Bearskin Lake Air ServiceJV

Bearskin Airlines is a Canadian regional carrier serving communities across northern Ontario and Manitoba. Established in July 1963 by bush pilot Otto John Hegland at Big Trout Lake, the airline was named after Bearskin Lake, home of the Bearskin Lake First Nation where Hegland operated a general store. It began scheduled passenger service in 1977 between Big Trout Lake and Sioux Lookout.

The airline is now a division of Perimeter Aviation, both owned by Exchange Income Corporation (EIC), a Winnipeg-based diversified company that also owns Calm Air, PAL Airlines, Keewatin Air, and Custom Helicopters. Bearskin was acquired by EIC in January 2011 for $32.5 million and merged operationally with Perimeter Aviation in December 2018, though the Bearskin brand continues to serve its established markets.

Bearskin operates an all-turboprop fleet focused on connecting northern Ontario's largest cities with remote communities, First Nations reserves, and mining operations. The airline has been a major provider of flights for Hope Air since 1988, offering free medical travel assistance to financially disadvantaged Canadians needing treatment away from home. Thunder Bay International Airport serves as the primary hub, linking eight Ontario destinations and Winnipeg.

Carry-On Allowance

Personal Item/Carry-On (included on all fares):

• Maximum weight: 13 lbs (6 kg)
• Must fit under seat or in limited overhead space
• Maximum 2 pieces (carry-on + carry-out) combined per passenger
• Items too large for the cabin may be checked at the gate

Note: Fairchild Metroliner aircraft have very limited cabin storage space. Pack light and expect larger items to be checked.

Checked Baggage

Free Allowance:

• 40 lbs (18 kg) per passenger included at no charge

Excess Baggage Fees:

Weight Range	Fee
Over 40 lbs (18 kg)	$0.55 CAD per pound
Maximum per bag	70 lbs (32 kg)
Maximum total per passenger	100 lbs (45 kg)

Bags over 70 lbs (32 kg): Not accepted as checked baggage. Must be shipped as cargo, subject to space availability.

Bags over 100 lbs total: Excess can be shipped as cargo when space permits.

Special Items

Item	Fee	Notes
Wheelchair	Free	Does not count toward baggage allowance
Stroller	Free	Does not count toward baggage allowance
Car seat	Free	Does not count toward baggage allowance
Walker	Free	Does not count toward baggage allowance
Bassinet	Free	Does not count toward baggage allowance

Air Canada Interline Bookings

When flying on an itinerary including both Bearskin Airlines and Air Canada:

• If your first flight is operated by Air Canada: AC baggage rules apply for the entire journey
• If your first flight is operated by Bearskin Airlines: Bearskin baggage rules apply for the entire journey

Fees as of January 2026. Verify at perimeter.ca/allowance before traveling.

Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner

Bearskin operates an all-Metroliner fleet, with 19-seat turboprop aircraft designed for regional routes.

Economy (Standard Seating):

• Configuration: 1-1 (single seats on each side of aisle)
• Seating: 19 passengers
• Narrow fuselage with limited headroom
• No in-flight entertainment or WiFi
• No food or beverage service (short flight times)
• USB/AC power: Not available

Aircraft Characteristics:

• Pressurized cabin suitable for northern weather
• Quick turnaround times for efficient scheduling
• Excellent short-field performance for remote airstrips
• Twin turboprop engines (Garrett TPE331)

Cabin Notes: The Metroliner is a working regional aircraft designed for utility rather than comfort. Expect a no-frills experience with the focus on reliable transportation to remote communities. Flights are typically short (30-90 minutes), so limited amenities are not a significant factor.

Booking:

• Book directly through Perimeter Aviation's website for best support during disruptions
• Connecting to Air Canada? Book through AC for smoother rebooking if delays occur
• Flights to remote communities may operate less frequently; plan for flexibility

Packing:

• Pack light: 40 lbs free checked allowance is generous, but the Metroliner has limited cargo space
• Carry essentials in your personal item in case checked bags are delayed to remote communities
• Bring layers: Northern Ontario weather can be unpredictable year-round

At the Airport:

• Arrive early: Small airports have limited staff and check-in can take time
• Thunder Bay (YQT): Bearskin operates from the main terminal alongside other carriers
• Sudbury (YSB): Good facilities with restaurant and services
• Remote communities: Expect basic facilities; bring snacks and entertainment

Northern Ontario Travel:

• Winter (November-March): Weather delays are common; always have a backup plan
• Summer (June-August): Busiest season for tourism and fly-in fishing camps
• First Nations communities: Respect local customs and obtain any required permits before visiting
• Mining/forestry workers: Heavy baggage from work sites may incur excess fees

Connections:

• Allow extra time for connections at Thunder Bay or Sudbury
• Weather at destination may delay arrivals unpredictably
• Winter storms can ground flights for extended periods

Essential Service: Bearskin Airlines serves as a lifeline for many remote communities. Be patient during delays, as the airline prioritizes safety over schedule in challenging northern conditions.

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Last verified: January 2026

Sources:

• Perimeter Aviation (Bearskin Airlines)
• Perimeter Baggage Allowance
• Exchange Income Corporation - Perimeter Aviation
• Bearskin Airlines - Wikipedia
• Simple Flying - Bearskin Airlines 60th Anniversary