Gethsemani

Gethsemani Airport (ZGS) is not merely a runway on the scenic coast of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, but a true "lifeline" for the community of the same name in Quebec. For travellers, it serves as a gateway to the wild and untouched nature of the Côte-Nord region, granting access to unique landscapes and adventures far from bustling metropolises. This small yet strategically important airport ensures a connection to the world for local residents and serves as a starting point for those seeking an authentic experience in Canada.

Below is the essential information about Gethsemani Airport:

Features and Advantages of the Airport

The main advantage of Gethsemani Airport is its compactness and functionality. There are no long queues for check-in or tedious waiting for luggage here. Procedures are completed as quickly and simply as possible, allowing passengers to save time and energy. The airport plays a key role in the life of the local community, ensuring not only passenger transport but also the delivery of mail, medicines, and other vital cargo.

For tourists, it is the ideal starting point for exploring the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, known for its limestone monoliths and rich marine wildlife. The airport primarily serves flights by the regional airline Air Liaison, which connects Gethsemani with other coastal settlements and major cities in the province of Quebec. Landing and taking off here is a small adventure in itself, revealing breathtaking views of the coast and islands.

For your convenience, we have compiled current contact details related to Gethsemani Airport (ZGS). Given that this is a small regional airport in Canada, most passenger services, including information support and baggage handling, are provided by the main operating airline — Air Liaison. We recommend contacting them directly for the most accurate information.

• Airport Address: Gethsémani, QC G0G 1M0, Canada. This address will help you plan your route to the airport in Gethsemani.
• Phone (Air Liaison): For reservations, flight information, and general enquiries, please contact the Air Liaison help desk at the toll-free number 1-888-589-8972.
• Official Information Source: The primary online resource is the Air Liaison airline website (www.airliaison.ca). Here you will find flight schedules, carriage regulations, and ticket booking options.
• Lost Luggage and Passenger Support: For all issues related to lost items, luggage tracing, or requests for special assistance (for example, for passengers with reduced mobility), you should contact Air Liaison customer support directly at the phone number listed above.

Gethsemani Airport serves a remote settlement in the province of Quebec. It is important to understand that this region is isolated and does not have a connection to the road network of the rest of Canada. Therefore, standard methods of getting here from other major cities by car or bus are not available. The route to the terminal is only relevant for those who are already in the village.

Public transport in the conventional sense (metro, scheduled city buses, or trains) is absent in Gethsemani. The settlement's infrastructure is very compact, and there are no regular routes to the airport. The main modes of transport for locals and tourists remain walking, snowmobiles (in winter), or ATVs.

Taxis and Transfers are the most convenient option for travellers with luggage. While there may not be official taxi services with marked cars, local residents often offer private transport services. It is recommended to arrange a transfer in advance through your host or accommodation administration. The journey from the settlement centre to the airstrip will take just 5–10 minutes. The cost of such a trip is usually negotiable and varies between 10–20 CAD.

Car Rental at Gethsemani Airport itself is generally unavailable due to the absence of major international rental offices. Vehicle movement within the village is limited to the local road network, which does not extend beyond its boundaries.

Parking near the small terminal building is usually free and has ample space for dropping off passengers. Since traffic here is minimal, there are no issues finding a spot for a short stop.

If you are planning a complex itinerary across Eastern Canada, it is useful to know about other aviation hubs in this macro-region, although they are located at a significant distance and require a flight or sea voyage. The nearest alternatives include Port-Menier (about 263 km) and Deer Lake Airport (263 km). Also located within a radius of 300-400 kilometres are Michel-Pouliot Gaspé Airport, the major regional Goose Bay Airport, and Sept-Îles Airport.

Gethsemani Airport (ZGS) represents a very compact regional aviation hub serving the remote community of La Romaine. Unlike large international hubs, the structure of this airport is maximally simple and functional, making navigation intuitive even for those visiting for the first time.

The airport complex consists of just one small passenger terminal. This single-storey building unites all necessary services under one roof. There are no complex transit systems, jet bridges, or multiple levels here. Departure and arrival zones are in immediate proximity to each other, often within a single common hall divided by functional zones.

Layout and Navigation inside the terminal are elementary. Upon entering the building, you immediately find yourself in the check-in area. Airline counters are located right at the entrance. After completing check-in, passengers move to a small waiting area. Given the small size of the premises, it is impossible to get lost here — the path from the entrance to the boarding gate takes less than a minute.

