Trip Information
Please review our checklist below to ensure you have all necessary details to properly prepare for your trip.
Download a printable version of our Planning Your Trip Guide. If you have any questions, please contact our Client Services Representatives at 1-888-432-6666 or email danielleslater@westcoastfishingclub.com.
Check In / Departure
Check-in At South Terminal Airport
Guests should be at the Vancouver South Terminal one hour before departure. (The South Terminal is a separate terminal from the main Vancouver Terminal.)
At check-in, guests are met at our counter (which will be marked with a WCFC sign) by our guest services representative and then board our charter flight to Masset in Haida Gwaii.
Fly time is approximately two hours. (Arrival in Masset is scheduled for 9:45pm for The Clubhouse guests and 10:45pm for North Island Lodge and The Outpost guests). In Masset, guests will be grouped for transfer to our helicopter for a 20 minute flight to the lodge.
Departure
The departure schedule from the lodge will be based on “first in/first out”; that is the guests who flew into the lodge first on the arrival day will be the first to leave on departure day. Guests will fly out via our helicopters to Masset and then board our charter flight for the return to Vancouver.
The arrival times at the South Terminal in Vancouver are set for 2:00pm for The Clubhouse and 3:00pm for North Island Lodge and The Outpost.
We recommend that any connecting flights not be scheduled for at least two hours for Domestic flights and three hours for International flights after our scheduled arrival time.
Departure Times
The Clubhouse
- Thursday & Sunday Departures
- 6:15 AMCheck In South Terminal
- 7:30 AMDash 8 departs to Masset
- 9:45 AMDash 8 arrives in Masset
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AMHelicopter flights to Resort
- 10:15 AM - 11:15 AMGuest Arrival at Resort
- 10:15 AM - 11:30 AMLunch & Orientation
- 11:30 AMFishing
North Island Lodge & The Outpost
- Monday & Friday Departures
- 7:15 AMCheck In South Terminal
- 8:30 AMDash 8 departs to Masset
- 10:45 AMDash 8 arrives in Masset
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PMHelicopter flights to Resort
- 11:30 AM - 12:30 PMGuest Arrival at Resort
- 11:30 AM - 12:15 PMLunch & Orientation
- 12:15 PMFishing
What to Expect
Arrival Day
Please be sure to arrive into Vancouver the night before your trip with us. We are happy to assist you with these arrangements should you require. Make sure to speak to your hotel to ensure a shuttle will be bringing you to the Vancouver South Terminal Airport for your check in time on the morning of your departure. If you require assistance with any of these details please be sure to let your Client Services representative know.
Day One
After your morning departure, you will arrive in Masset and have a brief helicopter orientation before departing for the lodge. Upon arrival you will enjoy a gourmet brunch, change into your fishing gear and be directed to your awaiting boat. After a short commute to the fishing grounds, you will drop your lines and you are off!
Typical Day
Begin your day with a gourmet breakfast starting at 5:30am. You will head down to the dock to meet your guide for 7:00am and fish until 12:00pm. Between 12:00pm and 2:00pm lunch is served in the dining room and for those who wish to stay on the water, lunch, snacks, and other treats will be provided. All guests are in from fishing at 6:30pm to 7:00pm (package includes 10 hours of guided fishing per day) to enjoy pre-dinner cocktails and hors d’oeuvres until 8:00pm when dinner service will commence.
Departure Day
On the last day our guests are able to fish from 7:00am until 9:00am when brunch will be served in the dining room. After brunch, our helicopters will begin to depart with guests for Masset.
How To Pack
Luggage
Luggage is strictly limited to twenty five pounds per person including any fishing gear you bring. Bags over twenty five pounds may be denied carriage. We have free, secured lock-up storage available in Vancouver for your excess baggage and would be happy to store it for you. Please pack your gear in soft-sided luggage for ease of aircraft loading.
In order to minimize delays waiting for your fishing clothing, we strongly suggest you travel with a small carry-on bag. Make sure it contains anything you will need immediately upon arrival including medications and fishing clothing, as your baggage may arrive a few hours behind you. This will allow you to head out on the water right away.
Please note on the return flight to Vancouver you are limited to 70lbs per person which includes your twenty five pounds of baggage AND fish should you choose not to have your fish processed.
Carry-On Luggage
Due to limited space on helicopters your luggage will not arrive on the same helicopter as you do. Please pack your fishing clothing in your carry on baggage so that you are able to get out on the water as soon as you arrive at the lodge.
What To Pack
The weather in Haida Gwaii can be unpredictable. On average, the daily high temperature is around 62°F (max. 80°F) with lows of 52°F. Be prepared with:
- Warm clothes for fishing
- Wool or polar fleece socks
- Light long underwear
- Gloves
- Windbreaker
- Walking shoes
- Shorts/swimsuit (hot tub)
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Prescription medications
- Seasickness remedies
- Camera, film and batteries
Helly Hansen suits and rubber boots are provided for your fishing days. The Helly Hansen suits are a lighter-weight material than our previous suits therefore please pack additional layering items underneath.
Important Phone Numbers
(May 15 - September 15)
(8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday - Friday)
WCFC Fax: +1 (604) 270 3660
Passport Information
Entering Canada by Air
To enter Canada from the United States by airplane you are now required by law to carry a valid passport.
Entering Canada by Land or Sea
To enter Canada from the United States by car or boat it is recommended that you carry a passport, but it is not mandatory. You will be required to show proof of citizenship (such as birth certificate or naturalization card) and photo ID (such as driver’s license). Please check Canadian and US websites for recent changes or updates before your visit with us.
Entering Canada By Private Aircraft
To enter Canada from the United States by private aircraft please make sure that you allow enough time to connect with our flights. Your plane will need to arrive in Masset by 9:00am on arrival day and departure day. We recommend that you notify us (in writing) if you plan to use a private aircraft. If you are flying in from the US please arrange for a Customs Inspector to meet your plane in either Port Hardy or Vancouver prior to your arrival in Masset. This can be arranged by your pilot.
Canada Information: www.cbsa.gc.ca
U.S. Information: www.cbp.gov
Please ensure that you have provided us with your full name, exactly as it appears on your passport for our documentation to adhere to Canadian and US. custom regulations.