Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Bonnyville. Bonnyville Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 60 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Three things to verify before you walk out of YBY:
- Can you legally enter Canada? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 60-minute journey each way by local transport, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the local currency. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
You have two main options for getting from Bonnyville Airport into town:
- local transport: About 60 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 80 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Things to Do During Your Layover
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Bonnyville, two standouts are:
- Bonnyville and District Museum — Worth a stop if you have at least an hour to spare.
- Jesse Lake Walking Trails — No tickets or reservations needed — just explore at your own pace.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at YBY, check out Bonnyville Airport Passenger Lounge or Tarmac Observation Area to keep yourself occupied.
Best Bites Near YBY
In Bonnyville
If you make it into town, Mr. Mikes SteakhouseCasual Bonnyville is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Boston Pizza Bonnyville.
Inside YBY
If you’re staying in the terminal, Airport Snack Bar & Coffee is your main option. Vending Machine Refreshments works too if you want something quick.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Quick budget math for your Bonnyville layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$10 |
| Meal | ~$20 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$40 |
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Bag Storage Near YBY
Specific locker facilities at YBY aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Bonnyville itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
WiFi at YBY should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in Canada and you’re good to go.
Taking a Break at YBY
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at YBY.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Bonnyville exploring the streets or relaxing at YBY, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.