Victoria International Airport (IATA:) YYJ, ICAO: CYYJ)
What we now know as Victoria International Airport opened in October 1939 as Patricia Bay Air Station by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and was initially intended for Commonwealth air training. RCAF Aerodrome - Patricia Bay had three camps using the runway and the control tower. The West Camp housed the Royal Canadian Air Force #3 Operational Training Unit and fighter and bomber squadrons. The East Camp housed the UK's Royal Air Force #32 Operational Training Unit, and the Seaplane Base on the water was a coastal patrol base and part of Western Command's defence against Japanese submarines.
Sadly, over 100 aircrew operating out of Patricia Bay Air Station lost their lives due to accidents. For example, the aircrew and aircraft that were found on Mt Bolduc operated out of Pat Bay Air Station (Check out GC9FB9)
Patricia Bay Air Station played a role in the movie industry in the 1940's. In 1944, the West Camp was the location for scenes shot for the movie Son of Lassie. *You can read about another movie that was shot here at the Air Station by visiting the Eagles Landing Observation Lounge and reading the interpretive information!
While acting as an air base, commercial flights also operated out of Pat Bay Air Station. Trans Canada Airlines and Canadian Pacific Airlines were the two primary carriers and flew to Vancouver and Seattle. In 1948 the airport was turned over to Transport Canada when it was known as Victoria (Patricia Bay) Airport and in 1959 the name was changed again to Victoria International Airport.
Today, the Royal Canadian Air Force operates 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron out of the western end of the airport. Victoria International Airport is now home to many businesses including airlines, air cargo, aircraft maintenance, aircraft rentals, flying schools, charter airlines, fuel dealers, ground handlers, weather services, shopping, and more. Annually, YYJ is the recipient of many national and global awards - we could list them here, but to stay current, Google 'Victoria Airport Awards' and see what they're receiving accolades for now!
IN ORDER TO LOG THIS CACHE - pick the number below that fits your visit to YYJ.
1. For passengers departing, arriving, or transiting through YYJ - Post a photo of you or your geocaching name with one of the airport gates and tell us in your log where you are transiting to and from.
2. If you are on a private plane or military aircraft, take a photo of you or your geocaching name with your aircraft and tell us what brings you to Victoria International Airport... that isn't classified information! Eg: here to refuel, here to get lunch, here for a wedding, here to visit 443 (MH) Squadron.
3. If you are neither departing nor arriving, please post a picture at the luggage carousel inside the terminal.
Thank you to Geocaching HQ for granting us a Virtual Cache so we could introduce you to the Eagles Landing Observation Lounge and share some of the histories of the Victoria International Airport.
We hope you enjoy our Virtual Cache!
Virtual Rewards 3.0 - 2022-2023
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between March 1, 2022 and March 1, 2023. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 3.0 on the Geocaching Blog.