A feature of the terminal is the absence of buses to transport passengers to the aircraft. Boarding and Disembarking are carried out on foot: passengers exit the terminal building and walk across the apron directly to the aircraft stairs. This requires attentiveness and adherence to ground staff instructions, especially in winter when the surface may be slippery.

The time for completing pre-flight formalities here is minimal. Thanks to low passenger traffic, queues at check-in and security are practically non-existent. However, considering strict aviation regulations, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 45–60 minutes before departure. This time is quite sufficient to check in luggage and pass security checks without rushing.

Among recommendations for travellers, it is worth noting the need to be prepared for minimalist service. The terminal has basic amenities: a waiting area, restrooms, and typically Wi-Fi access, but there are no Duty-Free shops, restaurants, or business lounges. If you face a wait, it is better to take care of a light snack and water in advance.

The history of Gethsemani Airport (ZGS) does not resemble the chronicles of giant international hubs. Here you will not find records of the construction of huge terminals in the early 20th century or the reception of supersonic liners. The history of this air harbour is inextricably linked with overcoming the isolation of the harsh Lower North Shore (Basse-Côte-Nord) region and the vital necessity of establishing year-round connections with the outside world for local communities.

Before the advent of regular air services, the main way to reach the settlement of Gethsemani (La Romaine) was water transport, which depended on the season and ice conditions. In the winter months, the settlement was practically cut off from civilization. The opening of the airfield became a true revolution for local residents, including the Innu community of Unamen Shipu. This event marked the end of an era of total geographical isolation, allowing for the delivery of mail, groceries, and medicines, as well as the emergency transport of patients at any time of the year.

An important stage of development was the modernization of infrastructure to accommodate more reliable turboprop aircraft. Unlike city airports with asphalt runways, the Gethsemani runway historically has a gravel surface. This engineering solution is dictated by climatic conditions and soil characteristics. Over decades of airport service, the runway has been regularly strengthened and levelled to meet the safety standards of Transport Canada.

Over the years of its existence, the airport has undergone a number of technical updates. While in the early years pilots relied primarily on visual references, modern navigation equipment and lighting systems were eventually installed, allowing landings in conditions of poor visibility, which is a critically important achievement for the foggy coast of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Here are a few interesting facts related to the past and present of Gethsemani Airport:

• Historical Name: The airport bears the name of the settlement, named by Oblate missionaries in honour of the Garden of Gethsemane. This is a rare case where an aviation code and airport name refer to such ancient history, although the facility itself appeared in the modern era.
• Type of Aircraft: Historically, the airport received legendary "workhorses" of the north, such as the De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter and the Beechcraft King Air. These aircraft became symbols of reliability in the history of local aviation.
• Role as a "Lifeline": In the region's history, the airport is often called the only reliable "road," as Route 138, connecting Quebec, has not yet been completed to this section of the coast.

Today, the airport remains a small but strategically important facility. Its history is a chronicle of human struggle against the elements and distances, where every successful flight is considered a small victory over the harsh Canadian climate.

Given the remote location and compact size of Gethsemani Airport (ZGS), the range of services here is kept to a necessary minimum. Passengers accustomed to the infrastructure of large international hubs should adjust their expectations in advance. The terminal functions as a transit point, providing basic comfort before a short flight.

Restaurants, Cafés, and Shops are absent from the terminal building. There are no catering outlets, coffee shops, or newsstands here. Vending machines with drinks and light snacks may be located in the waiting hall, but their availability and assortment are not guaranteed. Travellers are strongly advised to bring food and water with them, especially if a long wait or transfer is ahead.

Lounges and VIP Services are not provided by the airport format. The departure zone is a single common room with seats for all passengers. Thanks to low passenger traffic, it is usually quite quiet and calm here, so the need for separate business lounges naturally disappears.

Wi-Fi and Communication. Despite the region's isolation, wireless internet is generally available in the terminal. This allows passengers to stay connected or handle work matters before departure. Charging stations in the form of separate stands are absent, however, standard power outlets for charging mobile devices can be found in the waiting hall. It is recommended to carry a power bank in case all outlets are occupied.

Financial Services. There are no ATMs, currency exchange points, or bank branches at Gethsemani Airport. Since card payment terminals may work intermittently in small settlements of the Lower North Shore due to connectivity issues, it is critically important for tourists to carry a sufficient supply of cash (Canadian Dollars) before arriving at the airport.

Medical Services and Safety. There is no specialized medical centre or pharmacy in the building. Airport staff are trained in first aid, and first aid kits are available for emergencies. In case of serious health problems, assistance is provided at the medical centre (CLSC) in the village of La Romaine, located a few minutes' drive away.

