Points North Landing Airport

Overview

Points North Landing Airstrip serves as a vital access point for one of Canada’s most remote and pristine regions. Located in northern Saskatchewan, this gravel airstrip is the primary hub for fly-in fishing camps, outfitters, mining operations, and adventurers seeking the untouched wilderness of the Canadian Shield. It’s not your typical airport – there are no jet bridges or duty-free shops. Instead, you’ll find a friendly, no-frills operation focused on getting people and supplies into the backcountry. Whether you’re heading to a secluded lake for canoeing or flying in for a work rotation, Points North Landing offers a unique and practical gateway.

Arrival and Departure

Points North Landing operates primarily during daylight hours, with peak activity around 9 am and 10 am. These morning hours see a flurry of floatplanes, charter aircraft, and bush planes loading up with passengers and gear. If you’re flying out, arrive early to check in and weigh your luggage – weight restrictions are strict on small aircraft. The staff here are known for their friendliness and efficiency, helping to make the process smooth even when the gravel apron is busy. There’s no formal security screening as you’d find at a major airport, but be prepared for a rustic, hands-on experience.

Amenities and Services

The airstrip is modest but thoughtfully equipped. One confirmed amenity is a wheelchair-accessible car park, making it easier for those with mobility needs to access the terminal and ramp area. Other services include basic waiting facilities and a small office where you can check in for charter flights. Don’t expect cafes or lounges – this is a functional airstrip designed for quick turnarounds. However, the adjacent lodge (owned by the same outfit) provides additional amenities for travellers.

Where to Eat

Within walking distance of the airstrip, the Points North Lodge dining room offers decent food that’s a pleasant surprise given the remote location. The menu focuses on hearty, home-style cooking – think grilled meats, fresh fish from local lakes, and filling soups. Many travellers comment that the meals are a highlight after a long day of travel. The dining room also serves as the social hub, where you can swap stories with guides and miners.

Accommodation

For those needing to stay overnight, the lodge provides rustic rooms that are functional but “rough and ready.” The accommodations are basic: comfortable beds, clean linens, and shared bathrooms in some cases. Don’t expect luxury – but for a remote outpost, they offer a warm place to sleep. The lodge also has cabins and bunkhouses for larger groups. Given the isolated setting, the rooms are a welcome respite, and the friendly staff helps make up for any rough edges.

Tips for Visitors

• Canoeing and Wilderness Trips: Points North Landing is an excellent base for canoeing adventures on the Churchill River system and beyond. Many outfitters run trips from here, and you can fly directly to remote lakes like Wollaston or Reindeer. Pack light and bring waterproof gear.
• What to Bring: Since the airstrip is far from urban centres, bring any necessities you might need – toiletries, extra batteries, insect repellent (blackflies and mosquitoes are fierce in summer), and a good map.
• Connectivity: Cell phone service is limited or nonexistent. The lodge has satellite internet, but embrace the digital detox.
• Weather: Northern Saskatchewan weather can change fast. Flights are often delayed by fog or wind, so build flexibility into your itinerary.
• Book Ahead: Charter flights and lodge rooms fill up quickly during peak fishing and canoeing season (June–September). Plan well in advance.

About Points North Landing Airstrip

Points North Landing is more than just an airstrip; it’s the heartbeat of a vast, roadless region. Situated on the shores of Wollaston Lake, it lies about 800 kilometres north of Saskatoon and 200 kilometres south of the Northwest Territories border. The area is part of the Athabasca Basin, famous for high-grade uranium mines and pristine boreal wilderness. The local economy revolves around mining, fishing, and wilderness tourism.

The airstrip itself is a gravel runway that accommodates everything from single-engine Cessnas to medium turboprops like the Twin Otter. It connects to the rest of the province through scheduled charter services from Points North Landing’s parent company, which also operates a fleet of aircraft and a network of camps. The community around the airstrip includes a handful of permanent structures – the lodge, staff quarters, and maintenance hangars – but no permanent residents in the traditional sense. It’s a transient hub where pilots, guides, miners, and anglers cross paths.

Geographically, the landscape is classic Canadian Shield: rocky outcrops, spruce forests, and countless lakes connected by rivers and portage routes. Wildlife is abundant, including black bears, moose, wolves, and bald eagles. In summer, the sun barely sets, while winter brings bitter cold and northern lights. Points North Landing truly embodies the spirit of Canada’s remote north – a place where a simple airstrip opens the door to extraordinary experiences.