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Jack Garland Airport

About the Airport

Jack Garland Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars

Welcome to the "Gateway to the North"! Jack Garland Airport (YYB) is not just an ordinary transit point, but an important aviation hub with a rich history, comfortably situated amidst the picturesque lakes and forests of the province of Ontario. It is known for its impressive runway, capable of accommodating even the heaviest liners, and serves as the ideal starting point for travels across the Nipissing region. Here, far from the hustle and bustle of giant hubs, your introduction to Canadian nature will begin with an atmosphere of tranquillity and comfort.

IATA Code YYB
ICAO Code CYYB
City North Bay
Distance to Centre 6 km
Status Regional
Annual Passengers approx. 77,000
Schedule Check the official website

Unique Infrastructure. The main pride and distinguishing feature of the airport is its runway, which is over 3 kilometres (10,000 feet) long. Such pavement is a rarity for regional airports; it allows for the reception of practically any type of aircraft and serves as an alternate aerodrome for international flights crossing the Atlantic.

Speed and Stress-Free Experience. Jack Garland is renowned for its efficiency. Thanks to a compact terminal and the coordinated work of the staff, the time from entering the building to boarding is kept to a minimum. Long queues are rare here, making the flight much less tiring than at major airports.

Strategic Location. The airport is located in close proximity to key transport arteries and just a few minutes' drive from the centre of North Bay. This makes it an ideal choice for both business travellers who value their time, and tourists eager to reach the resorts on Lake Nipissing.

Contact Information

Below is the contact information for Jack Garland Airport (YYB), which will help you plan your trip and resolve any potential questions.

  • Official Website: www.northbayairport.ca
  • Inquiry Phone: +1 (705) 474-3026
  • Address: 50 Terminal St, North Bay, ON P1B 8G2, Canada
  • Email: info@northbayairport.ca
  • Social Media: You can follow news and updates about the airport on its official pages on Facebook and Twitter.
  • Lost Luggage: If your luggage was lost during the flight, contact your airline representative first. For personal items left in the terminal building, please contact the airport administration at +1 (705) 474-3026, ext. 5555.
  • Passenger Support: For general information, consultations, and assistance, passengers may contact the main airport inquiry line.

How to Get to the Airport

Getting to Jack Garland Airport (YYB) from the city of North Bay is quite simple, as it is located just 6 km northeast of the centre. The main modes of transport are taxis, rental cars, and private transfers. The trip generally does not take much time, allowing you to easily plan your route.

Taxis and Ride-sharing Services are the most popular and convenient way to get to the airport. A trip from the city centre will take approximately 10-15 minutes depending on traffic. The cost is usually 25-35 Canadian dollars. Several local taxi companies operate in the city, and services like Uber are also available. This is the optimal choice for those who value speed and comfort.

Unfortunately, public transport does not directly serve the airport. North Bay Transit city buses do not have routes that enter the airport terminal grounds. Therefore, travellers relying on the bus will have to get to the nearest stop and take a taxi from there, making this option less practical.

Car Rental is an excellent choice for tourists who desire freedom of movement and plan to explore the picturesque region of Northern Ontario. Offices of several major rental companies operate within Jack Garland Airport itself. You can pick up or return a car right before your flight. For those arriving at the airport in their own vehicle, convenient parking is provided. There are zones for short-term and long-term parking with daily rates.

Private Transfers or shuttles can be booked in advance online. This option is suitable for large groups, families with children, or passengers with bulky luggage. Although the cost may be higher than a taxi, advance booking guarantees the availability of a car at the right time and a fixed price, saving you from unnecessary hassle upon arrival in Canada.

Terminals and Map

Jack Garland Airport (YYB) in the city of North Bay is a compact and modern regional aviation hub with a structure that is simple and intuitive for any traveller. Its main feature is one main terminal that handles all flights, both departures and arrivals. This significantly simplifies navigation and eliminates the need to search for transfers between different buildings.

The terminal layout is logical and will not cause difficulties. Upon entering the building, you immediately find yourself in the general area where airline check-in counters are located. After checking in and dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to pre-flight security screening. Due to the low passenger flow, queues here are generally minimal. Check-in and security control procedures take place significantly faster than at major airports — usually, the whole process takes no more than 20-30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 90 minutes before a domestic flight departure.

The departure and arrival zones are functionally separated but located in the same building. After passing security, you enter a clean and comfortable departure lounge with boarding gates. The arrival zone is located in another part of the terminal and includes the baggage claim belt and the exit to the city. Since there is only one terminal, no transfers between terminals are required — everything is within walking distance. Navigation is simplified to the maximum thanks to clear signage, so getting lost here is practically impossible.

Airport History

The history of Jack Garland Airport (YYB) is closely intertwined with the military and aviation history of Canada. Its foundation dates back to 1938, when the construction of an airfield began in the vicinity of the city of North Bay. With the outbreak of World War II, the airport became a key part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP) and was known as RCAF Station North Bay. Thousands of pilots, navigators, and other crew members were trained here, contributing to the Allied victory.

After the war, the airport did not lose its strategic importance. During the Cold War years, it played a significant role in the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) system, basing interceptor aircraft. Parallel to military activities, the development of civil aviation began. In 1968, the first passenger terminal was built, marking a new stage in the life of the airport and making it an important transport hub for the entire region.

