Bella Bella Airport

Bella Bella Airport (ZEL) is not merely a runway, but an aerial gateway to the heart of the British Columbia wilderness. Located on Campbell Island, it serves as a vital link for the local community and a starting point for travelers eager to explore the mystical Great Bear Rainforest. It is from here that unforgettable adventures begin: from whale watching to encounters with rare Kermode bears (Spirit Bears). This small but strategically important airport is your first step into the world of pristine Canadian nature.

The main feature of Bella Bella Airport lies in its unique location and role. It is not a bustling international hub, but rather a cosy and functional terminal that connects this remote region with major cities, primarily Vancouver. For tourists, its greatest advantage is direct access to some of the most breathtaking eco-tourism routes in Canada. Thanks to regular flights, travelers can quickly and comfortably reach the starting point of their expeditions through fjords, islands, and protected forests.

Despite its modest size, the airport offers basic amenities, and its staff is known for their friendliness and willingness to assist. The atmosphere here is calm and measured, allowing you to immediately immerse yourself in the leisurely rhythm of coastal life. Arriving at Bella Bella Airport is more than just the start of a trip; it is an instant immersion into an amazing world where nature still reigns supreme.

To contact Bella Bella Airport (ZEL), you may use the following details. Please note that this is a small regional airport, and some services, such as the lost luggage department, are managed directly by the airlines.

• Official Website: Bella Bella Airport does not have a separate official website. It is recommended to check current flight and service information on the website of the airline serving the airport, such as Pacific Coastal Airlines.
• Inquiry Desk Phone: +1 250-957-2363. This is the main number for general information regarding airport operations.
• Airport Address: 1 Airport Rd, Denny Island, BC V0T 1B0, Canada. It is important to note that the airport is located on Denny Island, which is across the strait from the main settlement of Bella Bella.
• Email: An official email address for general inquiries is not provided. It is recommended to use the telephone for communication.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain official pages on social media.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all questions regarding lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline's support service directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: To resolve issues related to tickets, flight check-in, or special assistance, please contact the airline whose services you are using.

Bella Bella Airport (also known as Campbell Island Airport) is a small but important air harbour serving a remote community on the central coast of British Columbia. Given the isolated location and the small size of the settlement, transport logistics here have unique features distinct from large metropolises.

The distance from the centre of Bella Bella village to the airport terminal is only about 3-5 kilometres. The journey by car usually takes no more than 10–15 minutes, as the roads here are free of traffic congestion, and the route is extremely simple.

Public Transport

It is important to note that Bella Bella does not have a conventional public transport system, such as city buses, metro, or trains. This is a small community where infrastructure is designed for private vehicles and walking. Therefore, one should not rely on regular bus services to the airport.

Taxi and Transfer

The most reliable way to get to the airport is to use a local taxi service. Several private carriers operate in the village. It is recommended to book a car in advance, as the number of vehicles is limited. The estimated cost of the trip may range from 15 to 25 CAD, but it is best to confirm the price directly upon boarding or by phone.

Many lodges and guest houses in the region offer their guests free or paid transfers to the airport. If you have booked accommodation, be sure to check this possibility with the hotel administrator in advance.

Car Rental

There are no international car rental counters within the airport building itself. Car rental options in Bella Bella are extremely limited and often come down to private arrangements. Tourists are advised to plan their movements considering the lack of rental services or to arrange this well before arrival.

Parking

There is a parking zone near the small airport terminal. Typically, in such small airports in remote regions of Canada, parking is either free or costs a nominal amount. Spaces are usually available, as passenger traffic here is moderate.

Alternative Regional Airports

If you are planning a complex journey along the coast of British Columbia, it is useful to know about other air harbours nearby. The nearest alternative is Bella Coola Airport, located approximately 109 km away in a straight line (however, ground connection is difficult due to the terrain). To the north of Vancouver Island lies an important transport hub — Port Hardy Airport.

For longer flights across the region, Northwest Regional Airport in the city of Terrace or Sandspit Airport on the Haida Gwaii archipelago may be convenient. Also operating in this area is Digby Island Airport, serving the city of Prince Rupert.

Bella Bella Airport (ZEL) is a small regional airport distinguished by its compactness and simplicity. It is designed to ensure the fastest and most convenient service for passengers travelling to this secluded and picturesque corner of British Columbia.

Structure and Navigation

The airport consists of one small terminal that serves both arriving and departing flights. Thanks to the compact size of the building, navigation here is intuitive, and it is practically impossible to get lost. All key zones — check-in counters, the waiting area, the boarding gate, and the baggage claim area — are located in one common space or within a few steps of each other. There are no complex transitions between terminals or long corridors here.

Departure and Arrival Zones

Departure and arrival procedures are organised very simply. After check-in, passengers proceed to the general waiting area before the boarding gate. The arrival zone consists of a small area where passengers collect their luggage immediately after the aircraft arrives. The entire airport infrastructure is focused on the quick and efficient processing of small passenger flows typical of regional airlines.

