BST Vacations Announces Its 2026 Lineup of Travel Destinations

BST Vacations (Blowes & Stewart Travel Group Ltd.) has released its 2026 Peterborough Charter Collection, in its 12th year of offering flights from Peterborough Airport.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The following is the 2026 travel schedule:

• Holland America Volendam Cruise – Canada & New England Circle (May 30 – June 9)

• Charlottetown, PEI (June 4 – 7)

• St. John’s, Newfoundland (June 18 – 21)

• Calgary during the Stampede (July 2 – 5)

• St. Pierre & Miquelon (Sept. 18 – 21)— Sold out, accepting names for a waitlist

• Scottsdale, Arizona (Oct. 15 – 18)

“Every year, our Peterborough program continues to grow in popularity,” says Scott Stewart, BST Vacations president. “We know how much our clients value skipping the long drives and busy airports. These departures make travel easier and more enjoyable—and our 2026 lineup is one of the most exciting yet.”

Locally sourced food and drink are included on all outbound flights. A continental breakfast is prepared fresh the morning of departure. Spirits and beer are sourced from local distilleries and craft brewers.

On return flights, adult beverages are available for a $5 donation, with all proceeds supporting local causes. Over the past two years, this initiative has raised funds for Hospice Peterborough.

All trips include:

• Round-trip charter flights from Peterborough Airport

• Included parking at the airport

• Fast, hassle-free check-in

• In-flight meals and beverages

• Hotel accommodations and airport transfers in destination

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Peterborough Airport Announces New Acting Manager Effective Friday

Trent Gervais has been named Peterborough Airport’s Acting Manager for the immediate future, effective Friday.

Photo courtesy of the LOomex Group.

He takes over the role of Dustin Gervais, who held the title since July. Dustin had worked in operations on-site at the airport and worked with The Loomex Group for several years prior to taking the airport manager role.

In addition to Esther Juthman’s role as community relations coordinator and safety management coordinator, they are being appointed as the acting assistant airport manager.

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Canadian Flight Academy Named New Tenant for Peterborough Airport

Canadian Flight Academy is the newest tenant at Peterborough Regional Airport, with the company starting construction of a new facility at the airport in 2025.

Photo by David Tuan bui.

The new flight school will contribute positively to the local economy, generating 50 direct jobs and an estimated $20 million in Gross Domestic Product. The City’s Municipal Operations Department oversees the airport's operation and is committed to ensuring a smooth transition while integrating this new tenant at the airport.

Peterborough Regional Airport will safely integrate the operations of the Canadian Flight Academy into airport activities.

Canadian Flight Academy will enhance Peterborough Regional Airport’s strength as an aviation-related employment hub home to more than 20 businesses that employ about 500 people.

“Attracting this tenant, which is a significant, established employer, is another major milestone for the airport. The Peterborough Regional Airport is much more than transportation infrastructure – it’s a significant employment centre for the broader Peterborough Region,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “I’m excited to welcome Canadian Flight Academy to our community and I look forward to celebrating when they complete their new facility.”

Toronto Airways, which started offering flight training services from the Buttonville Municipal Airport near Toronto in 1963, purchased the Oshawa-based Canadian Flight Academy in 1998. It moved into a new facility at the Oshawa airport to accommodate the combined operations of Toronto Airways and Canadian Flight Academy in November 2016.

With the move to Peterborough Regional Airport, Canadian Flight Academy will continue to provide enhanced flight training services and create new opportunities for collaboration within the aviation sector.

Peterborough Regional Airport is an aerospace employment hub for the region serving various industry sectors. The airport's 7,000-foot-long runway and supporting infrastructure have been designed to accommodate Boeing 737 series aircraft.

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Peterborough Airport May See Increased Flight Services Following New Air Traffic Plans

Peterborough Regional Airport’s aviation activity and growth potential has been recognized through NAV CANADA’s Level of Service Study for Peterborough’s airport, with recommendations for NAV CANADA-staffed traffic management to support airplane movements.

File Photo.

The Level of Service Study with its recommendations was posted earlier this week on the NAV CANADA website for a 60-day public review before the recommendations are forwarded to Transport Canada for concurrence.

If Transport Canada supports NAV CANADA’s recommendations, NAV CANADA would implement a new Flight Service Station at the Peterborough Regional Airport according to the City.

“NAV CANADA’s recommendation supports increased activity while monitoring airport movements and enhancing safety,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “This direction further supports the long-term strategic growth and will establish the airport as a regional centre of economic growth and prosperity.”

NAV CANADA’s specific recommendations include:

• Implement Airport Advisory Service, Vehicle Control Service and Ground Advisory Service, 15 hours per day from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

• Install an Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS)

• Establish a means of surveillance to approximately 200 feet Above Ground Level (AGL) within the 5 nautical miles at the Peterborough Airport and to 1,000 feet AGL within 10 nautical miles of the airport

The public review for NAV CANADA’s air traffic service requirements proposal closes on Feb. 18.

Implementing air traffic services at the Peterborough Regional Airport reflects progress under City Council’s Strategic Plan for a future-ready City with the airport identified in the strategic pillar Growth and Economic Development as a vibrant regional aviation hub.

