Tofino Airport

Tofino Airport (YAZ) is not merely a runway, but a true gateway to the world of wild nature and adventures on the west coast of Vancouver Island. It is precisely here that your journey to misty forests, the mighty Pacific Ocean, and famous surfing spots begins. Small and cosy, this airport immediately sets the tone for your entire holiday: there is no metropolitan bustle here, only the anticipation of meeting one of the most picturesque corners of Canada.

The main feature of Tofino Airport is its intimate atmosphere and functionality. Thanks to its modest size, check-in and boarding proceed incredibly quickly and without stress, allowing you to enjoy an atmosphere of tranquillity from the very first minutes. The airport mainly serves flights from Vancouver and other cities in British Columbia, acting as a key transport hub for the entire region.

One of the main advantages of YAZ is its strategic location. It is situated literally on the doorstep of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the park. Furthermore, the airport serves as a base for local airlines offering breathtaking scenic flights over Clayoquot Sound, as well as charter flights to remote lodges, hot springs, and whale-watching spots. It is not just an airport, but a centre for adventure tourism.

For your convenience, we have compiled all the necessary contact information for Tofino Airport (YAZ). We recommend checking the relevance of the data on official resources before your flight.

• Official Website: On the official portal, you will find flight schedules, passenger information, and the latest news. You can visit the site via the link: tofino.ca/services/airport
• Help Desk Phone: For prompt information, you can call the number: +1 250-725-2006.
• Airport Address: The airport is located at: 1 Airport Rd, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0, Canada.
• Email: For written enquiries, use the address: yaz@tofino.ca.
• Social Media: The airport does not have separate official pages on social media. Important updates are published on the resources of the District of Tofino.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage was lost or damaged during the flight, you should immediately contact your airline representative. For items left in the terminal building, contact the airport administration via the main phone number.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions related to your stay at the airport, you can contact the main phone number or email address listed above.

Tofino-Long Beach Airport (YAZ) is located approximately 11 km southeast of the town itself, halfway to the town of Ucluelet. You can reach it from the centre of Tofino in several ways, however, it is worth noting that due to the distance, walking is not a practical option, especially with luggage.

Taxis and Shuttle Buses are the most popular and convenient way to get to the airport. Several companies operate in the region, offering taxi services and pre-booked transfers. The journey from the centre of Tofino will take approximately 15-20 minutes. The estimated cost of a taxi ride is 40–50 Canadian Dollars (CAD), and a seat in a shuttle is about 30–40 CAD per person. It is strongly recommended to book your transfer in advance, especially during the peak tourist season (from June to September), to guarantee your seat.

Car Rental is an excellent choice for those planning to explore not only Tofino but also the surrounding areas, including the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. You can drive to the airport in a rental car and leave it there if the rental company provides such a service, or return the car at a town office and then take a taxi. This option gives maximum flexibility in planning your route through this picturesque corner of Canada.

There is parking available on the territory of Tofino-Long Beach Airport. This is a convenient option for travellers arriving in their own or rented vehicles. Both short-term and long-term parking are available, allowing you to leave the car for the duration of your absence. Parking rates should be checked in advance on the airport website or upon arrival.

It is worth noting that there is no regular public transport (city buses) between the centre of Tofino and the airport. The main modes of transport for tourists remain taxis, specialised shuttles, and car rentals. When planning your trip, allow enough time for the journey to avoid rushing before departure from this small but important airport for regional tourism.

Although Tofino-Long Beach Airport is the most convenient for direct access to the town, it is worth knowing about other options. Larger airports, such as Comox Airport (YQQ), Nanaimo Airport (YCD), and Victoria International Airport (YYJ), are located at a distance of 95 to 180 km. They receive more flights, including from other regions of Canada. You can get from them to Tofino by rental car or intercity bus, which is worth considering when planning a comprehensive trip around Vancouver Island.

The Tofino Airport (YAZ), serving the picturesque region on Vancouver Island in Canada, represents a cosy and compact regional aviation hub. Its main advantage is extreme simplicity and clarity for travellers. All airport operations are concentrated in one small terminal, which handles all flights, both arrivals and departures. This makes navigation quick and comfortable, relieving passengers of the need to search for their gate for a long time or transfer between buildings.

The terminal layout is intuitive, and getting lost here is practically impossible. Immediately after entering, you find yourself in the general area with airline check-in counters. Next follows the security checkpoint, behind which is located a small waiting lounge for departing passengers. Since there is only one terminal, transfers between terminals are not required. The departure and arrival zones are in the same building within walking distance of each other: after disembarking from the aircraft, passengers immediately enter the baggage claim hall, located very close to the main area.

Thanks to the low passenger flow, all pre-flight formalities, such as check-in and security screening, at Tofino-Long Beach Airport proceed, as a rule, very quickly. Usually, this takes no more than 15-20 minutes. Nevertheless, airlines most often recommend arriving 60-90 minutes before departure, and this advice is worth following to avoid any unforeseen situations. Orienting yourself in the terminal is easy: the few signs and friendly staff will always help find the way, which, in essence, is a direct path from the entrance to the boarding gate.

The history of Tofino-Long Beach Airport (YAZ) dates back to the Second World War. It was built in 1943 as a military airbase for the Royal Canadian Air Force under the name RCAF Station Tofino. Its main task was the defence of the west coast from potential threats and patrolling coastal waters. Squadrons of fighters and bombers were stationed at the airbase, and its infrastructure was designed to perform serious defensive tasks.

