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Alberni Valley Regional Airport (YPB) is a small public-use airport serving Port Alberni on the west-central coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The airport primarily supports general aviation, medevac services, and seasonal wildfire suppression operations given the surrounding heavily forested terrain. It functions as a key utility airport for the Alberni Valley, providing access to a region known for forestry, sport fishing, and proximity to the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
💡 Local Tip
If visiting the area, consider timing a drive westward on Highway 4 to Tofino and the Pacific Rim beaches — the airport puts you within roughly two hours of some of Canada's most spectacular coastal scenery, and locals recommend stopping at Kennedy Lake for photos along the way.
🚖 Getting There
The airport is approximately a 10-minute drive south of downtown Port Alberni via Highway 4, and renting a car or arranging a taxi in advance is recommended as on-site rental desks are not always available. There is no public transit directly serving the terminal, so coordinating ground transport ahead of arrival is advisable. Free parking is available near the apron for those picking up or dropping off passengers.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Alberni Valley Regional Airport offer scheduled commercial flights?
A: No scheduled commercial passenger service operates at YPB; the airport is used mainly for general aviation, charter flights, and emergency operations.
Q: Where is the airport located relative to Port Alberni?
A: The airport sits a short drive south of the Port Alberni city centre along Highway 4, easily accessible by car.
Q: What facilities are available at the airport?
A: The airport has a terminal building, a paved runway, tie-down parking for aircraft, and basic pilot amenities, but limited services for transient passengers.
Q: Is the airport used for wildfire response?
A: Yes, YPB frequently serves as a staging base for forest firefighting aircraft during the summer fire season in the surrounding region.
AI-generated content · Generated Jun 26, 2026 · MiniMax-M3