When planning a visit to Canada, it is crucial to ensure that your trip is both thrilling and hassle-free. Hence, it is advisable to select a Canadian destination airport that you find convenient for flying into. International airports typically offer a wide range of airlines and routes, making it essential for them to have excellent connectivity to different destinations, especially within Canada.
A recently-published data index ranks the best and worst airports in Canada for American travelers during the summer travel season. An expert panel conducted a comprehensive analysis of all 25 active airports in Canada, evaluating each location based on six key factors to assign a score ranging from 0 to 100. The rankings were determined by considering the number of direct flight destinations, lounges, dining options, car rental services, nearby hotels within a two-mile radius, and the airlines operating at each airport. The quality of lounges, dining facilities, and hotels were assessed in relation to the annual passenger traffic at each airport.
Best Airports
Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport ( YXE ) has been recognized as the top airport in Canada, achieving a score of 72.11 out of 100. YXE airport accommodates approximately 930,000 passengers annually, offering flights to 24 different destinations and boasting 15 hotels within a two-mile radius. Additionally, the airport features a lounge and five dining options. Reviews on Google praise YXE for its modern facilities, easy navigation, spacious gates, and convenient text parking spot for waiting guests.
Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) is ranked as the second best airport, achieving a commendable score of 69.20 out of 100. With a total of 12 operating airlines and an impressive selection of 34 destinations, YQB caters to its 1.1 million annual passengers. Additionally, the airport boasts eight dining facilities, seven on-site car rental companies, and a convenient proximity to 10 hotels within a two-mile radius.
St. John’s International Airport (YYT) secures the third position with a commendable score of 60.96 out of 100. Within a two-mile radius, the airport boasts two hotels, offering convenience to travelers. Moreover, passengers have a wide selection of 23 destinations to choose from. YYT takes pride in its nine dining facilities, efficient operation with eight airlines, and the provision of a lounge and seven on-site car rental companies.
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) ranks as the fourth top airport in Canada, achieving a rating of 52.66 out of 100. YOW serves nearly 3 million passengers each year, offering flights to 41 destinations through 11 airlines. The airport boasts eight car rental companies and 11 dining options, providing passengers with a wide array of choices.
Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT) has secured a position in the top five, achieving a score of 52.48 out of 100. YQT provides access to 20 diverse destinations and collaborates with 16 distinct airlines. Despite offering wifi and four dining options, this airport does not feature any lounges.
Other airhubs that made it into the top ten best airports include Toronto Pearson International Airport, Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, Vancouver International Airport, Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, and Greater Moncton International Airport.
The Worst Airports
Saint John Airport (YSJ) has been identified as the lowest-ranked airport in the research, lacking an airport lounge and offering just one dining option. With a score of 22.08 out of 100, YSJ is serviced by two airlines and provides flights to three different destinations. Additionally, there are three hotels located within a two-mile radius of the airport, as well as five car rental companies available on-site.
Regina International Airport (YQR) ranks as the second lowest-performing airport, with a score of 22.36 out of 100. Despite its shortcomings, it offers a single lounge and serves seventeen different destinations. Additionally, YQR boasts a selection of four dining facilities and is conveniently surrounded by five hotels within a two-mile radius.
Fredericton International Airport (YFC) ranks as the third lowest-performing airport, lacking any lounges and offering only one dining option. The airport received a score of 25.79 out of 100. YFC is served by four airlines, provides flights to eight destinations, and hosts five car rental companies on-site.
Prince George Airport (YXS) ranks as the fourth lowest-performing airport, achieving a score of 27.92 out of 100. There are no hotels located within a two-mile radius of YXS, which offers flights to a total of eight destinations. YXS is served by six airlines and provides three dining options for passengers.
Iqaluit Airport (FYB) ranks as the fifth lowest-performing airport, achieving a score of 28.27 out of 100. FYB offers only a single dining facility and lacks any lounges. Additionally, there is only one car rental company available on-site, and within a two-mile radius, there are two hotels.
The list of the top ten worst airports includes Victoria International Airport, Gander International Airport, Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport, Charlottetown Airport, and Kelowna International Airport, among others.