Fort Good Hope Airport (YGH)

Fort Good Hope Airport (CYGH/YGH) is a vital transportation hub serving the remote K’asho Got’ine Dene community of Fort Good Hope in the Northwest Territories, Canada. As the primary year-round gateway to the region, the airport provides essential services, connecting residents to other northern communities and southern Canada for passenger travel, cargo shipments, and critical medical evacuations, especially when seasonal ice roads are impassable.

Owned and operated by the Government of the Northwest Territories, the airport has long been fundamental to the community's sustainability and connectivity. It plays a crucial role in the delivery of mail, food supplies, and other goods, underpinning the local economy and daily life. The facility is located approximately one nautical mile (1.9 km) southeast of the hamlet, making it easily accessible. Given the small size of the community, travelers typically reach the airport via a short drive in a personal vehicle, a pre-arranged ride, or a local taxi service.

Operations at Fort Good Hope Airport are exclusively domestic, with no international flights. Scheduled passenger service is primarily provided by regional carriers like North-Wright Airways, which offers regular flights to hubs such as Norman Wells, facilitating connections to the rest of Canada. The airport also supports charter flights for tourism, resource exploration, and general aviation, in addition to serving as a base for air ambulance services. Passenger volume is modest and consists mainly of local residents, government employees, and essential service workers.

The airport facilities are basic and functional, reflecting its role as a small, remote northern airstrip. A single, small terminal building houses a check-in counter, a passenger waiting area, and public washrooms. Travelers should not expect amenities such as restaurants, cafes, gift shops, or airline lounges.

For those traveling through Fort Good Hope Airport, it is advisable to arrive approximately 60 minutes prior to a scheduled departure to allow sufficient time for check-in and baggage. Due to the limited services, visitors should bring their own snacks and beverages. All ground transportation should be arranged in advance, as on-demand options may not be available. Travelers should also be aware that flights in the Canadian North can be subject to delays or cancellations due to weather, and maintaining a flexible itinerary is recommended.