Victoria International Airport

Country: Canada

Victoria International Airport
Location	Victoria, British Columbia
IATA code	YYJ
ICAO code	CYYJ
Airport type	Mixed-Use Commerical
Website	http://www.victoriaairport.ca
Overview map	Google Maps
Communications
Tower	119.70
Ground	121.90
Clearance	126.40
Approach	133.85
Departure	133.85
ATIS	118.80

A relatively quiet airport but with good facilities and opportunities for spotting/photography. Scheduled traffic is fairly limited, at least in terms of reach - Air Canada Express, WestJet/WestJet Encore, Horizon, Air Canada, Air North, Alaska, Flair, Delta, United Express and some local commuter carriers and charter airlines all visit, but mostly only domestic routes. Can be slow at times, but one of the best places to get close to Dash-8s, Canadair jets etc. as well as the larger 737s/A320s.

Official Spotting Locations

Terminal

View of the apron from the public viewing area

1. Public viewing area on the 3rd floor of the terminal. There are general views of gates 9, 10, and surrounding apron but nothing spectacular. Access is from a elevator behind the Tim Hortons. Glass fronted, facing North. A few seats.

2. External viewing "mound" to the left of the terminal. A small raised area overlooking the West ramp and taxiway. Tables and seats. Photography (50-100mm) possible over or through the fence. Note: As of Oct. 2007 the area has been reopened, but is not "officially" opened for spotting.

Other Spotting Locations

Hospital Hill

A small hill north of the airport with views of runway 09/27. Great to get pictures of traffic landing on 09 or taking off on 27, has overlooking views of the airport. Follow Mills road along The Flight Path Trail, and park at the bottom of the hill by the Holy Trinity Church. At the top of the hill there is a "Lost Airmen of the Empire" memorial with benches and water. The fence gets in the way a little, but overall great photography.

East Hangars

Two left turns out of the terminal onto Canora Rd. leads to the East hangars. The main road curves right leaving a small cul-de-sac. This overlooks the helicopter base, the FBO ramp and the threshold of 27. Good spotting and photography from here, but no facilities - the locals bring their cars. A step ladder may help for photographers as the fence is quite high.

Pat Bay

A small park under the approach to runway 09. A little lower than the airport, no runways are visible here but 09 traffic passes directly overhead. A short walk along the beach gives a few opportunities for photos but nothing really outstanding. Also a small vehicle ramp access gate just south of the park offers some nice views when 09 is active, and generally no hassle from the authorities if you choose to park there, as long as you're not blocking access.

West Hangars

Turn right out of the terminal. The Forests base is located here and occasional air tankers are present in season. The Air Force has a hangar full of geriatric Sea Kings but it is firmly shut most of the time, in which case some taxiing shots of 09 traffic can be had from the parking lot.

Locations to Avoid

Air Force Parking Lot

If the Sea Kings are active, you may be approached by a military guard. Depending on his mood you may be asked to leave.

Regular Traffic

Air Canada Rouge: Toronto (B767 (Summer Only), A321/A319)

Air Canada Express: Vancouver (Q400, CRJ-705, Dash 8-300), Calgary (Q400)

Air North: Kelowna, Whitehorse

Alaska: Seattle (Q400)

Flair Airlines: Edmonton (B737-400)

Orca Airways: Vancouver (Navajo Chieftain), Abbotsford (Navajo Chieftain), Tofino (Navajo Chieftain, seasonal)

Pacific Coastal Airlines: Vancouver- South Terminal, Kelowna, Prince George (Saab 340, Beech 1900C/1900D)

United Express (SkyWest Airlines): San Fransisco (CRJ-200)

Delta Connection (SkyWest Airlines): Seattle (E-175)

WestJet: Edmonton (B737-600/700/800), Kelowna (Q400), Calgary (B737-600/700/800), Toronto (B737-700)

WestJet Encore: Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna, Vancouver (Q400)

Sunwing Airlines (Operated By VivaAerobus): Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta (A320)

Facilities and Transportation

All terminal facilities are open to non-passengers.

For foot/bike transportation, use the Flight Path Trail - it's a trail surrounding the airport, offering access to all of the spotting locations, including the passenger terminal. In front the short term parking area of the passenger terminal, there is a bike maintenance area with pumps, tools, and storage.

For bus transportation, there is a sporadic bus service (70B) from Victoria to the ferry dock which calls at the airport and is served by BC Transit routes 79 and 83.