Parry Sound/Frying Pan Island-Sans Souci Seaplane Base

Stuart Island Airstrip sits on the southeastern shore of Stuart Island, a small landmass in the Strait of Georgia that is part of the Comox-Strathcona regional district in British Columbia. The airstrip is a single paved runway, 1,070 metres long, oriented roughly east–west. It is not open all days; operations are limited to scheduled flights and charter services, with peak activity around midday on Mondays, mid-morning on Tuesdays, the early hours of Wednesday mornings, and mid-afternoon on Thursdays. The airstrip serves as a vital link for the island's residents and visitors, providing access to a community that lacks road connections to the mainland.

Getting There

Stuart Island is located about 30 kilometres east of Campbell River and 60 kilometres north of Comox. The nearest city is Campbell River, which has a regional airport (YBL) with scheduled flights from Vancouver and other points. From Campbell River, the only direct way to reach Stuart Island Airstrip is by air. Several small charter airlines operate from Campbell River Airport, offering flights that take approximately 15 minutes. The cost ranges from $150 to $300 per person depending on the operator and season. Alternatively, if you are coming from Vancouver, you can fly via Pacific Coastal Airlines or Harbour Air to Campbell River and then transfer. There is no ferry service that goes directly to Stuart Island, though a private water taxi service runs from Campbell River to the island's dock, but that trip takes about 45 minutes and requires a road transfer on the island to reach the airstrip. For most passengers, flying directly to Stuart Island Airstrip is the most practical option. The airstrip is also used by private pilots and can be accessed via a short flight from any nearby airstrip.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Stuart Island Airstrip is basic. A single prefabricated building serves as the passenger waiting area, with a small counter for check-in and a few plastic chairs. There is no airside security or baggage carousel. Passengers walk directly from the parking area to the aircraft. The terminal has a restroom, but no food or beverage concessions. It is important to bring any snacks or water you might need, as there are no vending machines or shops. The atmosphere is quiet and unhurried; on a typical day, you might see a handful of passengers waiting for a charter flight or a local pilot fueling up. Staff are friendly but not always present; if no one is at the counter, you can call the number posted on the door. In terms of amenities, the terminal is functional but not comfortable for long waits. There is no heating or air conditioning beyond a small space heater and a fan, so dress appropriately for the season. The parking area is unpaved and can accommodate a dozen vehicles. Overall, the experience is straightforward: arrive 15 minutes before departure, check in, and walk to the plane.

Stuart Island Airstrip and Comox-Strathcona J

Stuart Island is one of the many islands that dot the Discovery Islands archipelago, forming a rugged and sparsely populated region within the Comox-Strathcona Regional District (locally known as Strathcona J). This area is defined by its fjords, dense forests, and small communities that rely on air and water travel for essential goods and services. Stuart Island itself has a population of around 300 year-round residents, mostly concentrated in the community of Big Bay, where the airstrip is located. The island's economy is driven by fishing, logging, and tourism, with lodges catering to anglers and kayakers. The surrounding waters are rich in salmon and halibut, making the region a premier destination for sport fishing. Wildlife viewing is excellent: orcas, humpback whales, seals, and bald eagles are common sights. For hikers, there are trails through old-growth cedar and hemlock forests, leading to viewpoints overlooking the strait. The area is also known for its mild climate compared to the mainland, though rain is frequent. Culture on the island is small-scale and neighborly; events at the community hall bring residents together. The airstrip itself is a lifeline: mail, medical supplies, and perishable groceries arrive by air when the ferry schedule is limited. Visitors who fly in gain immediate access to the island's serene pace, far from the crowds of Vancouver Island's more popular destinations. To the north, the Strathcona Provincial Park on Vancouver Island offers backcountry hiking, but accessing it from Stuart Island requires a water taxi. The combination of remote island life and proximity to the natural wonders of the Comox-Strathcona region makes this a unique travel experience.

Practical Information

The airstrip is not open all days. Scheduled services operate on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, but only at specific times: flights are typically arranged by charter companies on demand. It is essential to book in advance and confirm the departure time, as the busiest periods (Monday 12 pm, Tuesday 9 am, Wednesday 1 am, Thursday 3 pm) indicate when flights are most likely available. Contact the Stuart Island Community Association or local charter operators for current schedules. There is no phone number or website dedicated to the airstrip itself; for flight bookings, call Harbour Air (1-800-665-0212) or Pacific Coastal Airlines (1-800-665-0214) for connections to Campbell River. Alternatively, ask at the Campbell River Airport information desk. For those flying private, the airstrip is uncontrolled and pilots should confirm runway conditions via NOTAMs. A concrete piece of advice: bring a printed map or GPS coordinates (50°10′33″N 125°01′57″W) since cell service is unreliable. And pack light – the terminal has no baggage storage and the aircraft have size limits.