Airport Contact Information:

Telephone:
(250) 352-8228

The City of Nelson attracted pilots and their aircraft as early as 1912. September 24, 1912 found Walter Edwards flying his 60 hp Curtiss Pusher from a ball park (Civic Centre grounds). He made three flights from the ball park and one from some nearby flats. The airplane was shipped, from eastern Canada, by rail to the south end of Kootenay Lake, then loaded onto a sternwheel steamboat and shipped sixty miles to Nelson. Another aircraft attracted attention at Nelson. This one flew off the water in 1914 - a Curtiss "Hydro-Aeroplane". In 1928 Capt. E. C. (Ted) Dobbin was hired by the B. C. Forest Branch in Nelson. He flew a Gypsy Moth float plane based here by forest fire patrol. This phase of aviation has been carried on during summer months in Nelson since that time.

Some far-sighted citizens and Councils back in the 30's began construction of a landfill from garbage, dirt and rock which marked the beginning of the Nelson Airstrip. In August 1947 an aircraft landed on a 600 ft. roadway leading to an incinerator near the present airport. This prompted local air- minded enthusiasts to "FORGE AHEAD" and press for an airfield. September 30, 1971 marked the licensing of a 2,300 ft. x 75 ft. paved runway at Nelson and later a 500 ft. extension was added. This present runway was built and paved through grants from Federal Funds and under the supervision of Ministry of Transport officials.
.

Aircraft use this airport for the following purposes:

1. Visitors to Government offices
2. Two helicopter companies operate from the Airport
3. Important asset to the industrial and commercial areas, also essential to the Forest Fire Operations, RCMP, Medi Vac and Search & Rescue.
4. Unique in the fact that it is within walking distance (2 - 3 blocks) to City shopping, restaurants, hotels and industrial supply businesses
5. Also close to fishing, skiing, pack country sports, golfing, hot springs and other sports facilities
6. Often accessible to light aircraft when other area airports are out of service due to fog or low cloud.

Castlegar Airport is the nearest commercial flight facility.