Peterborough Regional Airport is an aerospace employment hub for the region serving various aerospace industry sectors. The airport is home to over 20 businesses, which employ about 500 people. The airport's 7,000-foot-long runway and supporting infrastructure have been designed to accommodate up to the Boeing 737 series aircraft.

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BST Vacations Announce Destination Lineup For 2025

BST Vacations (Blowes & Stewart Travel Group Ltd) has released its lineup of destinations for its 2025 Peterborough Departures program.

File Photo.

All trips will depart from the Peterborough Airport. Travellers will ride on the 737-800 large plane that can hold 189 passengers.

• St. John’s, Nfld.

• Nashville, Tenn.

• Choose your adventure: Six-night Vancouver City Stay or one-night pre-cruise in Vancouver, followed by a 5-night Alaska Sampler Cruise with Princess Cruises

• Choose your adventure: Six-night New Orleans City Stay or 1-night pre-cruise in New Orleans, followed by a 5-night Western Caribbean Cruise on Carnival Valor

For their Elevated Escapes smaller group departures, using their private SAAB 340 plane (33 passengers), they will be flying to:

• The Magdalen Islands (two dates)

• Halifax, N.S.

• Charlottetown, P.E.I. - (sold out, waitlist only)

“We put a lot of thought into choosing the destinations for 2025,” said Scott Stewart, BST Vacations president. “We considered feedback from our past passengers and made decisions based on that feedback. We hope our passengers are as excited about these destinations as we are, and we look forward to an amazing season of travel and exploration in 2025.”

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Peterborough Airport Welcomes New Manager

The Peterborough Airport has named Dustin Gervais as the new airport manager.

Photocourtesy of the LOomex Group.

Gervais had worked in operations on-site at the airport and worked with The Loomex Group for several years. He assumed the role on Tuesday.

“We are thrilled that he is taking on this challenge,” according to a press release statement. “Dustin brings a wealth of knowledge from his time working with various airports with The Loomex Group and we are excited to welcome him into the Airport Manager role.”

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The Good Baker YPQ Lands As Peterborough Airport Restaurant

The Good Baker YPQ has landed in Peterborough Airport as its new restaurant in the terminal building announced on Thursday.

Peterborough Airport serves as an aerospace and education employment centre, supporting over 500 direct jobs and hosting more than 20 businesses on-site. the last restaurant operator departed in 2021. Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The restaurant has added seating areas that overlook the airport’s apron and runway activity.

It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the airport terminal building, 925 Airport Rd., serving a range of breakfast and lunch options and pastries. 

Since the late 1960s, Peterborough Airport has featured a restaurant which has been a destination for visitors, people who work at the airport's businesses, pilots passing through and others who want to enjoy a meal while watching planes come and go. 

“The Airport restaurant is a vital connection to the regional community, and we’re excited about the delicious offerings from The Good Baker YPQ,” said Kyle Bruce Peterborough Airport administration manager. “The restaurant serves as a destination for young families, fostering a passion for aviation among young enthusiasts.” 

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BST Vacations Announces Its 2024 Lineup of Nine Travel Destinations

BST Vacations (Blowes & Stewart Travel Group Ltd) has released its 2024 lineup of destinations for its Peterborough Departures program with nine destinations.

FIle Photo.

In 2024 BST Vacations will be travelling to:

• Charleston, S.C.

• St. John’s, Nfld

• Memphis, Tenn.

• Quebec City, Que.

• Montreal, Que.

• Niagara-on-the-Lake, Southern Ont.

• Île du Havre aux Maisons, Magdalen Islands

• Five nights in New York City OR a five-night cruise to Bermuda on NCL Joy embarking from NYC.

October of 2024 marks a decade since the first Peterborough Charter. In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the departure program, BST is heading back to New York City and passengers will be able to choose their adventure and enjoy five nights in NYC or enjoy a five-night hosted cruise to Bermuda embarking from NYC on a Norwegian Cruise Lines Ship, Joy. The cruise will be hosted by Scott Stewart, President of BST Vacations and Dana Empey, Vice President of BST Vacations.

“We are pleased to be able to continue to grow the charter program and to try new things,” said Scott Stewart, President of BST Vacations. “None of this would be possible without the support from the community and our past passengers, and for that we are so grateful.

Food and beverages are included in the flight and are all locally sourced. Continental breakfast and in-flight meals are hand-picked and made to order the morning of the flight by Sobeys Catering department on Lansdowne Street. Spirits and beer on board are from local distilleries and craft brewers.

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Photos: Peterborough Cadet Units Celebrate Annual Ceremonial Review at the Peterborough Airport

The local Peterborough Cadet Units (534 Raider, 2672 Hasty P's, 112 Howe) held their Annual Ceremonial Review this past Sunday, June 4 at the Peterborough Airport.

All photos by Felicia Massey.

The parade was attended by this year's reviewing officer, Brigadier-General Jamie Speiser-Blanchet, Formation Commander of the Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers Group.

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Hometown PTBO: Scott Stewart On Bringing Passenger Flights to Peterborough Airport

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with Scott Stewart, Blowes & Stewart Travel Group president about bringing passenger flights to the Peterborough Airport, being able to fly again last year after a three-year hiatus and how the company determines flight destinations.

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