Air North is Launching Direct Flights Between Kamloops and Vancouver

Connecting local communities and making travel easier across Western and Northern Canada always brings a real sense of excitement. Starting in May 2027, Air North, Yukon’s Airline, is launching a brand-new seasonal route that operates twice a week between Kamloops Airport (YKA) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR), featuring easy one-stop connecting serviceto Whitehorse (YXY).

Whether you are traveling to visit family, flying north to experience the Yukon wilderness, or heading into British Columbia’s interior to explore local wineries and lakes, this new connection makes getting around much simpler. Beyond adding another flight option to the schedule, it gives a direct boost to local businesses, regional tourism, and economic ties between BC and the North.

Expanding Regional Routes and Supporting Communities

Air North adding Kamloops to its schedule shows they’re genuinely focused on making regional travel easier across Canada. Linking Metro Vancouver, the Thompson-Okanagan, and the Yukon gives people a direct route between communities, so nobody has to deal with brutal drives or miserable layovers.

Kamloops serves as an ideal entry point for exploring the Thompson and Shuswap regions, known for outdoor activities, hiking trails, golf courses, and wineries. At the same time, the city continues to grow as an economic hub with expanding opportunities in mining, healthcare, education, technology, transportation, and sports. On the northern end of the route, Whitehorse gives visitors an unforgettable look into northern culture, rich Indigenous heritage, and vast landscapes.

The new route was built through YKA LINK, a collaborative effort combining local tourism organizations, business groups, municipal leaders, and airport representatives. By coming together with a shared vision, the team successfully demonstrated the strength of the market to bring Air North to Kamloops.

Perspective From Regional Leadership

Leaders involved in launching the service shared their optimism about what this expansion means for travelers and local residents:

Benjamin Ryan, Chief Commercial Officer at Air North: Shared that every new route launched is a direct investment in the North. The focus remains on making travel simpler for families staying connected, building business ties, and encouraging tourism across every community the airline serves.
Jim Moroz, Managing Director of Kamloops Airport: Welcomed Air North to YKA, noting that the flight options give travelers more flexibility while driving business and tourism growth throughout the Thompson-Okanagan region.
Bill Sarai, Board President of the Kamloops Airport Authority Society and City Councilor: Pointed out that the announcement proves what can happen when local government, business organizations, and airport leadership work together to champion their community.

Travel Document Requirements for International Visitors

If you are an international traveler flying into Vancouver and connecting onward to Kamloops or Whitehorse, preparing your travel paperwork beforehand keeps your trip moving smoothly.

Double-check that your paperwork is ready to go before going to the airport:

Passport: Ensure your international passport is valid for at least the next six months after you’ve traveled.
Official Entry Authorization: Depending on where your passport is from, you’ll need an approved Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) linked to your passport or a regular Visitor Visa.
Proof of Financial Means: Come along with recent bank statements or financial records showing you can cover your hotel, food, and daily expenses while you’re there.
Flight Confirmation: Keep copies of your full flight schedule, including your Air North connection tickets.
Travel Details: Be sure to have your reservation details, tour bookings, or host details easily accessible so they’re within reach.

Document Processing and Guidelines

Understanding document rules and timelines helps prevent last-minute travel stress:

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): If you’re flying into Canada from a visa-exempt country, you have to get an eTA before you board. Applying online costs $7 CAD, and most approvals come through in anywhere from a few minutes to three days. Once it’s approved, it stays good for up to five years, or until your passport runs out.
Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa): If you’re applying from a country that requires a visa, processing usually takes anywhere from two to eight weeks, depending on how busy your local visa office is. Once approved, you can get a single-entry or multiple-entry visa valid for up to ten years.
U.S. Permanent Residents: Green Card holders entering Canada do not need an eTA but must present a valid U.S. Green Card along with their official passport.

Simple Tips for Border and Visa Checks

When passing through border checkpoints or attending a visa appointment, straightforward preparation makes all the difference. Be clear and direct when explaining your travel plans, whether you are touring the wineries in Kamloops or traveling to Whitehorse. Bring paperwork showing your job, property, or obligations back home to prove your intention to return. Finally, double-check that your passport number on your eTA or visa matches your physical passport exactly before your flight.

Having your travel details squared away leaves you completely free to enjoy your trip across British Columbia and the Yukon.

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