Orillia/Lake St John Seaplane Base

Orillia-Ramara Airport CNJ4 sits about 12 kilometres northeast of Orillia’s city centre, off Highway 12 near the community of Ramara. It is a general aviation airport with a single asphalt runway, no commercial airline service, and a clientele that consists mostly of private pilots, flight schools, and the occasional charter. The airport’s IATA code is CNJ4; it is owned and operated by the City of Orillia. Though small and unassuming, the airport plays a role in connecting the Lake Simcoe region to the wider aviation network, particularly for recreational flyers and businesses requiring quick regional access.

Getting There

Orillia-Ramara Airport is located at 7157 Rama Road, Ramara, Ontario. From downtown Orillia, the drive takes about 15 minutes via Highway 12 north to Rama Road, then east. Alternatively, you can take Old Barrie Road to Rama Road. For those coming from the south, Highway 12 from Barrie is a straight shot, about 30 minutes from Barrie city limits. The airport sits in a rural area with limited public transit. The nearest bus stop is along Highway 12, served by Ontario Northland, but you would still need a taxi or rideshare to cover the final five kilometres. Parking is available at the airport, with a small lot adjacent to the terminal building. There is no charge for parking. Taxis from Orillia cost approximately $25–$35 one way. If you are flying in, it is wise to arrange ground transportation in advance, as the airport does not have a taxi stand or rental car desk.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Orillia-Ramara Airport is a single-storey building that houses a waiting area, a pilot lounge, washrooms, and a flight planning room. The airport confirms wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible car park, and wheelchair-accessible toilet. The entrance has a ramp, and the doors are wide enough for mobility devices. The washrooms are clean but basic; the accessible toilet is located adjacent to the main washroom. Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, though the connection speed is suitable for email and browsing rather than video streaming. There is no restaurant or café; passengers should bring their own snacks or drinks. A vending machine is present in the waiting area. The atmosphere is quiet, even during busy periods. The busiest times according to airport data are Monday at 3 pm, Tuesday at 1 pm, Wednesday at 2 pm, and Thursday at 4 pm — likely corresponding to flight school activity or charter arrivals. During these hours, you may encounter a handful of pilots and passengers, but the terminal never feels crowded. The check-in process — if you are on a charter — takes place at a single counter; for private pilots, it is self-serve. Security is minimal; there is no screening for departures. The airport does not have customs, so all flights must remain domestic. On departure, you walk directly from the terminal to the apron. On arrival, you simply walk into the terminal. Baggage handling is either personal or handled by the flight crew. The building is functional and well-maintained, with a small couch and chairs in the waiting area, and a board displaying local aviation notices.

Orillia-Ramara Airport CNJ4 and Orillia

Orillia is a city of about 32,000 people located on the shores of Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe, about 130 kilometres north of Toronto. It is perhaps best known as the inspiration for Stephen Leacock’s fictional town of Mariposa in his novel Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town. Leacock’s summer home, now a museum, draws literary tourists. The city also hosts the Mariposa Folk Festival each July, one of Canada’s longest-running music festivals. Orillia’s location on two lakes makes it a hub for boating, fishing, and other water sports. The waterfront has a long dock, parks, and the Port of Orillia, which is the largest freshwater marina on Lake Couchiching. For visitors coming by air, the airport is the only practical way to fly directly into the area. Private pilots often fly in for weekend getaways, particularly for events such as the Ontario Winter Carnival or the Orillia Silver Band concerts. Orillia has a charming downtown core with independent shops, restaurants, and a century-old opera house. The city also has ties to the First Nations community; the Rama First Nation and Casino Rama are about 15 minutes from the airport. Casino Rama is a major attraction, with a gaming floor, hotel, and concert venue that draws performers from across Canada. The proximity of the airport to the casino makes it a destination for charter flights from other parts of Ontario. Orillia itself is a gateway to the Muskoka region, with its famous cottages and lakeside resorts just a short drive north. The airport’s role is modest but important: it provides a direct link for those who want to avoid the three-hour drive from Toronto, and it supports local businesses that rely on aviation for time-sensitive cargo or executive travel. Without the airport, Orillia would be another hour’s drive from the nearest commercial airport (Toronto Pearson or Billy Bishop). For a city of its size, Orillia is well-served by its small airport, and the facility is kept in good shape by the city’s aviation department.

Practical Information

The airport is open daily but not 24/7. Operating hours are typically 8:00 am to sunset, with extended hours available by prior arrangement for charters. It is best to call ahead if you plan to arrive early or late. Contact +1 705-325-9838 or visit the website http://www.flyorillia.ca/ for the latest information. There is no fuel available 24/7, but self-serve 100LL and Jet-A are accessible during daylight hours. The runway is 3,500 feet long, suitable for light twins and small jets. If you are a visiting pilot, note that the airport is uncontrolled (no tower), so pilots must self-announce on the common traffic advisory frequency (122.7 MHz). One concrete piece of advice: if you are arriving for an event in Orillia, book a taxi or rideshare in advance, as the airport is rural and drivers may take 20–30 minutes to arrive. Alternatively, arrange for a friend or colleague to meet you.