Airport
Opinaca Aerodrome (YOI)
Opinaca Aerodrome is a small, remote aerodrome in the James Bay region of Quebec, serving the Éléonore gold mine near the Eastmain River. It is used mainly for charter and mining flights, with access typically arranged in advance rather than through scheduled passenger services.
Passengers
Luggage
About Opinaca Aerodrome
Opinaca Aerodrome is a small, remote aerodrome located in the James Bay region of northern Quebec, near the Eastmain River. It primarily supports charter flights for the Éléonore gold mine and surrounding industrial operations rather than scheduled commercial passenger traffic.
The aerodrome has a single gravel runway aligned roughly 11/29 and is designed to handle aircraft such as the Dash-8 used for crew rotations and supply flights. Its IATA code is YOI, with the Transport Canada local identifier CPN8 and ICAO code CYOI.
There is no conventional passenger terminal, and access to the site is generally restricted or arranged with the mining operator. The nearest towns, Matagami and Chibougamau, lie about 350 km to the south, while the Cree community of Wemindji is around 190 km to the east.
Travel to and from the aerodrome relies on charter flights and pre-arranged road transport connected to the region's resource-access roads. Visitors should confirm all flight, security and onward travel arrangements in advance, as facilities at the aerodrome itself are limited.
Terminal Overview
Terminals
Opinaca Aerodrome is a small single-runway aerodrome with no conventional passenger terminal. It is used mainly for charter, mining and support flights serving the Éléonore mine near the Eastmain River.
Ground Transportation Services to and from Opinaca Aerodrome
Transfers
Arrange pre-booked private transfers for passengers travelling between Opinaca Aerodrome and the Éléonore mine site, camps or onward points in the James Bay region.
Hourly Chauffeur
Book a chauffeur by the hour for flexible travel around the Éléonore mine area and for scheduled crew or business movements to and from Opinaca Aerodrome.
Car Rental
Pre-arrange a rental vehicle for pickup in Matagami or Chibougamau if continuing by road after arriving at Opinaca Aerodrome; on-site rental services are limited.
Bus & Group Transfers
Organize minibuses or charter buses for mine crews, contractors and project groups travelling between Opinaca Aerodrome and remote work sites in northern Quebec.
Frequently Asked Questions
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