Masset Airport

Masset Airport (ZMT) sits on the northern end of Graham Island, the largest island in Haida Gwaii, serving the village of Masset and the surrounding region with a single runway and a compact terminal. This small airport handles commercial flights from Vancouver and Prince Rupert, operated by Pacific Coastal Airlines, and is the main air link for residents and visitors heading to the northern part of the archipelago. Despite its size, Masset Airport is known for efficient service, friendly staff, and a unique feature: a luggage chute that delivers bags directly to the carousel with a satisfying thud.

Getting There

Masset Airport is located about 8 kilometres west of Masset along Highway 16. The drive from the village centre takes roughly ten minutes. Taxis are available in Masset, but they are limited; it’s advisable to pre-arrange a pickup, especially if your flight arrives outside the busiest times. Rental cars are available from a couple of local agencies, and many visitors choose to drive from the airport to their accommodation. There is no public bus service directly to the airport. For those staying in the nearby community of Old Massett, the drive is about 15 minutes. The road to the airport is paved and in good condition, though it can be foggy, particularly during summer mornings. If you are flying out, give yourself extra time to ensure a smooth arrival, as the terminal is small and lines can build up during the 11 am peak.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Masset Airport is compact and straightforward. Upon entering, you’ll find a check-in area with a few desks, followed by a security screening point. The airport has designated wheelchair-accessible entrances and a wheelchair-accessible car park, making it manageable for passengers with mobility challenges. Inside, there is a single waiting area with limited seating — a noted weakness, especially near the luggage carousel after arrivals. The carousel itself is a simple chute that deposits bags from the baggage hold directly into the claim area; it’s a practical and oddly entertaining feature that expedites the process. Toilets are available, including a wheelchair-accessible toilet. The terminal is clean and well-lit, with some cool artwork on the walls — local Haida motifs and nature scenes that add character. Staff are consistently described as friendly and helpful, often going out of their way to assist passengers. The boarding process is quick, and flights are generally on time. The airport is not open every day; it operates primarily on flight schedules, so check the website for specific hours.

Masset Airport (ZMT) and Masset

Masset Airport is the primary entry point for exploring the northern part of Haida Gwaii, an archipelago with a rich indigenous heritage and stunning natural landscapes. The village of Masset itself is a small community of about 800 people, known for its connection to the Haida Nation and its role as a gateway to the nearby Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site. The park, accessible only by boat or plane from Sandspit or Masset, protects ancient Haida village sites, temperate rainforest, and diverse wildlife including orcas, humpback whales, and bald eagles. The region is also famous for its fishing — visitors come for salmon and halibut charter trips from Masset or from the even smaller community of Old Massett, just north of the village. Old Massett is one of the principal Haida communities on the islands, home to a number of working artists who create traditional totem poles, argillite carvings, and cedar baskets. The local museum in Masset, the Haida Gwaii Museum at Kay Llnagaay, is actually in Skidegate, but there are smaller cultural displays in Masset. One critique of the airport is that it lacks significant indigenous cultural representation in its terminal — a missed opportunity given the area’s deep Haida roots. However, once you leave the airport, the culture is omnipresent: totem poles stand in front of community buildings, and the Haida language can be heard in conversations. The geography of northern Haida Gwaii is dramatic: long sandy beaches like North Beach stretch for miles, often empty except for driftwood and the sound of waves. Naikoon Provincial Park, just east of Masset, offers hiking trails through rainforest and along the coast. The airport’s efficiency is a boon for travellers who want to quickly get out and explore these areas. For history buffs, the site of the Haida village of Masset (the original settlement) is worth visiting, though it is largely overgrown. Overall, Masset Airport serves as a small but functional hub for a region defined by its natural beauty and cultural depth.

Practical Information

Masset Airport is not open all days of the week; it operates based on flight schedules. The busiest times are Monday through Thursday at 11 am, when flights from Vancouver and Prince Rupert arrive. Check the airport’s website (http://massetbc.com/visitors/airport/) or your airline for the most current schedule. There is no phone number listed for the airport itself, so contact Pacific Coastal Airlines for flight-specific inquiries. The terminal has no food or beverage options, so bring snacks if needed. The wheelchair-accessible facilities are adequate, but if you require special assistance, arrange it in advance with your airline. Parking is free and right outside the terminal. One concrete tip: if you are picking someone up from a flight, wait outside until you see the luggage chute activate — the small seating area inside fills up quickly, and you’ll have a better view of arrivals from just outside the door.