Airport
Opapimiskan Lake Airport (YBS)
Opapimiskan Lake Airport (YBS) is a private airstrip serving the Musselwhite gold mine on the southern shore of Opapimiskan Lake in northwestern Ontario. Charter flights connect the remote mine site with Thunder Bay, Pickle Lake, and other northern Ontario destinations.
Passengers
Luggage
About Opapimiskan Lake Airport
Opapimiskan Lake Airport (YBS) is a private aerodrome in the Kenora District of northwestern Ontario, built to support the Musselwhite underground gold mine on the southern shore of Opapimiskan Lake. Located about 480 km north of Thunder Bay, the airport is the main air access point for mine workers, contractors, and freight serving the remote fly-in, fly-out operation.
The airport has a single gravel runway, designated 12/30 and measuring about 4,858 by 100 feet, at an elevation of roughly 1,010 feet above sea level. As a private, prior-permission-required facility, it does not offer scheduled commercial flights; charter aircraft link the mine with Thunder Bay, Pickle Lake, and other northern Ontario points.
The Musselwhite Mine began commercial production in April 1997 and has been owned in succession by Placer Dome, Goldcorp, Newmont, and, since March 2025, Orla Mining. The airport has remained an essential part of the operation, moving personnel and supplies year-round.
Because the site has no public road connection for most of the year, air travel is the primary way in and out, with seasonal winter-road access linking the area to the provincial road network. Passenger facilities are limited to a small aerodrome building and basic amenities suited to mine-site travel.
Terminal Overview
Terminals
Opapimiskan Lake Airport has a single gravel runway and a small aerodrome building used for charter flights serving the Musselwhite Mine. It does not have separate public passenger terminals, and flight operations are coordinated by the mine operator.
Ground Transportation Services to and from Opapimiskan Lake Airport
Transfers
Arrange pre-arranged ground transfers between Opapimiskan Lake Airport and Musselwhite Mine accommodation, work sites, and meeting points for arrivals and departures.
Hourly Chauffeur
Book a professional driver by the hour for flexible travel at the mine site, business visits, or journeys between the airport and nearby facilities.
Car Rental
Rental vehicles are not typically available at this remote airstrip; independent travel is normally organized through the mine operator or charter services.
Bus & Group Transfers
Coordinate minibus or group transport for shift changes, project teams, and visitors travelling between the airport and Musselwhite Mine facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Destinations
View all
Whitehorse
Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon, sits along the Yukon River and blends northern wilderness with Gold Rush history. Its compact downtown, SS Klondike sternwheeler and surrounding trails give the city a rugged yet welcoming character.
Regina
Regina, Saskatchewan's capital, combines prairie heritage with modern civic life, anchored by Wascana Centre and landmarks like the Royal Saskatchewan Museum.
Quebec City
Quebec City, one of North America's oldest cities, pairs a fortified historic core and French-Canadian culture with a lively arts scene, landmark architecture and a welcoming riverside setting.
Charlottetown
Charlottetown, the compact capital of Prince Edward Island, pairs Victorian streets and waterfront boardwalks with a lively arts, food and festival scene rooted in its role as the Birthplace of Confederation.