St. Theresa Point Airport

St. Theresa Point Airport sits on the western shore of Island Lake in northern Manitoba, serving a remote Oji-Cree community of roughly 3,000 people. There are no roads to the outside; the only connection is by air or, during deep winter, by seasonal ice road not open to regular traffic. Perimeter Aviation operates scheduled flights to and from Winnipeg, making the airport the community’s sole reliable link to the rest of Canada. With a single runway and a compact terminal, it’s a place where efficiency matters and cancellations due to weather are a fact of life. For anyone flying in or out, understanding how this small airport works can save time, reduce stress, and make the trip smoother.

Getting There

St. Theresa Point is accessible only by air for most of the year. Perimeter Aviation runs daily flights from Winnipeg’s Richardson International Airport. The journey takes about two hours in a 19-seat Metroliner or a 34-seat Saab 340. From Winnipeg, check in at the Perimeter counter on the ground floor of the main terminal, then board a bus to the gate. There is no direct road from anywhere else. In winter, a temporary ice road connects the community to other Island Lake settlements, but this route is unsuitable for passenger vehicles and not an option for travellers arriving from outside. The alternative—hiring a charter flight from other northern hubs like Thompson or Red Sucker—is expensive and impractical. Plan your travel around flight timetables, which can change with little notice when fog, snow, or high winds move in. Booking early is not necessary, but confirming your flight the day before is essential.

Inside the Terminal

St. Theresa Point Airport’s terminal is small and functional. The building houses a check-in counter, a waiting area, and a small baggage claim zone. There is no restaurant or café, though a vending machine may be available some days. The airport is wheelchair accessible, with a ramp and designated parking spots. On arrival, passengers walk on the tarmac to the building. Departures involve a short wait after check-in; security screening is minimal—basically a bag check and a walk-through metal detector. The atmosphere is low-key, but don’t expect many distractions. Bring snacks and water, as options are limited. The busiest times are Monday 3 pm, Tuesday 1 pm, Wednesday 3 pm, and Thursday 2 pm, when flights to Winnipeg tend to be most frequent. If your flight is canceled, staff will try to rebook you on the next available flight, but space is tight and delays can stretch to the next day. The terminal has free Wi‑Fi, but the signal can be spotty. There are no lounges, shops, or rental car counters. What you see is what you get: a waiting room with chairs and a view of the runway.

St. Theresa Point Perimeter Aviation and Saint Theresa Point

St. Theresa Point, known locally as “STP,” is the largest of four communities on Island Lake (the others are Garden Hill, Red Sucker Lake, and Wasagamack). It is home to the St. Theresa Point First Nation, an Oji-Cree community that maintains strong ties to the land. The airport, operated by the community and served exclusively by Perimeter Aviation, is not just a transport hub—it is a lifeline. Medical evacuations, mail, groceries, school supplies, and passengers all flow through this terminal. Without it, getting to Winnipeg would require a multi-day journey by boat and road during summer, or a hazardous ice road trip in winter.

For visitors, Saint Theresa Point offers a rare look at life in a remote First Nation. The landscape is dominated by boreal forest, lakes, and rivers. Outdoor activities include fishing for walleye and northern pike, canoeing, and birdwatching. The community hosts an annual powwow in July, featuring traditional dancing, drumming, and feast. Many lodges and outfitters operate in the area, catering to hunters and anglers. Culturally, the community is rich: elders still speak the Oji-Cree language, and traditions like beading, birchbark canoe making, and wild rice harvesting endure. Visiting requires a respectful attitude—this is not a tourist destination in the usual sense, but a working First Nation where visitors are guests. The airport is the front door, and the staff are accustomed to helping outsiders navigate the basics: transport into the community (a short taxi ride or shuttle), where to stay (a small hotel or lodge), and how to behave on reserve lands. Weather plays a role in everything: flights can be delayed, and road conditions vary. Embrace the pace; schedules are looser than in the south. For anyone interested in Indigenous cultures, northern wilderness, or simply escaping crowds, Saint Theresa Point is unforgettable—but it demands patience and planning.

Practical Information

• Opening hours: The airport does not operate every day. Check Perimeter Aviation’s schedule for your travel date. The busiest days are Monday through Thursday; Friday to Sunday may have reduced service or no flights.
• Contact: Perimeter Aviation reservations: 1-888-631-3866 or visit www.flyperimeter.com. For the airport directly, ask Perimeter staff—the airport itself has no published phone.
• Address: St. Theresa Point Airport, St. Theresa Point, MB R0B 1J0, Canada.
• Parking: Limited free parking available; it is safe but not enclosed. Wheelchair-accessible spaces are marked.
• Facilities confirmed: Wheelchair-accessible entrance and car park. No ATMs on site; bring cash if needed.
• Tips: Confirm your flight the day before—call Perimeter to check for weather cancellations. Bring snacks and water. Dress warmly even in summer; northern Manitoba can be cool. Have a backup plan if your flight is canceled; the next one may not be until the following day. Finally, if you are visiting the community, arrange accommodation and ground transport in advance—don’t rely on walk-up availability.

One concrete piece of advice: always pack a small bag with essentials (toiletries, a change of clothes, medications) in your carry-on, because checked luggage can be delayed by missed connections or weather, and the next flight may not be until tomorrow.