Fort Good Hope Water Aerodrome

The closure was primarily due to administrative and economic reasons, specifically redundancy and obsolescence. The community of Fort Good Hope is served by the all-season, land-based Fort Good Hope Airport (IATA: YGH, ICAO: CYGH), which has a gravel runway capable of handling larger and more reliable wheel and ski aircraft year-round. As land-based air transport became the primary mode of access to the community, the need for a formally registered and maintained seasonal water aerodrome diminished, making its official status unnecessary.

The site is simply a designated location on the Mackenzie River adjacent to the community of Fort Good Hope. There is no longer any dedicated aviation infrastructure (such as specific docks or fuel caches) associated with the former aerodrome. The area is used by the community for general marine activities like boating and fishing. While it is no longer a registered aerodrome, floatplanes can and may still land on the river on an ad-hoc basis, as is common in remote northern areas, but they do so without the support of a formal facility.

Historically, the Mackenzie River served as a natural highway into the north, and water aerodromes like this one were vital for community access. Before the construction and upgrading of the permanent land-based airport, this water aerodrome was a critical seasonal link for Fort Good Hope, especially during the ice-free summer months. Float-equipped aircraft, such as the de Havilland Beaver and Otter, operated by regional carriers, would have used this site to deliver mail, essential supplies, medical services, and personnel. It was instrumental in connecting the remote community to the rest of Canada and supporting local activities, including trapping, trade, and resource exploration.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening the site as a formally registered water aerodrome. The community's aviation requirements are fully and more effectively met by the existing Fort Good Hope Airport (CYGH). Re-establishing an official water aerodrome would be redundant and economically unviable, so it is considered highly unlikely.