After the end of the war, in 1945, the military base was decommissioned. However, the strategic location and the presence of a runway made it a valuable asset for the region. Soon the facility was transferred to the Ministry of Transport and converted into a civil airport. This step became a turning point in the development of the entire west coast of Vancouver Island, opening up remote settlements for more convenient communication with the rest of the world.

With the growth of Tofino's popularity as a tourist destination, especially since the 1970s after the creation of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, the airport began to play a key role in the region's economy. To meet the growing passenger flow, the airport has been modernised repeatedly. One of the last significant renovations was completed in 2018, when a new, more spacious and modern passenger terminal was built. This allowed for a significant improvement in the quality of passenger service and an increase in the capacity of the air gateway.

Interesting fact: traces of its military past can still be found in the vicinity of the airport. Remains of old buildings, bunkers, and concrete structures have been preserved, serving as a silent reminder of its original purpose. For tourists interested in history, these ruins, lost in the dense coastal forest, have become a sort of informal attraction, adding mystery to this picturesque corner of Canada.

Tofino Airport (YAZ) is a small regional airport serving one of the most picturesque corners of Canada. Given its compact dimensions, the set of services here is basic and focused on meeting the essential needs of passengers before departure. It is recommended to arrive at the airport bearing in mind that most services, such as restaurants and banks, are available in the town itself.

Restaurants, Cafés, and Shops: Inside the terminal, the selection is extremely limited. There are no full-service restaurants or shops here. Occasionally, a small kiosk with drinks and snacks may be open, or a vending machine may be available. It is best to have a meal at one of the numerous cafés in Tofino before travelling to the airport.

Wi-Fi and Lounges: Passengers have access to free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. The waiting lounge is general, simple, and functional. There are no specialised lounges or VIP zones at the airport. Power outlets are provided for charging electronic devices, but their number may be limited.

Financial and Medical Services: Banks, currency exchange points, and ATMs are absent from the airport building. All financial transactions should be completed in town beforehand. Medical assistance is limited to basic first aid supplies; in case of serious necessity, one should contact medical facilities in Tofino.

Services for Passengers with Special Needs: The airport is equipped for access by passengers with reduced mobility, including ramps and adapted restrooms. Nevertheless, to receive assistance with boarding or moving through the terminal, it is strongly recommended to notify your airline in advance. There are no dedicated mother and child rooms. Business centres and conference halls are also absent.

Hotels: There are no hotels directly on the airport territory. The nearest accommodation options, from cosy lodges to luxury hotels, are located in Tofino itself and its surroundings, just a few minutes' drive away.

When planning a trip through Tofino Airport (YAZ) in Canada, it is important to consider its specific features. It is a small and very compact regional airport that does not possess the wide selection of dining establishments typical of large international hubs. In the terminal building, there are no full-service restaurants, cafés, or juice bars.

Passengers are strongly advised to plan their meals in advance and eat at one of the numerous establishments in the town of Tofino before arriving at the airport. The resort is famous for its gastronomic scene, especially dishes made from the freshest seafood. Be sure to try the local salmon, halibut, or famous fish tacos in one of the town's cafés. There, you will easily find options for vegetarians and other dietary preferences.

Directly at the airport, your options for a snack will likely be limited to vending machines where you can purchase drinks, crisps, or chocolate. Sometimes, depending on the season and flight schedule, a small counter offering basic coffee and pastries may be operating. However, one should not count on this as a guaranteed option.

Since the terminal is very small, there is no usual separation into "airside" and "landside" zones in terms of service. All the few amenities are located in the general hall. Thus, the best advice is to enjoy the excellent cuisine of Tofino before your trip to the airport, so that your journey leaves only pleasant impressions.

Travelling through Tofino Airport (YAZ) is generally a calm and pleasant experience, as it serves a popular resort region of Canada and is not comparable in scale to giants like Vancouver Airport. To ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible, make use of these tips.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For domestic flights, which are the main ones for this airport, it is sufficient to arrive 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time is enough to check in luggage and pass through controls without rushing. To save time, complete your flight check-in online in advance.

Seat Selection. Be sure to choose a window seat! Flights in this region open up stunning views of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, the rugged coastline, and the islands of the Clayoquot Sound archipelago. This is not just a flight, but a true aerial excursion.

Hand Luggage. Standard security rules apply: liquids in containers up to 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag. Keep in mind that flights are often operated on small aircraft where overhead bins are smaller than usual. Be prepared that large hand luggage may need to be checked in right at the ramp.

Connections and Customs. Tofino Airport serves primarily domestic flights. If you have an international flight, you will pass passport and customs control at the first major airport of arrival in the country (for example, in Vancouver or Calgary). When planning connecting flights, allow sufficient time for the transfer — at least 2-3 hours.

Saving Time and Money. Book tickets in advance, especially for the summer season, to get the best price. Since the choice of cafés at the airport is limited, you can bring snacks and an empty water bottle to fill after security. The main way to save time is to be prepared: check in online and keep your documents handy.

Flight Delays. The weather on the Pacific coast is unpredictable — fog and storms can cause delays. Before leaving for the airport, be sure to check the status of your flight on the airline's website. There is not much entertainment in the terminal itself, so in case of a long wait, bring a book or download films to your device.