Queen Charlotte Island Observer

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 2009 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 “QNorthern 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 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.

Peak Season (May 1 to Sept. 20, 2009) rates for walk-on passengers:

  • Adults $35, Kids 5-11 $17.50,
    BC Seniors $23.50
  • Underheight vehicles $125 (under 6’8” tall, 6’6” wide)
  • 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.

Ferry Schedule Inside Passage May 18 to September 30, 2009

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.

Southbound

May 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31 only
June Even-numbered days
July Even-numbered days
August Odd numbered days
September Even-numbered days

• Adult fares for both of these trips is $150, BC Senior (any day) $100.
Child (age 5-11) $75.00, Under 5 years of age: Free
• Undersize Passenger Vehicle & Trailer- up to 6’8” high, up to 6’6” wide, up to 20’ long $350.00
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 Prince Rupert to Skidegate

June 11 to Sept. 17, 2009

The ferry leaves Prince Rupert bound for the Charlottes as follows:

Sunday — 11 am
Monday — 9 pm
Wednesday — 1 pm (July/August only)
Thursday — 11 am
Friday — 11 am
Saturday — 11 am

The ferry leaves the Charlottes 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

How to Get Here by Air

If you are planning on flying to the islands, there are several options.This year, there are two airlines with daily direct flights to Vancouver YVR. Both 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

Air Canada: 1-888-247-2262

North Pacific Seaplanes: 1-800-689-4234