Procedure Times and Recommendations

Passing through check-in and security at Bella Bella Airport takes a minimal amount of time. There are no long queues here characteristic of major airports. As a rule, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 60 minutes before departure, although it is always better to confirm the exact time with your airline. The main advice for navigation is simple: follow the signs, of which there are few, and you will easily find everything you need. The entire path from the terminal entrance to the boarding gate will take you just a few minutes.

The history of Bella Bella Airport (ZEL) is closely intertwined with key events in the history of Canada in the 20th century. Its creation was not connected with commercial aviation — the airfield was built around 1942-1943 at the height of the Second World War. It was part of a network of strategic coastal airbases established by the Department of National Defence to protect the country's west coast from potential attacks. In those years, patrol aircraft based here monitored the situation on the Pacific coast.

After the war ended, the military significance of the airport faded, and it began its transformation into a civil facility. For the isolated community of Bella Bella, located on Campbell Island, it quickly became a vital artery connecting it with the rest of the world. For decades, the airport has been a key link for delivering mail, goods, providing medical assistance, and passenger transport, playing a central role in the life of the local Heiltsuk First Nation.

An important stage in recent history was the transfer of airport management to the Heiltsuk community itself, highlighting its indispensability for local self-governance and development. Throughout its existence, the airport has been modernised repeatedly, although it has retained some of its unique features. For example, its runway still has a gravel surface, which is a rarity for airports with regular passenger flights and requires special skill from pilots.

Although Bella Bella Airport does not break records for passenger traffic, its main achievement is decades of uninterrupted operation as an indispensable "lifeline" for a remote region. Today, it continues to fulfil its critical mission, and the community has plans for further infrastructure development, including possible paving and extension of the runway, which will open new perspectives for the entire community.

Bella Bella Airport (ZEL) is a small regional airport serving the community of the same name in British Columbia. Given its size and remote location, the range of services here is quite basic and aimed at meeting the key needs of passengers before departure or upon arrival.

In the terminal, you will find a main waiting hall. Opportunities for dining and shopping are extremely limited: there are no full-service restaurants, cafes, or shops here. Passengers are advised to bring snacks with them or have a meal in the village of Bella Bella itself. The availability of free Wi-Fi and charging stations for electronic devices is not guaranteed, so it is best to carry a portable power bank.

The airport does not have banks, currency exchange points, ATMs, or VIP lounges. All financial matters should be settled in advance. Additionally, there are no specialised medical facilities here, but staff can provide first aid in an emergency. There are no designated play areas or mother-and-child rooms for travelers with children.

Basic accessibility is provided for passengers with reduced mobility. However, if you require special assistance, such as a wheelchair, it is strongly recommended to contact your airline in advance to arrange accompaniment. There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, but accommodation options are available in the village of Bella Bella, which is a short distance from the terminal.

Bella Bella Airport (ZEL) is a small regional aviation hub in Canada that plays a key role in transport connectivity for the local population. It is important for passengers to note that there are absolutely no restaurants, cafes, or bars in the terminal building. The entire infrastructure is focused on the quick and efficient service of departing and arriving flights.

Since there are no dining options on-site, the most reliable method is to prepare in advance. Most travelers arrive here from major cities such as Vancouver. We strongly recommend purchasing all necessary drinks, snacks, or a full meal for the journey before departing for Bella Bella. This is especially important for passengers with specific dietary needs (e.g., vegetarian or gluten-free requirements).

If you are already in the village, you can buy groceries at local shops. However, keep in mind that the airport is located at some distance from the central part of Bella Bella, and a trip for food will require additional time and planning. Sometimes vending machines with basic snacks and drinks may be installed in the waiting area, but they should not be considered a guaranteed option for a snack.

A journey through Bella Bella Airport is your first step towards discovering the unique nature of the British Columbia coast in Canada. To ensure your trip goes smoothly, make use of our tips specially prepared for passengers of this small but important regional airport.

Arrival at the Airport and Check-in. The airport in Bella Bella is small, so there are no long queues like in metropolises. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at least 60-90 minutes before departure. This will give you enough time to check in luggage and pass security control without rushing. If possible, complete check-in online — this will save you time.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage. Flights to this region are often operated on small turboprop aircraft. The main tip is to choose a window seat! The scenery during the flight over islands and fjords is simply breathtaking. Be aware that rules for hand luggage on regional flights may be stricter, so check the permissible dimensions and weight on your airline's website in advance. Standard restrictions on liquids (up to 100 ml in containers) and prohibitions on sharp objects apply here as well.

Customs Control and Transfers. It is important to know that Bella Bella Airport serves only domestic flights. This means there is no customs or border control here. If you are flying from another country, you will pass all customs formalities at the first international airport of arrival in Canada (for example, in Vancouver). If you have a transfer planned at a larger airport, allow sufficient time for it, especially considering possible weather-related flight delays from coastal areas.

Savings and Flight Delays. To save money, book tickets in advance and try to travel light to avoid extra baggage fees. In a small airport, the choice of food and drinks may be limited, so it is worth bringing a bottle of water (which can be filled after security) and a light snack. The weather on the coast is changeable and can cause flight delays or cancellations. Always check the status of your departure online before travelling to the airport and clarify the airline's policy in such cases.