Air North is expanding its service to Yellowknife with a series of network enhancements that strengthen connections across Canada’s North while creating new opportunities for northern communities, economic development and tourism.
Beginning in December 2026, Air North will introduce new year-round service between Edmonton (YEG) and Yellowknife (YZF).
The new route not only provides travellers with another gateway to the Northwest Territories, but also establishes year-round service between Whitehorse and Yellowknife, further connecting the Yukon and Northwest Territories with reliable, scheduled air service.
The airline notes that the expanded network reflects its long-standing commitment to strengthening northern connectivity and building Canada’s best regional air network.
And it says that by investing in reliable air service, Air North continues to support the economic vitality, resilience and long-term prosperity of the communities it serves while making travel throughout Canada’s North more accessible than ever before.
Benjamin Ryan, Chief Commercial Officer, Air North, Yukon’s Airline, observed that: “Our mission is to offer Canada’s best regional air network, and that means continually investing in the connections that matter most to the communities we serve.”
Ryan continued: “This expansion strengthens year-round connectivity between the Yukon and Northwest Territories while creating new opportunities for tourism, business, sports and government travel across Canada’s North. We believe reliable air service is fundamental to thriving northern communities, and we’re proud to continue investing in a transportation network that supports the long-term prosperity and resilience of the North.”
Air North’s introduction of year-round Edmonton–Yellowknife service represents more than a new route as it creates dependable, year-round connectivity between Whitehorse and Yellowknife, making travel between the Yukon and Northwest Territories easier for residents, businesses, Indigenous governments, territorial governments and organizations operating across both territories.
Whether travelling for work, essential services or to visit friends and family, year-round connectivity between the territories provides greater flexibility and strengthens relationships across the North. As economic and social ties between the Yukon and Northwest Territories continue to grow, reliable year-round air service plays an important role in supporting collaboration, investment and shared prosperity across both territories.
Air North’s popular Vancouver–Yellowknife service will begin earlier, with flights launching this month (August 2026), extending the visitor season and providing more opportunities for travellers to experience the Northwest Territories during late summer, fall and into the world-renowned aurora season.
The earlier start also improves access for domestic and international travellers connecting through Vancouver, making Yellowknife more accessible to visitors exploring Canada’s North.
Beginning in December 2026, travellers will also enjoy seamless connections between Kelowna, Victoria and Yellowknife via Vancouver.
The new connections create travel opportunities in both directions. Residents of the Northwest Territories can enjoy British Columbia’s milder winter climate, while travellers from Vancouver Island and the Okanagan gain convenient access to one of the world’s premier destinations for viewing the Aurora Borealis.
Donna Lee Demarcke, CEO of Northwest Territories Tourism, said that: “The expanded service is very welcomed news for the Northwest Territories. By improving connections between the Northwest Territories, British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and the Yukon, travel to the NWT becomes even more accessible, which supports economic growth for tourism and tourism related businesses, while bringing northern communities even closer together. We appreciate the continued investment, and confidence, that Air North brings to the Northwest Territories and the tourism industry.”
Air North is also enhancing seasonal service between Ontario and Yellowknife to better accommodate demand during key travel periods.
Seasonal Ottawa–Yellowknife service will continue to operate from June through August 2026, while Toronto–Yellowknife service will now operate from June through October 2026 up to three times a week.
To further support peak travel demand, additional Toronto service will also operate from:
- December 15, 2026, until January 6, 2027
- February 16, 2027, until March 24, 2027
These additional flights are designed to align with periods of peak travel demand, providing greater flexibility for residents while supporting holiday travel, winter aurora tourism, international visitors, spring break and sporting events before regular seasonal service resumes in June 2027 to both Toronto and Ottawa.
Together, these network enhancements strengthen connectivity across Canada’s North while creating new opportunities for residents, businesses and visitors alike. By expanding access from Western Canada and Ontario, Air North is making it easier for travellers to experience the Northwest Territories throughout the year. These investments reflect Air North’s commitment to building a stronger, more resilient North through reliable regional air service.
Go to www.flyairnorth.com for more.
