 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
These are the most common questions, but if you have anything specific you'd like to ask, please call us directly at 1-800-810-8933 or email us.
Q. When do I need to be in Vancouver?
Q. How long is the travel time to the lodge?
Q. What sort of charter aircraft do we use?
Q. What should I bring?
Q. What if I've never fished before?
Q. What is your tipping guideline and do I have to bring cash to the lodge?
Q. What sort of food can I expect?
Q. Do I need a fishing license and where can I purchase one?
Q. What is for sale at the lodge?
Q. Are there any options for fish processing?
Q. Where can I store my fish after my trip if I am staying longer in Vancouver?
Q. How long can I travel with my frozen fish?
Q. Do you have strict baggage allowances for the flights to the lodge?
Q. Can I upgrade to "Fully-Instructed"?
Q. When do I need to be in Vancouver?
A. Fly in the day prior to trip departure date and stay with Delta Vancouver Airport Hotel the evening before in comfort and luxury.
Choosing to Drive? Click here for local
driving directions and hotel information.
Q. How long is the travel time to the lodge?
Englefield Bay and Tasu Sound: From Vancouver, BC you'll fly 2 hours to Sandspit Airport in the Queen Charlottes, where you'll transfer to our helicopter for the 15-20 minute flight directly to each lodge. You will be landing right on our doorstep.
Whale Channel and Milbanke Sound: From Vancouver, BC you'll fly 1 hour 45 minutes to Bella Bella Airport, where you'll transfer to our chartered aircraft for the 45 minute flight directly into the Whale Channel Lodge and 15 minutes to Milbanke Sound. You'll be landing right on our doorstep.
Q. What sort of charter aircraft do we use?
A. Englefield Bay and Tasu Sound: Dash 7 to Sandspit. Helicopters; Bell 212 & Long Rangers to the lodge.
Milbanke Sound and Whale Channel: Short 360 to Bella Bella; Grumman Goose and DeHavilland Beaver to the lodge.
Q. What should I bring?
A. We've tried to think of everything, but there are a number of personal items that you may want include when you pack:
- Warm clothing; separate items for layering works best
- Any personal medications you require during your trip (please carry with you rather than placing them in checked baggage).
- Your camera or video camera to capture that moment when you "land the big one"!
- Bathing suit for the hot tub
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Personal toiletry items
- We ask that you pack your gear in a soft-sided bag and limit the weight to 25 lbs. due to airline weight restrictions. Bags exceeding the 25 lb limit will be subject to extra charges. Please be sure to have valid ID with you at all times (i.e. valid passport or birth certificate with picture ID are absolutely required when crossing the border).
Q. What if I've never fished before?
A. No problem. We take care of everything for you. We'll supply the all equipment and gear you'll need. Plus we have an Instructor Program which gives you expert, patient one-on-one lessons all day long on you need it.
Q. What is your tipping guideline and do I have to bring cash to the lodge?
A. Our guideline recommends a tip of $75 per person for your instructor. $100 per person for the combined inside staff. This covers housekeeping, kitchen, deckhands and dining service. Each guest will have one tab that can be settled at the end of the trip.
Q. What sort of food can I expect?
A. Fresh produce and supplies are flown in weekly to maintain high quality and freshness. Each day guests will enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner services prepared by West Coast Chefs. From made-to-order breakfast to on-water lunch and even entrée options at dinner, our cuisine is exciting and satisfying. Knowing that time spent on the water is most important to our guests, we provide quick and fast service when dining. (Special dietary needs can be accommodated)
Q. Do I need a fishing license and where can I purchase one?
A. You are required to have a valid British Columbia Fishing License. They are available at our airport check-in prior to your trip. Your fishing license will be added to your running room tab to be settled at the end of your trip.
Q. What is for sale at the lodge?
A. Each lodge has its own gift shop. They will offer original native jewelry and art, West Coast Resorts clothing and apparel, limited sundries, disposable cameras and film, Cuban cigars and cigarettes.
Q. Are there any options for fish processing?
A. All our fishing trips include complimentary processing, portioning (fillet only, due to regulations), vacuum sealing and flash freezing. For an additional charge, you may have your own fish custom-processed and shipped directly to your residence. Typical options are canning, smoking, steaking and lox. Please note that guests do not have to choose one method or the other. They can combine options (i.e. Some processing done by us and some chargeable cannery options.)
Q. Where can I store my fish after my trip if I am staying longer in Vancouver?
A. When you stay with our hotel partner, the Airport Delta, they'll store your fish in their dedicated flash freezer.
Q. How long can I travel with my frozen fish?
A. Your flash frozen fish will be able to safely endure the day's worth of traveling. It is important keep in mind that if you are catching connectors out of Vancouver on the same day that the airplanes cargo holds are extremely cool. This combined with well packed flash frozen fish in wax corrugated cardboard boxes ensure proper transportation.
Q Do you have strict baggage allowances for the flights to the lodge?
A. Absolutely. Due to the logistics of our extremely remote locations, cargo space is very limited. Our strict policy allows our guests to enjoy a 25lb maximum baggage allowance. Please keep in mind that our lodges provide all the fishing equipment as well as the foul weather gear that you require. We want to ensure we'll have adequate cargo space to take home all your precious fish!
Q. Can I upgrade to "Fully-Instructed"?
A. Absolutely. All our packages include the daily 5 hours on on-water instructor with the option to upgrade. Full instruction is recommended for anyone who is new to the sport or who enjoys spending more time one-on-one with the area's experts. WCR and its representatives do their best to evaluate and recommend the level of instruction before the trip commences. If you feel that you may require or enjoy more instruction for your fishing trip, please contact your WCR representative prior to your departure. This will ensure your request will be met and a skilled, trained fishing instructor will accompany you for 10 hours of fishing per day. Please note that there would be additional charges for the upgrade to "fully instructed."
