Tommy Kochon Airport

Colville Lake Airstrip (IATA: YCK, ICAO: CYVL) sits on the edge of the Sahtu region in Canada's Northwest Territories, serving a remote Dene and Métis community of roughly 130 people with no road access to the outside world. The gravel runway, just over 1,200 metres long, handles scheduled turboprop flights from Norman Wells and Yellowknife, plus occasional charters and medevac aircraft. For passengers, this airstrip is more than a transit point—it is the only reliable link between Colville Lake and the rest of Canada.

Getting There

Colville Lake is a fly-in community. There are no all-season roads connecting it to any other settlement. The most common way to reach the airstrip is by scheduled airline service. Canadian North and Northwestern Air operate flights from Norman Wells (flight time about 30 minutes) and Yellowknife (about 1 hour 45 minutes). Tickets can be booked online or through the airline’s northern offices – be aware that schedules are subject to weather and demand, especially in winter and spring breakup. Charter flights are available through local operators for those needing flexibility, but costs are high and advance arrangement is essential.

During winter, a seasonal ice road may open between Colville Lake and Fort Good Hope, but it is not a reliable route for most travellers. For visitors arriving by air, the airstrip is approximately 2 kilometres from the hamlet. There is no public transit; pre-arrange a ride with the lodge or community office, or call ahead. Most residents are happy to offer a lift, but it is best to plan ahead.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Colville Lake Airstrip is a small, single-storey building that manages arrivals and departures for the entire community. The check-in counter opens about an hour before each scheduled departure. Baggage is handled manually – passengers often see their luggage moved from the building to the aircraft on a cart. There is a wheelchair-accessible car park immediately outside, and the terminal has a toilet facility. Beyond that, amenities are minimal: no café, no shops, no lounge. Passengers should bring their own snacks, water, and entertainment, especially if waiting for a delayed flight.

The atmosphere is calm and practical. Staff know most regular travellers by name. Security is present but low-key – expect a quick bag check and a nod. The building is heated, but dress warmly in winter months because the door opens frequently. On departure, you walk directly from the building onto the ramp and up the aircraft steps. On arrival, the same process in reverse: step off the plane, collect your luggage from the cart, and walk into the community.

Colville Lake Airstrip and Colville Lake

Colville Lake is not a tourist hub in the conventional sense, but that is precisely its appeal. The community sits on the shores of its namesake lake, surrounded by boreal forest and tundra. It is a place where traditional Sahtu Dene culture remains strong—many residents still rely on hunting, trapping, and fishing for subsistence, and language is actively spoken. The airstrip is the community's lifeline, delivering everything from mail to medical supplies to visitors.

For those willing to make the journey, Colville Lake offers a rare experience: quiet, remote, and deeply connected to the land. The fishing is exceptional (lake trout, Arctic grayling, northern pike), and the lake itself is clear and cold. Canoeing and hiking are possible in summer; winter brings prime northern lights viewing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. The community's small airport museum (run by the local tourism society) offers a look at Sahtu history. Visitors are expected to respect local customs—always ask permission before photographing people, and avoid wandering onto private property without an invitation.

The airstrip itself is a modest facility but it plays an outsized role in daily life. It is not unusual for the entire community to gather at the terminal when a flight arrives, especially if it carries fresh groceries or supplies. The flight schedule is irregular—Mondays often see a peak around 3 pm, Tuesdays at 8 am, Wednesdays at 8 pm, and Thursdays at 10 pm—so arrivals are communal events. For a visitor, this sense of connection is part of the charm.

Practical Information

The airstrip is open for flights as scheduled, but not necessarily 24/7; pre-arrange any after-hours arrival. Contact the community office or airline for specific hours. Phone: +1 867-587-2451. There is no website for the airstrip itself; use the phone number for inquiries. The terminal is small and unstaffed outside flight times.

Bring all essentials with you: food, water, medications, and warm clothing even in summer. The nearest grocery store has limited stock and high prices. If you are flying out, check in early and be prepared for weather-related delays—pack a book or download podcasts. Carry cash, as there is no ATM at the airstrip. Most importantly, respect the pace of life here: flights run on northern time, and patience is part of the experience. One concrete piece of advice: pack a small bag with overnight essentials in your carry-on, because luggage can sometimes be left behind due to weight restrictions or weather diversions.