Services for Passengers with Children. There is no separate mother-and-child room or play areas in the terminal. However, restrooms usually provide basic facilities for changing nappies. The atmosphere at the airport is family-oriented and friendly; staff generally treat the needs of young travellers with understanding.

For Passengers with Reduced Mobility, the airport is quite convenient due to its single-storey layout. There are no stairs or lifts, which facilitates movement in a wheelchair. Restrooms are adapted for citizens with limited mobility. It is important to remember that boarding the aircraft is carried out from the apron via stairs, so the airline should be notified of the need for boarding assistance 48 hours before departure.

Hotels and Accommodation. There are no hotels on the airport territory itself. The nearest accommodation options are in the settlement of La Romaine (Unamen Shipu). These are small private guesthouses or B&B style lodgings. It is recommended to book accommodation in advance, as the number of places is limited. Spending the night in the airport terminal is not possible, as the building closes at night after servicing the last flight.

Business Services. Conference rooms and business centres are absent at the airport. If you need to hold a meeting or work with documents, it is better to rely on the facilities of your accommodation in the village or use the waiting hall during quiet hours when there are practically no people there.

The gastronomic scene of Gethsemani Airport (ZGS) fully corresponds to its intimate format and remote location. Passengers should not expect the abundance of cafés, food courts, or fine dining restaurants typical of major aviation hubs. The terminal is designed for rapid transit, so dining options here are extremely limited.

Restaurants and Cafés are absent from the terminal building. Neither in the public zone (landside) nor in the secure zone (airside) after screening are there establishments where you can order a hot lunch or drink freshly brewed coffee. The infrastructure does not provide for a kitchen or bar counters.

The only option for a quick snack may be vending machines, which are sometimes installed in the waiting hall. In them, you can usually find:

• Bottled water and carbonated drinks.
• Chocolate bars, crisps, or crackers.
• Packaged biscuits or nuts.

However, the presence and stock levels of these machines are not guaranteed, as logistics in this region depend on many factors. The average price range for such snacks is usually 2–4 CAD; coins or small notes are generally required for payment, as card terminals may be absent.

Local Cuisine and regional specialities should be tried before arriving at the airport, in the settlement of La Romaine (Unamen Shipu) itself. Before departure, it is recommended to taste traditional dishes of the Innu community, for example, bannock (traditional bread) or fresh seafood (crabs, fish), for which the North Shore is famous. It is impossible to buy such delicacies in the terminal building.

Recommendations for Vegetarians, Vegans, and those observing Halal: Due to the lack of catering, there is no specialized menu at the airport. For travellers with strict dietary restrictions or gluten allergies, it is critically important to bring food with you. Prepare a lunch box or sandwiches in advance at your place of accommodation, as it will not be possible to buy suitable products on site.

Main Advice for a Full Meal: Eat a substantial meal before leaving for the airport. Since flights from here are often operated on small aircraft without on-board catering, and waiting times may be extended due to weather, having your own supply of water and food is the key to a comfortable journey through Gethsemani.

To ensure your journey through Gethsemani Airport is easy and stress-free, it is worth considering its main feature — it is a very compact regional airport. Thanks to this, there are no large queues or bustle here. We recommend arriving approximately 60–90 minutes before departure. This time will be more than sufficient to complete all formalities at a calm pace.

Online check-in for the flight can help save significant time. Check the availability of this option on the website of Air Liaison, which operates flights from this airport. The security screening procedure here is standard but usually proceeds very quickly. Nevertheless, it is worth packing all liquids in containers up to 100 ml in advance and being prepared to remove laptops and other large electronics from your hand luggage.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: window seats will gift you unforgettable views of the scenic coast during take-off or landing in Gethsemani, while aisle seats ensure more freedom of movement. Regarding hand luggage, be sure to check the current baggage allowance on the airline's website, as regional carriers often have strict restrictions on weight and dimensions.

It is important to remember that Gethsemani Airport does not offer a wide range of services: there are no duty-free shops, business lounges, or a variety of cafés here. We advise taking light snacks and an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled after the security zone. This will help save money and make waiting for the flight more comfortable, especially in case of a delay.

The airport serves only direct domestic flights, so you will not have to worry about customs control or navigating through terminals. In the event of a flight delay, contact an airline representative for current information. The calm atmosphere and simplicity of procedures make this airport a convenient gateway for getting to know this unique corner of Canada.