There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Hearst into a quick city adventure. From YHF, the Taxi can get you into town in around 60 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Important Details Before You Go
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at YHF:
First, verify that you can enter Canada — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the Taxi takes about 60 minutes into Hearst, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — CAD is the currency here. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some CAD in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Getting to Hearst from the Airport
You have two main options for getting from Hearst René Fontaine Municipal Airport into town:
- Taxi: 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.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Quick budget math for your Hearst layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$10 |
| Meal | ~$19 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$39 |
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
Exploring Hearst on a Layover
For a layover visit to Hearst, we’d suggest Hearst Ecomuseum (Musée de Hearst) and Lac Ste-Thérèse Park & Beach. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
You can see the highlights in about an hour without rushing. Perfect for a short walk when you need fresh air after a long flight.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at YHF, check out YHF Main Waiting Area or Aircraft Observation Area to keep yourself occupied.
Where to Grab a Meal
- In the city: Chez Lizette Restaurant and Restaurant L’Express are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Hearst.
- At the airport: YHF Vending Machine Corner and Hearst Air Service Basic Refreshments will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Luggage Storage at YHF
Specific locker facilities at YHF aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Hearst 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 YHF 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.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at YHF, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Hearst doesn’t have to be wasted time. With the city just 60 minutes from YHF, you’ve got a real opportunity to turn a stopover into a mini-trip. The logistics are straightforward — it’s just a matter of deciding to go for it.
Watch the clock, travel light, and have a great time out there.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.