Poplar Hill Airport (YHP)

Poplar Hill Airport (IATA: YHP, ICAO: CYHP) is a small, public-use airport located in Northwestern Ontario, Canada, not California. It serves as an essential, year-round lifeline for the remote Poplar Hill First Nation community, providing vital access to goods, medical services, and transportation. The airport's primary role is not for tourism or general commercial travel but to connect the isolated community to larger regional hubs. Its significance is rooted in its function as critical infrastructure, enabling the delivery of supplies and offering the only reliable means of transportation in and out of the area, which is not accessible by road from the south.

The airport is situated adjacent to the Poplar Hill First Nation community on the shores of the Berens River. Access to the airport from the community is typically by local vehicle or on foot, given its close proximity. For travelers originating from outside the region, reaching Poplar Hill involves flying into a larger northern Ontario hub, such as Sioux Lookout (YXL) or Red Lake (YRL), and then taking a connecting flight. All travel to Poplar Hill is domestic and highly specialized, catering to residents, government or agency workers, and service providers.

Operations at CYHP are limited to small, propeller-driven aircraft capable of landing on its short, gravel runway. Scheduled passenger and cargo services are provided by regional airlines such as Wasaya Airways and North Star Air. These airlines operate flights connecting Poplar Hill with other remote communities and regional centers. In addition to scheduled flights, the airport handles critical charter services, including air ambulance (medevac) flights, which are indispensable for emergency medical situations. Passenger volume is low, consisting almost exclusively of community members and essential personnel.

Travelers should not expect typical airport amenities. The facilities at Poplar Hill Airport are very basic, consisting of a runway and a small building or shelter for passengers waiting for their flights. There are no terminals, lounges, shops, restaurants, or car rental services. Practical arrangements for ground transportation must be made in advance with contacts within the community. Given the remote location and the reliance on small aircraft, flights are highly susceptible to weather-related delays and cancellations. Travelers should maintain flexible schedules and be prepared for potential disruptions, especially during the winter months.