Getting Here
Travel Tips
Our Travel Tips guide has detailed information on transportation options for getting you to the Queen Charlotte Islands. Click here to download a map of the islands and a 2010 Travel Tips guide. Travel_Tips–use.pdf
Visitor Centres
There are visitor centres located in Sandspit, Queen Charlotte and Masset. Click here to learn more about our visitor centres.
How to Get Here by Ferry
For visitors who travel on the BC Ferries “Northern Expedition” from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert or over to the Charlottes on the “Northern Expedition” the sailing is usually smooth and the scenery unsurpassed. Passengers can sit back, relax and enjoy the cruise. The trip gives you a great chance to scan the uninterrupted horizon. You can lean over the rails and watch for porpoises or whales, or just watch the coast mountains slowly pass by.
The 93 nautical mile ride from Prince Rupert to Skidegate is usually an exciting part of your visit and lasts approximately 7-8 hours or overnight. Occasionally, however, sea conditions may require a delay or provide a bit of a bumpy ride.
The “Northern Expedition” has cabins with 2 berths, shower, washbasin and toilet for $65-80 which can be booked on the overnight ferries or as day rooms. The ferry holds both walk-on passengers or passengers with vehicles. It arrives and leaves at Skidegate Landing on Graham Island. Reservations required. BC Ferries 1-888-223-3779
Peak Season (May 1 to Sept. 20, 2010) rates for walk-on passengers:
- Adults $39, Kids 5-11 $19.50,
BC Seniors $27.00
- Underheight vehicles $140 (up to 7’ tall, 20’ long)
- Motorcycles/bicycles/kayaks can be loaded also. Credit, debit cards accepted
Vessel tracking maps are available on the BC Ferries website to locate ship’s actual passage. “www.bcferries.com”
Ferry Schedule Inside Passage May 18 to September 30, 2010
Reservations are required on the Inside Passage Route (274 nautical miles). To travel Northbound with the Port Hardy to Prince Rupert route, departure time from Port Hardy is 7:30 am; arrival time in Prince Rupert is 10:30 pm for most arrivals
Northbound
May 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 only
June/July/Sept Odd-numbered days
August Even-numbered days
For Skidegate passengers to connect with the Southbound route from Prince Rupert to Port Hardy arrival time in Prince Rupert is 6:00 am with departure at 7:30 am. Most arrivals reach Port Hardy at 10:30pm.
On June 17, July 1, 15, 29, Aug. 12, 26 & Sept 9, Inside Passage Day Cruise includes an extra stop at Bella Bella. Arrival time at Bella Bella is 1:00 pm, departure time is 1:30 pm. Arrival time at Prince Rupert is 11:30 pm.
Southbound
May 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31 only
June Even-numbered days
July Even-numbered days
August Odd numbered days
On June 14, 28, July 12, 26, Aug. 9, 23 & Sept. 6, Inside Passage Day Cruise includes an extra stop at Bella Bella. Arrival time at Bella Bella is 5:30 pm, departure time is 6:00 pm. Arrival time at Port Hardy is 11:30 pm.
_For more information about reservations, fares, and schedules phone BC Ferries: 1-888-223-3779 (from outside of BC at 250-386-3431) or check out their website at “http://www.bcferries.com”
Ferry Schedule Westbound and Eastbound Prince Rupert-Skidegate
June 9 to Sept. 16, 2010
The ferry leaves Prince Rupert bound for Haida Gwaii as follows:
Sunday — 11 am
Sunday June 13 only – 9pm
Monday — 10 pm
Wednesday — 1 pm July/August only (except June 9 – 10pm)
Thursday — 11 am
Friday — 11 am
Saturday — 11 am July/August/Sept. 4,11 only)
The ferry leaves Haida Gwaii bound for Prince Rupert as follows:
Monday — 11 am
Tuesday — 11 am
Wednesday — 11 pm (July/August only)
Thursday — 11 pm
Friday — 11 pm
Saturday — 11 pm (July/August/Sept. 4,11 only)
To provide a connection southbound with our Prince Rupert to Port Hardy route, arrival time in Prince Rupert shall be 6:00 am on the following dates:
Fridays: June 18, July 2, 16, 30, Aug. 13, 27, Sept. 10
Saturdays June 26, July 10, 24, Aug. 7, 21, Sept. 4
How to Get Here by Air
If you are planning on flying to the islands, there are several options.This year, there are three airlines with daily direct flights to Vancouver YVR. Air Canada Jazz, and Pacific Coastal flights are scheduled.
Air Canada Jazz arrives and departs in Sandspit YZP (Moresby Island) and Pacific Coastal flies to Masset ZMT (northern Graham Island).
There is also daily seaplane service between Prince Rupert and Masset/Sandspit/Queen Charlotte by North Pacific Seaplanes.
Flight Information and Reservations
Pacific Coastal: 1-800-663-2872 http://www.pacificcoastal.com
Air Canada: 1-888-247-2262 http://www.aircanada.com
North Pacific Seaplanes: 1-800-689-4234 http://www.northpacificseaplanes.com