Port Hardy 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

By Car: Port Hardy is approximately a 6-hour drive north from Victoria or 4 hours from Nanaimo.

By Air: The Port Hardy Airport (YZT) is a 10-minute drive from the dock location and is serviced by Pacific Coastal Airlines from Vancouver (YVR) Airport’s South Terminal. Trainees flying into Port Hardy need to be on a morning flight or arrive the day prior to boarding and stay overnight. Trainees flying out of Port Hardy may have to stay overnight after disembarking and catch a flight the next day. Keep in mind that weather delays are common in this region. 

By Bus: IslandLink Bus – Daily service to/from Victoria and Port Hardy with stops in Nanaimo, Courtenay and Campbell River. The bus departure/arrival times are not guaranteed to line up with our boarding/disembarking times for same-day travel. An overnight stay in Port Hardy before/after your trip may be required.

By Ferry: If travelling to Vancouver Island by ferry, see the BC Ferries website for details about routes and reservations. 

• Regular service between Vancouver Island - Duke Point in Nanaimo or Swartz Bay near Victoria and BC Mainland ferry terminals near Vancouver – Horseshoe Bay or Tsawwassen.
• BC Ferries’ operates several trips per week along the Central Coast of British Columbia from the Bear Cove terminal in Port Hardy to Prince Rupert with stops at Bella Coola, Bella Bella and Klemtu. For mature trainees and/or families, travelling this ferry route could create a great vacation, however, it’s important to note that the route is very long and the schedule may not coincide with SALTS departure or arrival days, requiring additional days of accommodation at Prince Rupert or Port Hardy.

Local Transportation

To or from the Port Hardy airport, we recommend pre-booking a taxi and possibly sharing the ride with other trainees, by connecting through the travel share list for your trip.

•  Waivin’ Flags Taxi 250-230-8294
• Town Taxi 250-949-7877

Accommodation

Keep in mind that accommodations can book up well in advance, particularly around the days when the BC Ferry is arriving or departing Port Hardy.

• North Coast Trail Backpackers Hostel is within view of the Seagate Pier. The owners have warmly welcomed many SALTS trainees (and staff) over the years and set aside separate rooms just for SALTS trainees, so be sure to mention that you are with SALTS when booking!

Visit

NOTE: An annual event Filomi Days is held the 3rd weekend of July in Port Hardy. This may cause an increase in the need for transportation services and accommodations as well as road closures and parking challenges leading up to, during and after the event. Please book your transportation and 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.