The airport began construction in 1933 as part of the make-work project during the
Great Depression. Staff were paid $1 plus keep per day to clear and level the landing strip. It was opened in 1936 as Reay Airport and renamed to the current name in 1938. From 1942 to end of
World War II, it served as a training facility for the
Royal Norwegian Air Force. Known as "
Little Norway", it replaced the
Toronto Island Airport as their main training base in Canada. The
Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) used Muskoka Airport as an auxiliary airfield to
CFB Borden during World War II. Military use ended and ownership of the airport was transferred to
Transport Canada. During the mid 20th century the airport was an emergency landing facility for
Trans Canada Airlines and the RCAF. The airport has been owned by the
District Municipality of Muskoka since 1996. A permanent memorial dedicated to the airport's contribution to
Norway's air force was opened in 2007. In 2019 and 2022,
Porter Airlines operated scheduled summer seasonal flights from
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport but the service did not resume in 2023. The airport is used by general aviation, charters and other operators: •
Royal Canadian Mounted Police •
Canadian Forces •
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources ==Airlines and destinations==