Red Lake Airport

Red Lake Airport in Cochenour, Ontario, operates as the primary air access point for the Red Lake region, a remote mining and tourism area about 500 kilometres northwest of Thunder Bay. The airport sees a steady flow of travellers — mostly miners, residents, and fly-in fishing enthusiasts — connecting them to Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, and other northern communities. The terminal is compact, modern, and efficient, reflecting the practical needs of a community that depends on air travel when winter roads are unreliable and driving distances are long.

Getting There

Red Lake Airport is located on Airport Road in Cochenour, roughly 8 kilometres south of the town of Red Lake. From Red Lake proper, the drive takes about 10 minutes by car along Highway 105 south, then a turn onto Airport Road. There is no public transit serving the airport directly. Taxis are available from Red Lake and Cochenour, but they are limited in number — calling ahead or arranging a ride through a hotel is advisable. Many visitors rent a vehicle from one of the agencies in Red Lake, which gives flexibility to explore the area. For those staying at fishing lodges or mining camps, transportation is often arranged by the operator. The road to the airport is paved and well-maintained year-round, though winter conditions can introduce icy patches. Parking is ample and free, with a small lot right in front of the terminal.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Red Lake Airport is a single-level building with a bright, open layout. Upon entering, passengers find a small waiting area with seating for about 40 people. The check-in counters are directly ahead, staffed by friendly employees who handle both Bearskin Airlines and other regional carriers. Security screening is basic but efficient — a single lane with a walk-through metal detector and X-ray machine. Wait times vary; mornings (especially Thursday at 8 am) and late afternoons (Tuesday at 5 pm) can see longer lines as multiple flights converge. The terminal is wheelchair-accessible throughout, with an accessible entrance, parking spaces, and a washroom. A children's play area occupies one corner, featuring a small play structure shaped like an airplane — a welcome distraction for young travelers. For refreshments, there is a vending machine with snacks and drinks, but no café or restaurant. Passengers should bring their own food for longer waits. The washrooms are clean and well-stocked, and the overall atmosphere is calm and unpretentious. Staff are notably helpful, often assisting with luggage or providing local advice. The terminal is open on days when flights are scheduled, typically Monday through Friday, but closed on weekends unless a charter is booked.

Red Lake Airport and Cochenour

Cochenour is a small community that grew around the mining industry, specifically the Cochenour Willans Gold Mine, which operated from 1941 to 1970. Today, the town serves as a service centre for the Red Lake district, with a population hovering around 400. The airport is Cochenour's lifeline — it handles medevac flights, freight, and passenger service that connects the area to southern Ontario and Manitoba. The surrounding region is defined by boreal forest, countless lakes, and a rich haul of gold. Red Lake is one of Canada's most productive gold mining areas, with both active mines and exploration projects. The nearby town of Red Lake (population 4,000) offers lodging, groceries, and outfitters for the dozens of fly-in fishing lodges scattered across the lakes. Year-round, the area attracts anglers targeting walleye, northern pike, and lake trout, as well as hunters, snowmobilers, and aurora chasers. The airport itself sits on the edge of the Canadian Shield, so arriving passengers get a view of rocky outcrops and dense forest. Cochenour has a handful of amenities — a general store, a gas station, and a few small restaurants — but most visitors base themselves in Red Lake. The airport's new terminal, built in the early 2010s, replaced an older facility and is a point of pride for the community. It is clean, well-managed, and sized appropriately for the traffic it handles. For travellers coming for a fishing trip, the airport is the first and last impression of the region's hospitality. Staff often go out of their way to help arrange onward transport or answer questions about the area.

Practical Information

Red Lake Airport is open Monday to Friday only, with hours varying based on flight schedules. The busiest times are Monday at 1 pm, Tuesday at 5 pm, Wednesday at 8 am, and Thursday at 8 am — plan to arrive at least 45 minutes early during those periods. The airport phone number is +1 807-662-2581. For flight bookings, call the airport directly — the staff can book tickets for Bearskin Airlines and sometimes arrange interline connections. The website is https://www.redlake.ca/living-here/airport/, which provides current flight schedules and contact details. There are no rental car counters at the airport, so book a vehicle in advance from Red Lake. For those flying into remote lodges, confirm pickup arrangements with the lodge beforehand. One concrete tip: if you are travelling with fishing gear, check with the airline about weight restrictions and oversize baggage fees — the limits are stricter than they appear online.