A significant event was the naming of the airport after Jack Garland in 1999. This was done in honour of a prominent local politician who lobbied for the airport's interests at the federal level for many years and made an invaluable contribution to its development. In subsequent years, numerous modernisations were carried out, including the lengthening of the runway to accommodate larger aircraft and the renovation of terminal infrastructure.

Today, Jack Garland Airport is not only a passenger gateway to Northern Ontario but also a major centre for aircraft maintenance and repair. An interesting fact: thanks to its long runways and less congested airspace, the airport is often used for test flights of new aircraft models and even for filming movies and TV series where aviation scenes are required.

Services and Amenities

Jack Garland Airport (YYB) in North Bay offers passengers a basic set of services to ensure a comfortable stay while waiting for a flight. Despite its compact size, the terminal is designed to be convenient and functional for all categories of travellers.

For those wishing to have a bite to eat, a café operates within the airport building, where light snacks, sandwiches, and drinks can be ordered. Although the selection of shops is limited, you can find travel essentials here. Comfortable seating is provided for waiting. There are no specialised VIP lounges in the airport, but the general waiting area allows for a quiet time before boarding.

Staying connected is easy: free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. There are also charging stations for electronic devices in the waiting hall. If you require cash, you can use the ATMs. There are no specialised currency exchange bureaus at the airport, so it is recommended to arrange currency exchange in advance.

The airport is fully equipped for passengers with reduced mobility, including accessible restrooms and ramps. Staff are always ready to provide necessary assistance during boarding and disembarking. Families with small children can use the nursing rooms for baby care. In case first aid is required, please immediately contact any airport staff member.

There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, however, in the immediate vicinity, in the city of North Bay, there are many accommodation options to suit any taste and budget. Specialised conference rooms or business centres are absent in the terminal, but the availability of Wi-Fi allows for handling work matters while waiting for a flight.

Dining

Jack Garland Airport (YYB) in the city of North Bay is a compact regional aviation hub in Canada, so all dining options are conveniently located in the main terminal building. Passengers will not have to search long for a place to have a snack before departure or after landing.

The main and, essentially, the only catering establishment at the airport is The Runway Cafe. It is located in the public area (landside), before passing pre-flight security screening. This means it is accessible to all airport visitors, not just passengers with boarding passes. The café offers guests a cosy atmosphere with a view of the runway.

The menu at The Runway Cafe includes classic North American dishes, ideal for both a quick snack and a full meal. Here you can order:

  • Breakfasts: traditional sets with eggs, bacon, sausages, and toast.
  • Lunch and Dinner: burgers, sandwiches, soups of the day, fresh salads, and hot dishes.
  • Quick Snacks: coffee, tea, pastries, muffins, and other light bites.

Although the establishment does not specialise in exotic local cuisine, its menu offers hearty and quality food typical of Canadian cafés.

The Runway Cafe is usually open daily, from early morning until evening (approximately from 5:00 to 19:00), however, operating hours may be adjusted depending on the flight schedule. The price range is average, typical for airports. Regarding special dietary requests, basic vegetarian dishes, such as salads, can be found on the menu. For passengers with strict dietary restrictions (vegan, gluten-free, Halal), the selection may seem insufficient, so it is recommended to either contact the café in advance for clarification or bring suitable snacks with you.

Travel Tips

Travelling through Jack Garland Airport in the city of North Bay, Canada, usually proceeds calmly and without fuss, as it is a small regional airport. To avoid rushing, arrive here approximately 90 minutes before a domestic flight departure. This time will be sufficient for check-in, baggage drop, and passing security control. If you are flying on an international flight (which is rare for this airport), it is better to arrive 2-3 hours in advance.

To save time, use online check-in for your flight, which is offered by most airlines. This will allow you to head straight to baggage drop or, if you are travelling light, to the security checkpoint. Security control here generally moves faster than at major airports, but the rules are standard: be prepared to remove electronics and present liquids in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences. A window seat will offer you picturesque views of the lakes and forests of Northern Ontario during takeoff and landing. An aisle seat provides more legroom and the ability to stand up freely without disturbing neighbours. If you desire extra comfort, check with the airline regarding the possibility of selecting seats in the emergency exit row for an additional fee.

It is prohibited to carry sharp objects, weapons, and liquids in containers exceeding 100 ml in hand luggage. All liquids must be packed in a single transparent re-sealable bag with a volume of no more than 1 litre. Power banks and other devices with lithium batteries should be carried only in hand luggage. Be sure to check the weight and size limits for hand luggage on your airline's website to avoid extra charges at the airport.

Passengers with transfers at Jack Garland Airport need not worry: its compact size allows for easy and quick movement between gates. Upon arrival, check the information board to confirm the gate number for your next flight. Most connections here are domestic, which simplifies the process.

Customs and border control are relevant only for those arriving from outside Canada. You will need to fill out a declaration and present your passport. For most passengers on domestic flights, these procedures are not required. Be prepared to answer standard questions about the purpose of your visit and the items you are bringing in.

To save money and time, plan your transfer from the airport in advance. Public transport runs infrequently here, so the best options would be car rental or calling a taxi. You can also save money by bringing light snacks with you, as the choice of cafés in the small terminal may be limited.

In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, contact your airline representative first for information and possible options (for example, rebooking on another flight or providing a meal voucher). Monitor updates on the departure board. Since the airport is small, leisure opportunities are limited, so it is useful to have a book, a charged laptop, or downloaded movies with you for entertainment.

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