Whitehorse, Yukon — August 7, 2025 – Air North, Yukon’s Airline, is pleased to announce the return of its seasonal non-stop service between Vancouver and Yellowknife, beginning Monday, November 24, 2025, which will depart twice weekly until March 27, 2026. This reinstated route enhances direct air travel between British Columbia and the Northwest Territories. Excitingly, it also enables near year-round air service between Whitehorse and Yellowknife: via Vancouver in the winter and through Air North’s eastern gateway in Ontario during the summer. The service will play a key role in enhancing northern transportation links and fostering economic and cultural connections across the region.
“This route aligns with our mission to deliver Canada’s best regional air network,” said Benjamin Ryan, Chief Commercial Officer at Air North. “As a Yukon-owned and operated airline, we are deeply committed to supporting the prosperity of Canada’s Arctic. We see this route as a meaningful step toward strengthening connections between the Yukon and the Northwest Territories. Our track record of delivering safe, reliable, and affordable air access in the North continues to contribute to community well-being and long-term economic development.”
“We are pleased that Air North – which has been serving northern communities out of YVR for over 20 years – is reintroducing service to Yellowknife,” said Mike McNaney, Vice President and Chief External Affairs Officer at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). “Those travelling from British Columbia now have more choice and opportunity to experience all that a Northwest Territories winter has to offer, while flights from Yellowknife are timed for seamless onwards connections through YVR.”
The service reflects Air North’s northern-first strategy, marking a significant milestone in connecting the Yukon and Northwest Territories by prioritizing community needs, fostering economic integration, and strengthening long-term regional resilience. It enhances tourism and travel trade by increasing two-way visitor flows between Yellowknife and Vancouver, with seamless connections for international travellers eager to experience Aurora season. It also supports cargo transport, business travel, scientific collaboration, and ongoing investment in northern innovation and Indigenous partnerships.
“NWT Tourism is very excited to welcome back Air North’s seasonal non‑stop service between Vancouver and Yellowknife. The reinstated route highlights Air North’s continued commitment to supporting the Northwest Territories and our businesses,” says Donna Lee Demarcke, Chief Executive Officer of Northwest Territories Tourism. “Whether travelling to visit family and friends, for business, or to experience the magic of the midnight sun or the Northern Lights, this route fosters meaningful opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural connection. We thank Air North for their continued support as we work together to showcase the Spectacular NWT to the world.”
The inaugural flight, operated by Air North’s Boeing 737 aircraft, departs Vancouver International Airport (YVR) at 1:25 p.m. PT on Monday, November 24, and arrives at Yellowknife Airport (YZF) at 4:55 p.m. MT. Flights are available for purchase starting today, with one-way fares from just $139 CAD, including complimentary meals, checked and carry-on baggage, and Air North’s famous warm chocolate chip cookie and friendly service.
About Air North: Air North, Yukon’s Airline was founded in 1977 and is 49% owned by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation. Almost one in fifteen Yukoners have an equity or employment stake in the airline, making Air North a key employer in the Yukon. Air North operates a fleet of Boeing 737-800, 737-500 and 737-400 jet aircraft, and ATR 42 turboprops on routes throughout the Yukon and to the Northwest Territories, British Columbia, Alberta, and seasonally to Ontario. In 2020 it was the recipient of TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award for Best Airline in Canada and Best Airline (Specialty and Leisure) in North America based upon glowing reviews from its passengers.
