SALTS Summer 2018 Trip 4 Pacific Grace TRIP DETAILS BOARDING Date: Wednesday, August 8th Time: 1:00 pm Location: Village of Queen Charlotte, Haida Gwaii, BC (Map) DISEMBARKING Date: Friday, August 17th Time: 11:30 am Location: Port Hardy, BC Government Dock - Seagate Wharf (Map) 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. • Book flights and accommodation (if needed) ASAP. Summer can be a busy time in these beautiful places! • The shuttle bus from the Sandspit Airport requires a reservation, so if you haven’t already booked, call right away (see page 2) and let them know you are with SALTS. • 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. • Always confirm schedules directly with the travel provider via their website or by phone closer to the departure date. Schedules are subject to change without notice! • If you haven’t signed up for the Travel Plans Email Loop (highly recommended) and would like to now, we will be providing periodic updates as new trainees sign up so please let us know right away! Page 1 of 3 HAIDA GWAII The Pacific Grace will be moored at the public dock in the friendly Village of Queen Charlotte. We expect that most trainees who are not residents of Haida Gwaii will be arriving at Sandspit Airport (YZP) on the morning Air Canada flight. Trainees who have signed up for the Travel Plans Loop email list will have a chance to connect with other Trainees prior to travelling to Vancouver International Airport, where there will be 20-30 other SALTS trainees boarding the flight to Haida Gwaii. HAIDA GWAII TRAVEL Air Canada typically provides at least two scheduled arrivals and departures to Sandspit Airport (YZP) each day through Vancouver International Airport (YVR). We strongly recommend getting the earliest flight or arrive the day prior to boarding. Eagle Transit Shuttle Service RESERVE YOUR SEAT BY CALLING 1-250-559-4461 if you are arriving at the Sandspit Airport (YZP) and plan to take the shuttle bus to Queen Charlotte or Skidegate via the Alliford Bay – Skidegate ferry crossing. The cost of the ferry is included in the shuttle bus fee (about $30). Pre-payment is highly recommended but cash payment can also be made to the shuttle driver. Pacific Coastal Airways provides at least one flight per day (weather permitting) to the Village of Masset,in northern Haida Gwaii; however, there is currently no scheduled public transportation from Masset, which is approx. 115 km north of Queen Charlotte. Pacific Coastal Airlines services several coastal areas, out of the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) South Terminal. B.C. Ferries provides several crossings per week between Skidegate and Prince Rupert, however, the currently posted summer schedule indicates arrivals and departures would necessitate at least one night stay prior to departure and/or after arrival. Of course, this might be a terrific pre- or post-trip adventure for some of our older trainees, but would require very careful planning and overnight accommodation. Please be aware that BC Ferries northern routes require advanced reservation, check-in 2 hours prior and mandatory identification for all passengers. QUEEN CHARLOTTE AND AREA ACCOMODATION Mature trainees and family or friends who want to take advantage this opportunity to spend some time in the amazing Haida Gwaii region (to wave from the dock is a great excuse!) can find further information on accommodations, car rentals and exploration options at: • Jags Beanstalk Bistro and B&B 100 Highway 16, Skidegate 250-559-8826 [email protected] *capacity for 10 people All rooms have private bathrooms 2 Twin beds, 1 King bed, or 1 Queen bed $95 2 Queen beds $150 • Bayview Garden B&B and Hostel 401 Beach Road, Sandspit 250-637-5479 [email protected]*capacity for 15 people - hostel space, B&B single or double occupancy • LoveHaidaGwaii.com • GoHaidaGwaii.ca • HelloBC.com Haida Gwaii • Parks Canada - Gwaii Haanas National Park • Haida Heritage Centre • Queen Charlotte Visitor Information Centre • Google Map - Skidegate and Sandspit Airport Page 2 of 3 PORT HARDY, BC Port Hardy has long been a welcoming harbour for SALTS trainees. A “SALTY” buzz can be sensed around this small town as over 60 young people arrive ashore, chattering and reminiscing about their great adventures. With so many trainees heading in the same direction, there are many opportunities to share travel arrangements, so if you haven’t signed up for the Travel Loop email list, you can still get on the list for the next update. PORT HARDY TRANSPORTATION By Car: Port Hardy is approximately a 6 hour drive North from Victoria or 4 hours from Nanaimo. By Bus: As of October 1, 2017, Tofino Bus is now operating the bus service from Port Hardy and the North Island to Campbell River and South Island locations. Tofino Bus is a contracted interline carrier for Greyhound and as such all Greyhound tickets will be accepted at North Island terminals. 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 should book the early morning flight or, better yet, plan to arrive the day before and stay overnight as weather delays are common in this region. We recommend arranging to share a pre-booked taxi from the airport with others from the Travel Plans Email Loop. Local Taxi Service: Yellow Pages - Port Hardy Taxis or Town Taxi – 250-949-7877 PORT HARDY ACCOMMODATION When booking be sure to let them know that you are participating in a SALTS trip – most of the operators are very familiar with our program and ships! Here are some good options for young people who are staying the night in Port Hardy heading home. Do keep in mind that accommodations can book up well in advance, particularly on days when the BC Ferry is arriving or departing for northern ports. North Coast Trail Backpackers Hostel Just a stone’s throw, within sight of the dock. Owners Ann & Rob have warmly welcomed many SALTS trainees (and staff) over the years and set aside a male and female room just for SALTS trainees so be sure to mention that you are with SALTS when booking! 1-866-448-6303 [email protected] 8635 Granville Street Pier Side Landing As the name implies, as close to the dock as you can get. Recently renovated. 1-866-902-7437 [email protected] 8600 Granville Street Kwalilas Hotel Opened in 2017, another option not too far from the dock. 1-855-949-8525 [email protected] 9040 Granville Street Many other accommodation options and information can be found at: • www.quarterdeckresort.net 1-888-999-2799 [email protected] 6555 Hardy Bay Road • www.glenlyoninn.com 1-877-949-7115 [email protected] 6435 Hardy Bay Road • www.northshoreinnph.om 1-877-949-8516 [email protected] 7370 Market Street • www.visitporthardy.com • www.porthardy.ca • www.porthardy.travel • www.porthardychamber.com Page 3 of 3 .