Victoria International Airport

Country: Canada


Location	Victoria
IATA code	YYJ
ICAO code	CYYJ
Airport type	Mixed-Use Commerical
Website	http://www.cyyj.ca
Overview map	Google Maps
Communications
Tower	199.70
Ground	121.90
Clearance	126.40
Approach	119.10
Departure	119.70
ATIS	118.80

A relatively quiet airport but with good facilities and opportunities for spotting/photography. Scheduled traffic is limited - AC Jazz, WestJet, Horizon, occasional Air Canada and some local commuter carriers. 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

1. Public viewing area on the 3rd floor of the terminal. 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. - Currently closed for renovations (June, 07)

Other Spotting Locations

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 threshhold 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

Facilities and Transportation

All terminal facilites are open to non-passengers. There is a sporadic bus service (70B) from Victoria to the ferry dock which calls at the airport.