Getting Here

Escape the everyday - your adventure begins the moment you embark on a journey to Farewell Harbour Lodge!

Our program begins and ends at Alder Bay RV Park & Marina, 15km south of Port McNeill on northern Vancouver Island. Packages include a round trip water taxi transfer from Alder Bay to Farewell Harbour Lodge. The journey will take you into the heart of the Broughton Archipelago past some of the most bio-diverse marine habitat on the planet. We often get side-tracked on our way to the lodge by feeding Humpback Whales, curious Steller Sea Lions, or playful Pacific White Sided Dolphins!

We depart Alder Bay at 12:30 pm, arriving at Farewell Harbour Lodge at approximately 1:00 pm. We ask guests to check in at the Alder Bay RV Park & Marina main office at least 30 to 60 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. Below is a little more information on how to start your adventure:

Flying to Port Hardy

Fly from Vancouver International Airport’s South Terminal (YVR South) to Port Hardy with Pacific Coastal Airlines. We ask that you fly into Port Hardy the day before your arrival at Farewell Harbour Lodge to avoid any potential flight delays or missed connections. You are responsible for pre-booking your own hotel and private taxi transfers from Port Hardy Airport to your accommodations.
Feel free to contact us for more information!

Our Ground Shuttle

For those spending time in Port Hardy beforehand, we offer a complimentary ground shuttle transfer to Alder Bay on the morning you are travelling to the lodge. We are happy to collect you from any local hotel for the 40 minute transfer to meet our midday water taxi. We offer a return transfer on your departure from the lodge to Port Hardy Airport or any local hotel. Please let us know if you require our ground shuttle transfer for your arrival or departure from the lodge.

Driving To Alder Bay

Guests with a vehicle can connect with our tours at Alder Bay RV Park and Marina, where our Farewell Harbour water taxi awaits to whisk you away on the short ride across Johnstone Strait to the lodge. Alder Bay is a short drive on a well-maintained road off Highway 19 near Telegraph Cove. Complimentary parking is provided during your stay with us at the lodge.

Google Maps link for Alder Bay

Our water taxi

Our water taxi transfer departs Alder Bay at 12:30 pm for a half hour journey through the rich waters of Johnstone Strait and Blackfish Sound. Keep your eyes peeled for the blow of a Humpback whale or the sleek dorsal fin of an Orca. Steller sea lions can be spotted lazing on sun-warmed rocks while bald eagles soar above, scanning the waters for their next meal. As you journey deeper into this natural paradise, notice your own connection to this wild but profoundly peaceful place.

Some Frequently asked questions

Can I drive from Vancouver?

If driving from Vancouver, there is a 1-hour 40-minute ferry crossing from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island, and then a 345km drive from Nanaimo to Alder Bay, which is about 4 hours driving time. To meet our midday water taxi transfer you will need to make your way to Vancouver Island the day before. BC Ferries reservations are strongly recommended.

What flights should I book?

We are happy to help guide you as we know which flights work best with our logistics. For guests flying out of Port Hardy on their departure, our ground shuttle will transfer you from Alder Bay to Port Hardy Airport for your flight to Vancouver. It is important to book a flight after 2:00 pm to coordinate with our departure logistics.

Are there any luggage restrictions?

Our transfers have no luggage restrictions, but please be mindful of space on our shuttle and water taxi.

What can I expect on the last day?

On the last day of your package, there is time in the morning for a short excursion or activity. We depart the lodge at 11:30 am and guests are back in Alder Bay around noon for ongoing connections.

Can I book international flights on the same day as my departure from the lodge?

We recommend staying overnight in Vancouver and not booking any same-day international connections in case of flight delays.