Victoria Intl (Patricia Bay)
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ICAO Code | CYYJ/YYJ |
Last Validated | Jan 2008 |
City | Victoria, B.C. |
Position | 48°38'49"N 123°25'33"W |
Runway(s) | 02-20 09-27 13-31 |
Elevation | 63 ft |
General
During WW II, Victoria airport was the largest operational military air base in Canada, partly due to the presence of the seaplane base in adjacent Patricia Bay. The latter is included in this guide and is currently named Victoria Airport Water Aerodrome. The main airport is still often referred to as Pat Bay and serves as the international gateway to Vancouver Island. A helicopter squadron of the Canadian Forces and the British Columbia Aviation Museum are located here as well. With CFB Comox, Victoria plays host to the bi-annual Trident Fury military exercise. The airport is very open and offers good viewing opportunities.
Layout
Like many Canadian airports, Victoria features a triangle runway system to cope with the local weather system. The passenger terminal area can be found on the south side of the airport between tresholds 02 and 31. Both the east and the west side of the airport are used for general aviation and cargo.
Getting There
The airport is located 22kms north of Victoria, on the Saanich peninsula. Driving from Victoria, highway 17 will bring you to the airport. Take the airport exit and follow Willingdon Rd to reach the passenger terminal area.
Around the Airport

Near spot 2, the firebrigade is situated, from where this picture was taken. Marcel Sloover.

Taken from the firebrigade, and a good example of what to make at spot 2. Marcel Sloover.
Frequencies
121.900 / 361.400 | Ground |
119.100 / 239.600 | Tower |
119.700 | Tower/CTAF/MF |
127.800 / 133.850 | Departure/Approach |
308.400 | Departure/Approach |
118.800 | ATIS |
122.950 | Esso |
349.300 | 443 Squadron |
126.400 | Clearance delivery |
Based Operators
Canadian Forces | |
443sq | CH-124A/B |
Civil companies | |
L&C Canada Coastal Aviation | Ce185 (floats) Lj25 |
Pat Bay Air | DHC-2 (floats) |
VIH Helicopters | AS350 Bell 205 Bell 206 Bell 212 Ka-32 S-61 |
Preserved
C-GJGQ | DC-3, stored near spot 8 |
More Info
Victoria Airport | Official website of Victoria Airport |
BC Aviation Museum | Official website of the British Columbia Aviation Museum |
Other Airfields
Alberni Valley Regional   subscribers only | |
Comox   subscribers only | |
Kamloops   subscribers only | |
Kelowna   subscribers only | |
Port Alberni - Sproat Lake Tanker Base | |
Qualicum Beach   subscribers only | |
Vancouver - Harbour SPB & Heliport | |
Vancouver Intl   subscribers only | |
Victoria Intl (Patricia Bay) |