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Trail Regional Airport

About the Airport

Trail Airport (YZZ) is your aerial gateway to the picturesque West Kootenay region in British Columbia. Despite its modest size, this regional airport plays a key role in connecting Trail and its surroundings with major transport hubs, primarily Vancouver. Landing here becomes part of the adventure itself, as the window view offers breathtaking scenery of the mountains and the Columbia River. It is an ideal starting point for those seeking a connection with nature and active recreation.

Trail Regional Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars
IATA Code YZZ
ICAO Code CYZZ
City Trail
Distance to centre Approximately 11 km
Status Domestic
Annual passengers About 24,000 (based on pre-pandemic data)
Popular Airlines Pacific Coastal Airlines

Features and advantages of the airport

The main advantage of Trail Airport is its compactness and convenience. There are no long queues or complicated navigation here, making the check-in and boarding process as fast and comfortable as possible. For travellers, this means less stress and more time to enjoy the journey. The airport services regular flights to Vancouver International Airport (YVR), opening access to hundreds of destinations worldwide.

Trail Airport is a strategically important facility for tourists heading to the Red Mountain Ski Resort in Rossland or wishing to explore the natural beauty of the Kootenay region. Car rental services are available within the terminal building, allowing you to embark on an independent journey immediately upon arrival. Another pleasant bonus is free parking for passengers, which is a rarity for most airports.

Contact Information

If you need to contact representatives of Trail Airport (YZZ), please use the contact information provided below. This will help you get answers to your questions, clarify flight schedules, or receive other necessary assistance.

  • Official website: Up-to-date information on flights, services, and regulations can be found on the airport's official page on the Trail city website: trail.ca/en/play/trail-regional-airport.aspx.
  • Help desk phone: For general questions regarding airport operations, you can contact the number: +1 250-367-7222.
  • Airport address: 8300 Highway 22A, Trail, BC V1R 4W8, Canada.
  • Email: The airport does not have a dedicated email address for passengers. It is recommended to use the contact form on the official city website to send enquiries.
  • Social media: There are no specialised social media accounts for the airport. Major news and updates are published on the City of Trail's resources.
  • Lost luggage information: If your belongings were lost within the terminal building, please contact the airport help desk. For luggage lost or damaged during a flight, you must contact your airline directly.
  • Passenger support contacts: For consultations and support regarding general issues, it is recommended to use the main airport help desk phone number.

How to get to the airport

Trail Airport (YZZ) is located very close to the city, making the journey there quick and convenient. The trip from the centre of Trail to the terminal usually takes no more than 15-20 minutes by car. You can get to the airport in several ways: by public transport, taxi, or rental car. The choice depends on your budget, time, and plans for further travel across Canada.

The most budget-friendly way to get to the airport is to use public transport services. The local BC Transit bus system offers routes that stop at the airport. It is important to check the schedule in advance on the carrier's official website, as buses may run infrequently, especially on weekends and holidays. This option is ideal for travellers without a large amount of luggage who wish to save money.

For greater comfort and convenience, you can book a taxi or private transfer. This is the fastest and most predictable way to get to the airport directly from your hotel door. The cost of the trip will be higher than by bus, but it eliminates the need to adapt to public transport schedules. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially if you have an early departure or late arrival.

If you plan to explore the picturesque West Kootenay region, car rental is your best choice. You can rent a car either in the city of Trail itself or arrange to collect it at the airport upon arrival. For those travelling in their own vehicle, convenient parking is provided on the airport grounds, where you can leave your car for both short and long terms. A significant advantage is that parking is completely free, making this option even more attractive for road travellers.

To summarise, the choice of transport to Trail Airport depends on your priorities. To save money, choose the bus, but do not forget to check its schedule. For maximum convenience, choose a taxi or transfer, which is best booked in advance. And for complete freedom of movement around the region, nothing beats a rental car. Since the airport is small, all procedures usually go quickly, but it is always better to arrive with a little time to spare.

Terminals and Map

Trail Airport (YZZ) is distinguished by its compactness and simplicity, making it very convenient for passengers. There are no confusing diagrams or long corridors here — everything is located in one small terminal that serves all flights, both arrivals and departures. This makes navigation through the airport intuitively clear and fast.

The structure of the terminal is extremely simple. In fact, the entire building represents a single space divided into functional zones. Upon entering, you immediately see the check-in counters and the waiting area. The departure and arrival zones are located in close proximity to each other. After check-in, passengers proceed to a cosy waiting lounge before boarding. Since there is only one terminal, there is absolutely no need for any transfers between buildings or the use of internal transport.

One of the main advantages of Trail Airport is the rapid completion of pre-flight formalities. Thanks to the low passenger flow, flight check-in and security screening take minimal time. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport generally 60–90 minutes before departure to calmly check in luggage and go through all procedures without rushing.

No special advice is required for navigating YZZ airport — it is practically impossible to get lost here. All signs are clear, and staff are always ready to help. The compactness of the terminal allows travellers to avoid the stress associated with large airports and calmly begin their journey through Canada.

