Digby Island Airport

Prince Rupert Airport, also known as Digby Island, is not just a transport hub, but a true gateway to the wilderness of the Pacific coast. Located on a secluded island amidst mist and ancient coniferous forests, it turns a routine arrival into the start of an exciting adventure. Here, where the runway seems to emerge from the rocks and the ocean, travellers are immersed in the unique atmosphere of British Columbia from their very first minutes.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

The main distinguishing feature of the airport is its unique geographical location. Being situated on an island, it offers passengers an incredibly scenic transfer: the trip to the city includes a ferry crossing, during which you can often spot sea lions or eagles. This makes the journey to the hotel not a routine, but a full-fledged excursion.

The small size of the terminal is another undeniable advantage for those who value peace and quiet. There are practically no queues here, and all procedures, from check-in to baggage claim, are carried out as quickly and strictly organized as possible. The airport serves as an important starting point for eco-tourists striving to reach the famous nature reserves of the region, while maintaining the cosy atmosphere of a provincial air harbour.

• Official Website: You can always find the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations on the official website: www.princerupertairport.com.
• Inquiry Service Phone: For general questions related to the airport's operation, you can call: +1 250-624-6045. Please note that for information regarding specific flights, it is better to contact the airline directly.
• Address: The airport is located on Digby Island, near the city of Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada. It can be reached by a special ferry from the ferry terminal on the mainland.
• Email: For administrative and general inquiries, you can write to: manager@ypr.ca.
• Social Media: The airport may not have active official pages on social networks. We recommend following news on the official website or on the pages of airlines operating flights to Prince Rupert.
• Lost and Found Information: If you have lost items on board the aircraft, you should immediately contact your airline. If items were lost in the airport terminal, please contact the administration via the phone number listed above.
• Passenger Support Contacts: The main support channel for passengers regarding airport operations is the phone and email listed above. For questions regarding booking, ticket changes, and flight check-in, please contact your airline directly.

Getting to Digby Island Airport (YPR) is a small adventure in itself, as the terminal is located on an island separated from the city of Prince Rupert. The main mode of transport is a combined bus and ferry trip, which is strictly coordinated with flight schedules. This is a unique feature of the transport infrastructure in this picturesque part of Canada.

Public Transport and Main Transfer

The most common and convenient way to get to the airport is to use the specialized shuttle, which includes a bus and ferry ride. The process looks like this:

• Bus: The shuttle picks up passengers from key points in the city, including most hotels and the bus station, approximately 90 minutes before departure.
• Ferry: The bus takes you to a dedicated ferry dock, from where the ferry transports passengers to Digby Island in 15–20 minutes.
• Final Bus: On the island, another bus meets you and drives directly to the terminal building in 5 minutes.

The entire journey from the city centre to the terminal takes about 60 minutes. Often, the cost of this transfer is already included in the ticket price (especially with Air Canada), but it is always worth verifying this when purchasing. If not, a ticket can be bought from the bus driver.

Taxi and Car Rental

You can call a taxi to get to the ferry dock in Prince Rupert, from where the airport transfer departs. This is convenient if you are not travelling from the city centre or have a lot of luggage. However, the taxi itself does not cross to the island; you will still need to board the passenger ferry and shuttle. Car rental counters are located directly in the airport building. You will be able to pick up your booked car upon arrival on the island.

Parking at the Airport

For travellers with private vehicles, paid parking is provided on Digby Island, next to the terminal. To reach it, you must use the vehicle ferry, which operates on its own schedule, different from the passenger ferry. Most tourists prefer to leave their cars in parking lots in Prince Rupert itself and use the convenient passenger transfer.

Our Recommendation: Due to the unique location of the airport and the need for a ferry crossing, we strongly advise using the official transfer. Always check the current schedule of buses and ferries, as it is directly linked to flight departure and arrival times, and allow a little extra time for the journey.

Digby Island Airport (YPR), serving the city of Prince Rupert, is a small and compact aviation hub with a structure that is simple and understandable even for an inexperienced traveller. Its main feature is its location on an island, which makes it unique and requires allowing time for water transfer.

Structure and Navigation

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which handles all flights — both arrivals and departures. Thanks to its modest size, it is virtually impossible to get lost. The terminal layout is simple and intuitive: all main zones are within walking distance of each other. Departure and arrival zones are located in the same building, eliminating the need for long walks. Since there is only one terminal, transfers between terminals are not required.

Zones and Procedures

The departure zone includes several check-in counters, a security screening point, and a small waiting area near the boarding gates. The arrival zone consists of a hall with a baggage claim belt and an exit to the public area. Due to low passenger traffic, completing all formalities, such as flight check-in and security screening, usually takes minimal time. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 60-90 minutes before departure to go through all procedures without rushing.

Recommendations for Passengers

The main advice when travelling through Digby Island Airport is to plan your journey from Prince Rupert in advance. The transfer to the airport includes a bus and ferry ride, the time for which must be taken into account. All navigation within the terminal is extremely simple, and staff are always ready to help you find your way.

The history of Prince Rupert Airport, known as Digby Island Airport (YPR), is inextricably linked with important events in the history of Canada. Its construction began during World War II, and the airport was opened in 1941 as a Royal Canadian Air Force base (RCAF Station Prince Rupert). Its primary task was to protect the strategically important port and coast of British Columbia from potential attacks.

