WHITEHORSE — Air North is adding Toronto to its route network starting in spring 2022.

“As we look towards economic recovery in the Yukon and the Northwest Territories over the coming years, it has become evident to us that another connection to central Canada is going to be essential,” said Joe Sparling, Air North’s President and CEO.

“Having a direct flight to Canada’s economic hub will kickstart opportunity for both territories,” he said.

Sparling’s words were echoed by Garry Njootli, President of the Vuntut Gwitchin Development Corporation and a member of Air North’s board of directors. “We’re very excited about the possibilities this route opens up,” said Njootli. “We are looking to grow opportunities for the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation to secure our future, and shepherd opportunities for the Yukon and our partners in the Northwest Territories as well. Having this direct connection opens a lot of doors for growth for all of us.”

And Greg Charlie, a Vuntut Gwitchin member and member of Air North’s board of directors for the past 21 years, added: “Our investment in Air North over 20 years ago was made to guarantee affordable access to our community and create an economic opportunity for our people. We have seen this airline spread its wings since our investment. A new route like this one can only benefit Air North, the Vuntut Gwitchin, the Yukon, and the Northwest Territories. We’re very excited to see what grows from the seed we’re planting today.”

The new flights, scheduled to start in May 2022, will mark the first time Toronto has ever had a direct scheduled connection to Whitehorse or Yellowknife.

As Sparling notes, flights to Ontario aren’t entirely new to Air North. The airline began operating seasonal service to Ottawa in 2014 and has flown numerous charter flights to Toronto.

The Toronto flights, operating via Yellowknife, are available to book now for travel May through September 2022.

SERVICE DETAILS

• Air North will operate twice weekly service between Whitehorse, Yellowknife and Toronto as of May 10, 2022.
• 4N823 will depart Whitehorse on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 a.m., arriving in Yellowknife at 10:45 a.m. It will depart Yellowknife at 11:30 a.m. and arrive in Toronto at 5:40 p.m.
• 4N834 will depart Toronto on Wednesdays and Fridays at 1045, arriving in Yellowknife at 1:25 p.m. It will depart Yellowknife at 2:10 p.m. and arrive in Whitehorse at 3:05 p.m.
• Passengers will be served a complimentary snack between Whitehorse and Yellowknife, and a complimentary light meal between Yellowknife and Toronto.
• All passengers are entitled to two pieces of checked baggage (up to 23 kg each) at no extra charge.