The village of Queen Charlotte is a good base for exploring Haida Gwaii (also known as the Queen Charlotte Islands). Here’s how to get to Queen Charlotte from the Sandspit Airport in Haida Gwaii.
Flights from Vancouver to Sandspit
Air Canada flies twice daily in the summer from Vancouver (YVR) to/from Sandspit (YZP). Pacific Coastal Airlines departs from Vancouver’s South Terminal (YZP) and goes to Masset Airport (ZMT) daily, and North Pacific Seaplanes flies out of Prince Rupert to the Masset marina, Queen Charlotte and Sandspit. Or you can catch the ferry from Prince Rupert.
A Sunset Rainbow in Queen Charlotte, Haida Gwaii (northern British Columbia).
Renting a Car at Sandspit Airport
At the airport, Budget is the big name car rental company (although their online system likes to say they’re fully booked even when they’re not). Otherwise, the local companies are Island Rentals (250-559-8415) at the Premier Creek Lodge) and Rustic Rentals (250-559-4641 / 1-877-559-4641 reservations only).
Shuttle Bus from Sandspit Airport to Queen Charlotte
This is the option I went with, as it’s cheap and convenient (although you won’t have a car to explore with). For $25 one way (call to reserve), the shuttle bus leaves Sandspit Airport whenever a flight comes in, so just meet it at the front doors as soon as the luggage is dispensed.
The rate includes the ferry price, too. (For those needing a ride within Sandpit en route, without the ferry crossing, it’s $5.) You’re then dropped off at your accommodation, as they’re almost all along the main waterfront road.
The Budget Car Rental Office at Gracie's Place Hotel: Queen Charlotte, Haida Gwaii.
Car Rental in Queen Charlotte
You can also take the shuttle from the airport and then rent a car in Charlotte from Rustic Rentals (250-559-4641/1-877-559-4641, reservations only) or Budget, each part of a hotel. Gracie’s Place, which houses Budget, is up for sale, so expect changed ownership, but I don’t foresee the car rental business ending.
Any other questions about getting from Sandspit Airport to Charlotte? Post them below and I’ll do my best to answer them.
Read more posts on Haida Gwaii here.
Copyright 2010 Lori Henry
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