, freezing rain).

• Delay Protection: Small aircraft are more sensitive to weather than large liners. It is strongly recommended to take out insurance covering accommodation and meal expenses in case of cancellation or long delay.
• Connections: If you have a planned transfer to another airline's flight (e.g., Air Canada) on a separate ticket, allow at least 3-4 hours for the connection.

Mobile Capabilities

Bearskin Airlines does not have its own dedicated mobile app on the App Store or Google Play. To manage your flight from your phone:

• Use the Mobile Site: The airline's website is adapted for smartphones. You can buy a ticket, check flight status, and check in via the browser.
• Save PDF: It is better to save the boarding pass as a screenshot or file, as internet connection in remote airports, such as North Bay, may be unstable.

From Wilderness to Scheduled Airlines

The history of Bearskin Lake Air Service began back in 1963. The company was founded by enterprising aviator Otto John Hegland in the small Indigenous settlement of Big Trout Lake, which was previously called Bearskin Lake. In those years, aviation was the only means of communication for remote communities in Northern Ontario. Initially, the company operated as a classic "bush operator," using small single-engine Cessna 180 aircraft for charter flights. The main task was delivering food, mail, and transporting local residents between isolated settlements.

Era of Expansion and New Horizons

A turning point came in 1977 when the company launched its first scheduled passenger flights. This decision coincided with the relocation of the operational base further south to the town of Sioux Lookout, and then to Thunder Bay. The gradual move away from an exclusively charter model allowed the airline to occupy a vacant niche in regional transport. In the 1980s, Bearskin Airlines began actively increasing its presence, connecting small towns with major transport hubs, which became the foundation for its future success.

Fleet Evolution: Betting on Speed

As the route network developed, so did the fleet. Light Cessnas and De Havilland Beaver floatplanes were replaced by more spacious Beechcraft 99s. However, the true symbol of the company became the Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner turboprop aircraft, which began entering the fleet in the early 1990s. These machines, capable of high speeds and operating in difficult weather conditions, allowed Bearskin Airlines to provide the reliable schedule so valued by business passengers.

Conquering Northeastern Ontario

In the 1990s, the airline undertook a strategic expansion into the east of the province. A powerful hub was created in the city of Sudbury, which allowed linking the region's industrial centers into a single network. The launch of routes to Sault Ste. Marie and North Bay significantly reduced travel time for businessmen and civil servants who previously had to spend hours driving on difficult northern roads.

Part of EIC and the Modern Stage

A major milestone in recent history was the acquisition of the airline by the Exchange Income Corporation (EIC) in 2011. This merger provided Bearskin Airlines with financial stability and access to the resources of a large aviation holding. In recent years, the company has been undergoing a process of close integration with another carrier of the holding — Perimeter Aviation. This cooperation has allowed optimizing the schedule, improving service, and expanding opportunities for passengers traveling through Winnipeg to other regions of Manitoba and Ontario, while preserving the historic brand and unique approach to serving northern territories.