Haida Gwaii Travel Tips

Although SALTS does not provide or arrange travel before or after trips, we hope the following information will be useful as you finalize your travel plans.

General Tips

• Book flights and accommodation (if needed) as soon as possible.
• Make sure you are familiar with your travel and accommodation provider’s policies regarding check-in times, identification required at check-in, baggage limits, and minors travelling alone.
• Anyone travelling from outside Canada must know and carefully adhere to Canada’s entrance requirements as provided by Canada Border Services Agency, CBSA.
• Always confirm schedules directly with your travel provider(s); closer to the departure date make sure nothing has changed via their websites or by phone. Most state that schedules are subject to change without notice!
• Summer trainees and V-Crew will have an option during completion of the online profile to join our Travel Share List (highly recommended). The list allows those sailing to connect to coordinate shared transportation or accommodations and is updated as participants opt-in. Post profile submission, joining can be requested by email. 

Flight delays and cancellations have been increasing in frequency over the last few years. We suggest arriving at your departure location the day prior to sailing to avoid potentially missing embarkation. 

Transportation

Most trainees who are not residents of Haida Gwaii will arrive or depart through the Sandspit Airport (YZP). Air Canada currently has one flight per day each direction between Sandspit Airport (YZP) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

Sandspit Airport (YZP) is located on Moresby Island, approximately a 20-minute drive from the BC Ferries Alliford Bay terminal. On Graham Island, the Skidegate Landing ferry terminal is about a 10-minute drive from Daajing Giids.

The airport shuttle is provided by Gwaii Taxi and all trainees who will fly to or from the Sandspit Airport must arrange their own transportation through Gwaii Taxi’s online booking as soon as bookings are released on their site approximately 2-3 months in advance. The fee is $65.00.

 

Recommended typical travel arrangements for trainees:

Disembarking in Daajing Giids after Trip 2 Pacific Grace
The ship will arrive at the breakwater in the Village of Daajing Giids at 11:00am and trainees will board the airport shuttle (book the "Daajing Giids Visitor Centre" pickup point within view of the dock). The shuttle will take them across a short ferry ride, which is a separate in-person fee of about $10 for the ferry. The shuttle will continue to the Sandspit Airport (YZP) for Air Canada flight AC 8294 currently scheduled to depart at 3:25pm* and arriving at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) at 5:05pm.

Boarding in Daajing Giids for Trip 3 Pacific Grace
We encourage trainees to book Air Canada flight AC 8293 from Vancouver (YVR), currently scheduled to depart from Vancouver International Airport at 1:00pm* and arrive at Sandpit Airport (YZP) 2:46pm. Trainees will board the airport shuttle (book the "Daajing Giids Visitor Centre" drop-off point) promptly after airport arrival. The shuttle will take them across on the 4:00pm short ferry ride, then drop them off right in view of the breakwater, where our ship will be docked. There is no fee for the ferry crossing when travelling from the airport to Daajing Giids.

*Remember Air Canada schedules are subject to change at any time. This can include a later arrival for the start of trips departing Daajing Giids. If the flight arrives later than originally expected either due to flight changes or delays, departure will be delayed until all trainees arrive. However, this can mean loss of trip time, so it is suggested to arrive the day prior to sailing and stay the night. Gracie’s Place has been a gracious host to our trainees for several years and is a short walk from the dock.

Other Travel Options:

Pacific Coastal Airways – offers a daily flights between the Vancouver Airport’s (YVRS) South Terminal and Masset Municipal Airport (ZMT), which is approx. 115 km north of Daajing Giids. However, there is currently no scheduled public transportation from Masset to Daajing Giids, so vehicle rental is the most realistic way to travel from Masset to Daajing Giids. Eagle Transit operates a hospital-to-hospital shuttle between Daajing Giids and Masset that may have room for non-medical riders – reservations are required.

BC Ferries operates several crossings per week between Prince Rupert and Graham Island (Skidegate), but it’s important to be aware that BC Ferries’ northern routes require advanced reservation. The schedule is limited and sometimes disrupted by weather or staffing shortages. There are strict requirements regarding the check-in time and mandatory identification for all passengers. 

Local Transportation

• Gwaii Taxi & Tours - Airport shuttle, taxi service, vehicle rental & tours
• Eagle Transit - Daajing Giids - Masset hospital-to-hospital shuttle, reservations required, minimum 2 days prior
• BC Ferries services the short crossing between Skidegate Landing on Graham Island (10-minutes from the dock at Daajing Giids) and the Alliford Bay Terminal on Moresby Island (20 minutes from the Sandspit Airport). The ferry fee is only charged at the Skidegate terminal

Visiting & Accommodations

Mature trainees and family or friends who want to take advantage of this opportunity to spend some time in the amazing Haida Gwaii region can find further information on accommodations, car rentals, and exploration options at:


NOTE: The annual Edge of the World Music Festival is held in mid-August on Haida Gwaii. This may cause an increase in the need for transportation services to and from the island, and accommodations leading up to, during and after the festival. Please book your air travel, shuttle and any accommodations as soon as service providers will allow.

The information on this page is updated as available. While we strive to provide accurate information, we strongly caution that you check all information for accuracy and contact service providers directly.