The five oldest airports in Canada still flying after a century
Five Canadian airports dating back to the 1920s are still operating today, from Winnipeg's 1920 grass strip to Vancouver International.
Canada is home to some of the oldest continuously operating airports in the world. Five airfields, all established between 1920 and 1929, have survived world wars, technological revolutions, and massive urban growth to remain active today. Their histories trace the entire arc of Canadian aviation, from grass strips and seaplane bases to modern international gateways.
Which Is the Oldest Airport in Canada?
Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG) holds the distinction of being Canada’s oldest operating airport, with roots dating to 1920. The field began as a small grass strip just two years after the end of World War I, when barnstormers were still the primary way most Canadians ever saw an airplane.
The airport was renamed in 2006 to honor James Armstrong Richardson, a Canadian aviation pioneer who founded what eventually became Canadian Airways. Today, YWG handles millions of passengers annually and serves as a critical hub for flights across the prairies and into Canada’s north. But it all started with a grass field over a century ago.
What Happened to Edmonton’s Blatchford Field?
Edmonton’s Blatchford Field, opened in 1926, was one of the first licensed airfields in Canada. For decades it served as Edmonton’s primary airport, handling everything from bush planes heading into the northern territories to early commercial flights. The field was named after Kenny Blatchford, Edmonton’s mayor at the time of its opening.
Blatchford Field played a critical role during World War II as a staging point on the Northwest Staging Route. American-built fighters and bombers hopped through Edmonton on their way to Alaska and then across to Siberia as part of the Lend-Lease program to the Soviet Union. Thousands of aircraft passed through the field during the war years. The site has since been significantly redeveloped, but the airport’s legacy remains deeply embedded in Canadian aviation history.
Why Is Saint-Hubert Airport Historically Significant?
Saint-Hubert Airport (CYHU), located near Montreal, opened in 1927 and carries one of the most storied histories of any Canadian airfield. It served as the base for some of the earliest air mail flights in the country and became a major military installation during World War II, hosting Royal Canadian Air Force operations and Commonwealth air training programs.
After the war, Saint-Hubert functioned as Montreal’s primary commercial airport before Dorval (now Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International) took over that role. Saint-Hubert remains active today as a general aviation and regional airport. The runways that once handled wartime fighters now serve Cessna 172s and Piper Cherokees, making it a popular destination for recreational flying in the Montreal area.
What Makes Rockcliffe Airport Unique?
Rockcliffe Airport in Ottawa opened in 1920 as a seaplane and landplane base for the Canadian Air Board, the precursor to the Royal Canadian Air Force. The airfield served as home to some of the earliest aerial photography and survey flights that literally mapped the Canadian wilderness.
Today, Rockcliffe is home to the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, one of the country’s premier aviation collections. The airport still operates, primarily for museum-related flights and special events. Situated along the Ottawa River, the field retains its historic hangars and layout, making it a living piece of aviation heritage worth visiting.
How Old Is Vancouver International Airport?
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) traces its origins to 1929, when the city leased land on Sea Island in the Fraser River delta. The location was selected for its flat terrain, relative lack of fog compared to other parts of the Lower Mainland, and bridge access to the city. The first terminal was a modest wooden building.
Today, YVR handles over 25 million passengers annually in normal years and is consistently ranked among the best airports in North America. Its modern terminals feature Indigenous art installations and aquariums built into the floors. But the fundamental decision to place an airfield on Sea Island was made nearly a century ago.
Why Do These Historic Airports Matter?
These five airports were not built with a grand vision for modern commercial aviation. They were carved out by local governments, early aviators, and individual pioneers who recognized the potential of flight. Grass fields and seaplane bases became the foundation for an aviation infrastructure that has endured for a century.
The runways are paved now, the navigation aids are digital, and the control towers are sophisticated. But the fundamental concept, a flat piece of ground where airplanes can come and go, remains unchanged. For pilots planning cross-border flights into Canada, these airports offer more than operational utility. They offer history.
Key Takeaways
- Winnipeg (YWG) and Rockcliffe (Ottawa) are Canada’s oldest airports, both dating to 1920
- Blatchford Field in Edmonton (1926) was a vital World War II staging point on the Northwest Staging Route to the Soviet Union
- Saint-Hubert (CYHU) near Montreal (1927) transitioned from wartime military base to active general aviation airport
- Vancouver International (YVR) began as a small aerodrome on Sea Island in 1929 and is now one of North America’s top-ranked airports
- All five airports remain operational, connecting modern aviation to its pioneering Canadian roots
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