Kamloops Airport (YKA/CYKA) is a regional airport serving the city of Kamloops, which is the economic hub of the Thompson-Okanagan region in southern-central British Columbia. Around 300.000 passengers annually use the airport, taking mainly feeder flights offered by Air Canada Express, WestJet Encore and Pacific Coastal Airlines. KF Aerospace operates cargo flights with ATR, and Carson Air and SkyLink Express handle small cargo. The airport is also home to an Air Tanker base which houses Convair, Avro Jets and TBM planes. Additionally, sea planes operated by Pacific Seaplanes, smaller helicopters and general aviation traffic as well as charter flights for mining companies can be spotted.

Written by Patrick Weis. Last update June 2025

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
09/27	2.438 m (8.000 ft) Asphalt
05/23	572 m (1.875 ft) Asphalt
Terminals	One for all flights
Spotting Information
Ladder	You can easy get this done without
Car/Public Transport	Most spots are far away from the terminal and there is no public transport available, hence a car is needed.
Drinks/Food	Plenty of restaurants, convenience stores and coffee shops east of the airport about 2km away.
Hotels	None by the airport but there is a big selection available in the city.
Season	Best to visit during the summer months due toe freezing temperatures from December through February. Best months in terms of sunshine percentage are July and August.
Security	Usually, no problems with security as long as you don’t block gates. Make sure to carry ID.
Runway Usage
09/27	Main runway used in both directions depending on the wind.
05/23	Only for small planes

	Spot #1 – Fulton Field Park – 27 arrivals and line-ups
WHERE	This spot is located along Tranquille Rd. There is an observation platform with a parking lot.
WHAT	Best for 27 line-ups at the crash gate (which is really low) and arrivals for 27 in the morning.
TIME	Line ups are fine in the morning hours all year long. For arrivals the best light is from sunrise until around 9:30 in summer. In Winter you will only have backlight on this side of the airport
MISC.	Small park with some seating only. Bring everything with you and do not block the airport crash gate. No ladder needed.
FOCAL LENGTH	50-400 mm 50mm for the Convair , 52mm for the Dash8-300 on the taxiway and 225mm for the TBM on approach

	Spot #2 – Kamloops Water Aerodrome – 27 arrivals and line-ups
WHERE	This spot is located at the gravel car park of the Kamloops Water Aerodrome right at the 27 threshold. Access is via Tranquille Rd (previous spot) and Aviation Way. Position is along the road and elevated which provides an unobstructed view over the fence.
WHAT	Great spot for all runway 27 movements. Waterplane movements can be seen as well from here.
TIME	Best from noon until sunset in summer (line-ups from sunrise) and almost all day in winter.
MISC.	The “Airport Trail” along the waterfront provides benches and protection from the sun. Public restrooms are available at spot 3.
FOCAL LENGTH	70-200 mm. 90mm for a Dash8-400 on approach, about 80mm Dash8-400 on line up. Metroliner 160mm

	Spot #3 – Airport Trail Parking – 09 departures
WHERE	Continue from the previous point until the end of Aviation Way. Right next to the airport’s control tower is a small park where you can park and spot from.
WHAT	09 departures only.
TIME	Best from noon until sunset in summer and almost all day in winter.
MISC.	The “Airport Trail” along the waterfront provides benches and protection from the sun. Public restrooms are available at the parking lot.
FOCAL LENGTH	100-400 mm 100mm for the Convair

	Spot #4 – Airport Trail – 09 arrivals
WHERE	From the previous point walk all the way along the airport trail to the 09 approach. It is not possible to drive to this point. Distance is approximate 2km from the parking lot.
WHAT	09 arrivals and maybe line-ups (not tested).
TIME	Best from noon until sunset in summer and almost all day in winter.
MISC.	Far away from any kind of civilization, so bring what you need.
FOCAL LENGTH	100-400 mm

We haven’t tested this spot in person but the shots should be looking like this

https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/9329070

	Spot #5 – Fire Center – Ramp
WHERE	Located a few hundred meters west of the airport terminal is the ramp for the water bombers. Park your car on the gravel off the street
WHAT	Overlooking the wildfire ramp
TIME	Early in the morning for the best light for the parked planes. Hard to catch them while turning in due to refilling equipment partially blocking the view.
MISC.	Terminal is just around the corner.
FOCAL LENGTH	24-120mm. 105mm during turn into position. About 60mm on the taxiway (light is challenging