A long layover in Chatham is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Miramichi Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 30 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Before You Step Outside YCH
Three things to verify before you walk out of YCH:
- 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 30-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.
Getting to Chatham from the Airport
From YCH, the local transport gets you to Chatham in around 30 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 50 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the local transport offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Chatham might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$10 USD
- A meal: ~$20 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$40 USD
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Chatham.
Luggage Storage at YCH
Specific locker facilities at YCH aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Chatham itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
How to Spend Your Time in Chatham
If you head into Chatham, here are two things worth checking out:
Ritchie Wharf Park is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. Great for a short stroll — bring a coffee and take it easy.
Middle Island Irish Historical Park is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Nice green space that’s easy to enjoy without a tight schedule.
If you’d rather stay inside YCH — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Quiet Waiting Area
- Aircraft Observation
Where to Eat
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Chatham: Mike’s Bar & Grill and O’Donaghue’s Irish Pub. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Miramichi Airport Snack Bar or Airport Vending Machines. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Need a Nap? Options at YCH
Long overnight layover? Your options at YCH include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Canada also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and YCH is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Chatham and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Chatham count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave YCH. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.