Bearskin Airlines
A Canadian regional airline linking communities across Ontario and Manitoba with scheduled turboprop services, primarily through Thunder Bay.
About Bearskin Airlines
Bearskin Airlines is a Canadian regional carrier founded in 1963 and headquartered in Thunder Bay, Ontario. It began as a small bush-flying operation before developing into a scheduled airline focused on connecting northern communities. Since 2014, Bearskin has been owned by Perimeter Aviation, which is part of Exchange Income Corporation, while continuing to operate under its established name and JV airline code.
Thunder Bay is Bearskin Airlines' primary and busiest departure hub, supported by significant operations from Ottawa, Sudbury, North Bay and Dryden. The airline operates 54 routes serving 16 destinations within Canada. Its network is concentrated in Ontario and Manitoba, with links to cities and regional centres including Winnipeg, Kenora, Red Lake, Sioux Lookout, Timmins, Flin Flon and Fort Frances.
Bearskin's aircraft types are from the Fairchild Metro/Merlin family, pressurised twin-turboprops designed for short regional sectors and airports with comparatively limited demand. Flights use a single economy cabin rather than multiple service classes. The compact aircraft provide practical links between communities, although cabin space and overhead storage are more restricted than aboard larger regional jets or mainline airliners.
Bearskin Airlines is not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld and does not operate a proprietary frequent-flyer programme. Travellers should therefore assess each itinerary primarily on its schedule, fare conditions and regional convenience rather than alliance-wide status benefits. Separate tickets involving other airlines may also require passengers to collect and recheck baggage, depending on the booking and connection arrangements.
The airline's principal strength is its direct regional connectivity, which can avoid lengthy road journeys or backtracking through a major southern hub. Its smaller aircraft and focused network are well suited to thinner routes, but travellers should expect limited cabin storage and fewer daily alternatives than on major trunk routes. Northern weather and operational disruptions can also make flexible connection planning especially important.
Good to know
Flying with Bearskin Airlines — what to expect
Compact Turboprop Cabins
Bearskin uses small Fairchild Metro/Merlin turboprops with less cabin and storage space than larger airliners. Pack compactly and be prepared for some bags to be placed in the aircraft's baggage compartment.
Check Baggage Rules
Allowance and fees can depend on the fare and baggage type. Confirm the current limits directly with Bearskin before departure, particularly when carrying sports equipment, medical devices or oversized items.
Plan Regional Connections
Schedules on thinner regional routes may offer fewer alternatives than major-city services. Leave a generous buffer for separate-ticket connections, especially during periods of difficult northern weather.
Single Economy Cabin
Flights operate with a straightforward economy-style cabin rather than separate premium classes. Service is designed around short regional journeys, so onboard amenities are more limited than on mainline flights.
Arrive Airport-Ready
Smaller airports can be quick to navigate, but check-in cut-offs still apply. Complete any available advance check-in and arrive with identification and baggage ready for processing.
Network overview
Where Bearskin Airlines flies
Bearskin Airlines operates 54 routes to 16 destinations across 1 countries, its longest sector reaching Thunder Bay to North Bay (777 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities Bearskin Airlines flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Thunder Bay → North Bay
777 km · YQT → YYB
The longest sector in the Bearskin Airlines network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by Bearskin Airlines
Notable destinations on Bearskin Airlines's network.
JVThunder BaydirectJVNorth BaydirectJVOttawadirectJVSudburydirectJVWinnipegdirectJVDrydendirectJVKenoradirectJVRed LakedirectJVSioux LookoutdirectJVTimminsdirectJVFlin FlondirectJVFort FrancesdirectDestination list is indicative of Bearskin Airlines's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
More from Canada
Other airlines based in Canada
FAQ
Bearskin Airlines — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Fares are generally easier to secure at lower prices when booked in advance and outside peak holiday or high-demand travel periods. Compare nearby dates where possible, while checking fare restrictions and change conditions.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee.
- Because Bearskin operates compact turboprop aircraft, cabin storage is limited and larger carry-on bags may need to be placed in the baggage compartment. Check the airline's current baggage rules before travelling rather than relying on allowances used by larger carriers.
- The busiest departure hubs by number of routes are Thunder Bay, Ottawa, Sudbury, North Bay and Dryden, in that order.
- Bearskin Airlines flies within Canada, concentrating on communities in Ontario and Manitoba. Notable destinations include Thunder Bay, Ottawa, Sudbury, North Bay, Winnipeg, Dryden, Kenora, Red Lake, Sioux Lookout, Timmins, Flin Flon and Fort Frances.
- Thunder Bay is Bearskin Airlines' primary and busiest departure hub. Ottawa, Sudbury, North Bay and Dryden are also important departure points in its regional network.
- Bearskin Airlines serves exactly 16 destinations across 1 country and operates 54 routes.
- Bearskin Airlines' longest route is Thunder Bay to North Bay, about 777 km nonstop.