Airport History

The history of Trail Airport (YZZ) is closely linked to the industrial development of the region. The airport was built in 1948 to provide reliable air connections for the city of Trail and its largest enterprise — the Cominco metallurgical combine. From the very beginning, it played an important role in transporting personnel, business partners, and cargo, supporting the economy of the West Kootenay in Canada.

For decades, the airport served as an important regional transport hub. A key moment in its recent history occurred in 2014, when the management of the airport transferred from the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary to the City of Trail. This decision allowed efforts to be focused on modernisation and improving the quality of passenger service, opening a new chapter in the development of the air harbour.

The most significant stage of modernisation was the construction of a new terminal, which was completed in 2018. The modern building replaced the old one, significantly increasing comfort and safety for travellers. The new terminal offered more spacious waiting lounges, improved screening areas, and modern amenities, making Trail Airport more competitive and attractive for airlines and passengers.

An interesting fact from the history and present day of the airport is its unique location in the narrow valley of the Columbia River. This creates certain difficulties for pilots during take-off and landing, requiring high skill and special approach procedures. Despite these challenges, Trail Airport continues to function successfully, remaining an indispensable aerial gateway for business and tourism in this picturesque corner of British Columbia.

Services and Amenities

Trail Airport (YZZ) is a small regional airport serving the city of Trail and its surroundings in Canada. Given its compact size, the range of services here is basic and focused on meeting the essential needs of passengers before departure. It is important to understand that this is not a major international hub, so many familiar amenities are absent here.

The terminal building is equipped with a waiting lounge where passengers can comfortably await their flight. Free Wi-Fi is provided on the airport premises, allowing you to stay connected. Power sockets for charging electronic devices are also available, although their number may be limited. It is recommended to carry a portable charger (power bank) in case the terminal is busy.

It is important to note that there are no restaurants, cafes, or shops in the Trail Airport. We advise passengers to have a meal before arriving at the airport or to bring snacks with them. ATMs, currency exchange points, and other banking services are also absent in the terminal. It is better to complete all financial transactions in the city beforehand.

The airport is equipped to receive passengers with reduced mobility; however, to receive special assistance, for example, for boarding the aircraft, it is necessary to notify your airline in advance. There are no specialised mother and child rooms or medical points in the terminal. In emergencies, assistance is provided by airport staff.

Trail Airport lacks VIP lounges, business centres, and conference rooms. For accommodation, you can choose one of the hotels or motels located in the city of Trail itself, which can be easily reached by taxi or rental car.

Where to Eat

Trail Airport (YZZ) is a small regional airport in Canada, so dining options here are extremely limited. Passengers flying from Trail should plan where to eat in advance, as you will not find full-service restaurants or cafes in the terminal building.

The only option available for a snack right at the airport is vending machines. They usually feature a standard set of snacks: crisps, chocolate bars, biscuits, as well as bottled water and soft drinks. The machines are located in the public area of the terminal before security control (landside) and are available during operating hours.

If you need a full lunch or dinner, it is strongly recommended to eat at one of the establishments in the city of Trail before arriving at the airport. This is especially important for travellers with specific dietary requirements (Halal, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free), as there are no specialised offerings at the airport. Alternatively, you can bring food with you.

Thus, Trail Airport lacks restaurants serving local cuisine, bars, or chain coffee shops. The entire food infrastructure is limited to machines with basic snacks and drinks. Plan your time and meals in advance to avoid inconvenience before your flight.

Travel Tips

To ensure your journey through Trail Airport goes smoothly, make use of these tips. Since this is a small regional airport, arriving 3 hours before departure is not necessary. For domestic flights within Canada, it is usually sufficient to arrive 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time will be enough to check in luggage without rushing, go through security control, and reach the boarding gate. To save time, complete online check-in for your flight on your airline's website — this will allow you to head straight to the baggage drop or security screening if you are travelling light.

The screening procedure at Trail Airport generally goes faster than in major hubs, but the rules remain standard. Be prepared to remove laptops and other large electronics from your hand luggage. Remember the restrictions on carrying liquids: all containers must be no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent resealable bag. It is prohibited to carry sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances in the cabin. If in doubt, check the rules in advance on the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) website.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: a window seat (window seat) will offer beautiful views during take-off and landing, especially considering the scenic landscapes of British Columbia, while an aisle seat (aisle seat) will provide more legroom and the ability to stand up without disturbing neighbours. To save money, book tickets in advance and keep an eye on airline promotions. You can also bring an empty water bottle to fill after security, and light snacks — this will help avoid extra expenses at the airport.

Trail Airport mainly serves direct domestic flights, so connections most often occur in larger airports such as Vancouver (YVR) or Calgary (YYC). If you have a connecting flight, clarify at check-in whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage at the transit airport. Customs and border control are generally not conducted here. You will go through these procedures at your first airport of arrival in Canada if you are flying from abroad. Always keep your passport and boarding passes to hand.

In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, contact your airline representative immediately. They will provide up-to-date information and explain the next steps. Learn about your rights as a passenger — Canada has regulations that may provide for compensation, provision of meals, or even hotel accommodation depending on the length of the delay and its cause. In a small airport, opportunities may be limited, so it is useful to have a portable charger and a book or downloaded films to pass the waiting time.

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