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Bearskin Airlines, officially known as Bearskin Lake Air Service LP, is a Canadian regional airline based in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Established on July 17, 1963, by pilot John Hegland, the airline was named after Bearskin Lake, a remote First Nations community in northern Ontario. Initially operating as an air taxi service using float-equipped aircraft, Bearskin Airlines has grown to become a vital connector for communities across northern Ontario and Manitoba.
In 1977, Bearskin Airlines commenced its first scheduled service between Big Trout Lake and Sioux Lookout. The following year, it established a base in Sioux Lookout and launched a second scheduled route to Thunder Bay. This expansion marked the beginning of the airline's transition from charter services to scheduled passenger flights.
Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Ontario provincial government invested in building airports in remote Indigenous communities, providing Bearskin Airlines with opportunities to expand its network. By the 1990s, the airline had incorporated Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner aircraft into its fleet, enabling further expansion into northeastern Ontario and northern Manitoba.
In 2003, Bearskin Airlines sold its northern routes serving 21 Indigenous communities to Wasaya Airways, allowing it to focus on regional passenger services.
In December 2018, Bearskin Airlines merged with Perimeter Aviation, a subsidiary of Exchange Income Corporation. While Bearskin no longer exists as a separate legal entity, its brand continues to operate within the larger Perimeter Aviation organization.
As of 2025, Bearskin Airlines operates a fleet of 22 Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner aircraft, specifically the SA227 series. These aircraft are well-suited for short-haul regional flights, accommodating up to 19 passengers.
The airline serves 15 destinations across Ontario and Manitoba, including:
Bearskin Airlines' primary hub is Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT), with a significant presence at Greater Sudbury Airport (YSB).