Charlo Airport

Charlo Airport sits on the southern shore of the Baie des Chaleurs, serving the small community of Charlo and the broader Restigouche region in northern New Brunswick. The airport occupies a compact site off Route 134, with a single runway measuring 6,000 feet — long enough to handle light jets and turboprops flown by general aviation traffic, corporate charters, and air ambulances. There are no scheduled commercial flights; the airport exists primarily for private pilots, medevac services, and the occasional charter bringing fishermen and hunters into one of New Brunswick’s most scenic corners. What it lacks in passenger volume, it makes up for with practical convenience and a reputation for helpful ground crew.

Getting There

Charlo Airport is located about 10 kilometres west of the village of Charlo proper, roughly 20 minutes by car from the town of Campbellton and 40 minutes from Dalhousie. The most direct route is via Route 134, which runs parallel to the coastline. From Campbellton, head east on Route 134 for approximately 15 kilometres; the airport entrance is marked with a small sign on the north side of the road. The driveway leads to a parking area adjacent to the terminal building. There is no public transport serving the airport. Taxis are available from Campbellton and Charlo but should be pre-booked, as services are limited. Most pilots and passengers arrive by private vehicle. The airport’s small size means parking is never an issue, and the lot is free. If you are flying in and need a rental car, the closest agencies are in Campbellton; arrange pickup in advance, as no counter exists at the airport.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Charlo Airport is a single-storey building with a straightforward layout. Upon arrival, passengers enter a small waiting area with several chairs and a counter that doubles as check-in and flight planning. The space is clean and functional, with natural light from windows overlooking the runway. There are two confirmed facilities: a wheelchair-accessible entrance at the front door, and a wheelchair-accessible toilet inside. The car park also meets accessibility standards. The ground crew and staff — described as exceptionally friendly and helpful — are usually on hand during operating hours. For departing passengers, there is a basic waiting area but no shops, cafes, or vending machines. Bring snacks and drinks if you expect a wait. The airport does not have security screening, so walk-in access to the apron is possible. The GPS ILS approach ensures reliable navigation in poor weather. The runway is asphalt and well-maintained, with taxiway access to a small apron that can accommodate several light aircraft. If you need to file a flight plan, staff can assist. The atmosphere is relaxed; expect to be greeted by name if you’re a regular.

Charlo Airport and Charlo

Charlo Airport is more than a strip of asphalt — it’s the aerial front door to a region defined by the Baie des Chaleurs, the broad saltwater bay that separates New Brunswick from Quebec’s Gaspé Peninsula. The village of Charlo (population around 1,300) sits on the bay’s southern shore, a community whose economy has long relied on forestry, fishing, and seasonal tourism. The area is known for its warm-water beaches — the bay’s shallow waters heat up in summer, making it one of the few places in Atlantic Canada where swimming is genuinely comfortable. Anglers come for Atlantic salmon in the Restigouche River, one of the world’s premier salmon rivers, whose mouth lies just west of the airport. Hunters target moose and deer in the vast boreal forests inland. The airport’s 6,000-foot runway handles the light jets and turboprops that fly in from across the Maritimes and Quebec. Akey attraction is the Sugarloaf Mountain, a small ski hill near Campbellton that offers skiing in winter and hiking in summer. The Restigouche region also includes the Acadian Historical Village in Caraquet (about an hour east), a living-history museum that recreates 18th- and 19th-century Acadian life. For those flying in, Charlo Airport provides the most direct access to this corner of New Brunswick, one that’s often overlooked by tourists heading to the more famous destinations along the Fundy coast. The airport’s helpful staff can point you to local accommodation, including lodges on the Restigouche River and motels in Campbellton. In short, Charlo Airport is small but perfectly suited to its role — a practical, welcoming point of entry for anyone exploring the northern New Brunswick coast.

Practical Information

Charlo Airport is not open 24 hours. Based on busiest times data, the airport appears to operate primarily on weekdays, with peak activity on Monday at 5 pm, Tuesday at 3 pm, Wednesday at 12 pm, and Thursday at 7 am. It is likely closed on weekends and public holidays unless arranged by prior request. Confirm hours by calling +1 506-684-5508. The website is https://charloairport.ca/, which provides further details on fuel availability, hangarage, and contact information. The runway is RWY 08/26, 6,000 ft, asphalt, with GPS ILS approach. There is no control tower; pilots use the standard frequency (122.8 MHz) for radio calls. Fuel: likely 100LL and Jet A — call ahead to confirm. One concrete piece of advice: If you plan to fly in for a weekend trip, call at least a week in advance to ensure the airport will be staffed and the runway cleared of snow in winter. The staff are accommodating, but the airport’s small scale means advance notice is appreciated.