After the war ended, the military need for the base disappeared, and in 1946 the facility was transferred to the Department of Transport for civilian use. Thus began its new life as the main air hub for residents of Prince Rupert and the surrounding areas. From that moment, the airport became a key link connecting this remote region with the rest of the country, primarily with Vancouver.

Throughout its history, the airport has been modernized several times to meet modern safety and passenger comfort requirements. One of the significant stages was the reconstruction of the terminal, which improved service and created a more pleasant atmosphere for travellers. At the same time, the airport retained its main feature — its location on Digby Island, making the trip to and from the city a small adventure involving a short ferry journey.

Interesting fact: the unique location of the airport is a direct legacy of its military past. The choice of Digby Island for the construction of the runway was dictated by security considerations and topography. Today, this feature has turned into the airport's calling card, offering tourists picturesque views of the strait and surroundings even before arriving in the city itself.

Prince Rupert Airport (YPR), located on Digby Island, is a small but functional transport hub. Given its compact size, the range of services is focused on ensuring basic comfort for passengers before departure. There are no luxury shopping galleries or a multitude of entertainment options here, but everything necessary for a short wait for a flight is generally available.

For those wishing to grab a bite, a small cafe usually operates in the terminal. Here you can order coffee, soft drinks, sandwiches, and light snacks. The selection is limited, so for a full lunch or dinner, it is better to rely on establishments in the city of Prince Rupert. A small kiosk with essential goods and souvenirs may also be available.

Passengers can pass the time in the general waiting hall. Although there are no separate VIP lounges at the airport, free Wi-Fi is available for all travellers, allowing you to stay connected. Special stations are provided for charging electronic devices, however, their number may be limited, so it is recommended to carry a portable power bank.

Financial services are represented by an ATM. Currency exchange points are absent in the terminal, so it is better to exchange money in advance at banks in the city. The airport is equipped to receive passengers with reduced mobility — ramps, accessible restrooms, and staff assistance upon prior request are provided. For travellers with small children, baby changing tables are usually available in the restrooms.

There are no hotels, business centres, or conference halls on the territory of Digby Island Airport. All hotels and business facilities are located in Prince Rupert, which can be reached by ferry and a special bus. The trip to the city centre takes about an hour, which is important to consider when planning an overnight stay or business meetings.

Digby Island Airport (YPR) is a small regional airport serving the city of Prince Rupert, so dining options here are quite limited and correspond to its size. A small cafe or snack bar operates in the building of the single terminal, designed for passengers to have a snack before departure or upon arrival.

The establishment is located in the public zone of the terminal, before security control (landside), making it accessible to all airport visitors. The menu typically includes a basic range of offerings: coffee, tea, soft drinks, sandwiches, pastries, and various snacks like crisps or chocolate bars. This is an ideal option for a quick bite, but not for a full lunch or dinner.

Sometimes you can find dishes with local flair on the menu, for example, a sandwich or bagel with smoked salmon, which is a hallmark of the British Columbia region. However, one should not count on a wide selection of such offers. Options for passengers with strict dietary restrictions (vegan, gluten-free, halal dishes) are likely to be unavailable here. If you have special dietary needs, it is recommended to bring food with you.

The cafe's opening hours are directly linked to the flight schedule — it opens shortly before the first departure and closes after the last aircraft departs. Prices may be slightly higher than in establishments in Prince Rupert itself. If you have time and want a full meal, it is better to do so in one of the city's restaurants before travelling to the airport.

To ensure your journey through Digby Island Airport (YPR) goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of our tips. This is a small regional airport, so navigating here is quite simple, but proper preparation is never superfluous. Travelling to and from Canada will be easier if you are aware of a few nuances.

Arrival Time: It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before the departure of a domestic flight. If you are travelling with luggage or during peak season, it is better to allow about 2 hours. This will give you enough time to get to the terminal by ferry, check in, and undergo security screening without rushing.

Check-in and Security: Most airlines offer online check-in 24 hours before departure — this is an excellent way to save time. When going through security control, have your boarding pass and ID ready in advance. Remember the standard restrictions on carrying liquids in hand luggage (no more than 100 ml per container).

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage: Flights from Prince Rupert are often accompanied by breathtaking views of the coast and islands, so a window seat will give you unforgettable impressions. It is forbidden to carry sharp objects, flammable liquids, and other dangerous substances in hand luggage. Always keep all valuables, documents, and medicines with you.

Connecting Passengers: If you have a connecting flight, clarify in advance the time required for transfer at the next airport. Ensure that your luggage is checked through to the final destination. Since YPR mainly serves domestic flights, customs control is undergone only by passengers of rare international charters.

Saving Time and Money: Book tickets in advance to get the best price. Travelling light, with only hand luggage, will save you both time and money on baggage fees. Bring an empty water bottle to fill after security screening, and light snacks, as the selection in a small airport may be limited.

In Case of Flight Delay: In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative for information and instructions. Install the airline's app to receive real-time notifications. Have a book, headphones, or a charged power bank with you to pass the waiting time more comfortably.