There are three options for getting to Sointula Lodge for your fishing or wilderness tour adventure. The first, and most popular, option is to fly with Kenmore Air. With this option, you’ll board a seaplane trip in Lake Washington/Kenmore for a 2.5 hour flight over the beautiful Inside Passage. Your flight delivers you straight to our dock.
Another option is to fly to the Lodge from Vancouver. Pacific Coast Airlines offers flights from Vancouver to Port Hardy that take around an hour. From there, you’ll need to hop on a van for a ride to Port McNeill where our boats will pick you up to ferry you to our island.
Your third and final option is to drive to Port McNeill on North Vancouver Island in your own vehicle, which you can park at the Port McNeill Harbour Office and Visitor Center for a small daily fee. From there, our boats will ferry you to our island on the first day of your visit.
Depending on where you’re traveling from, this will mean taking a ferry to Vancouver Island, which is an adventure all it’s own if you’ve never experienced this form of travel before. One big benefit of choosing this option, though, is the chance to spend some time on beautiful Vancouver Island.
If you’re thinking about adding a road trip before or after your visit to Sointula Lodge, keep reading to learn a few must-see sights to enjoy near Port McNeill on Vancouver Island.
Elk Falls Provincial Park and Suspension Bridge
Elk Falls is a picturesque waterfall set in the lush green forests of Elk Falls Provincial Park. Surrounded by towering Douglas Fir trees, you can wander the park’s hiking trails, enjoy a picnic lunch, watch for wildlife, and more.
A visit to the park wouldn’t be complete without a walk across the Elk Falls Suspension Bridge. Swinging and swaying almost 200 feet, or 60 meters, above the Campbell River Canyon far below, it’s a wonderful photo opportunity that’s best left to those without a fear of heights.
The Mount Washington Scenic Chairlift
Another must-see activity that’ll have you braving some lofty heights is the Mount Washington Scenic Chairlift. Climbing slowly to an elevation of 5,200 feet or 1,588 meters, the ride takes about 15 minutes, giving you plenty of time to take in the sights. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see from Mt. Baker in Washington all the way to the Strait of Georgia. Once at the top, you are welcome to ride back down or hike the distance back to your car.
If you’re looking for something with a faster pace, there’s also a zip line on there that features a zip tour lasting 2 to 3 hours.
Discovery Passage Aquarium
If you’re traveling with children, stop by the Discovery Passage Aquarium at the beginning of your trip for an opportunity to get them excited about the aquatic species native to the region.
This hands-on aquarium offers educational opportunities for all ages. You can touch and feel a variety of sea creatures while learning about the diverse marine life that lives in and around Vancouver Island and the Inside Passage.
Take a Bike Tour
Biking is a popular way to explore many parts of Vancouver Island. While you’ll find bike rentals in many of the towns you’ll pass through, booking a bike tour is a great way to experience the island with a guide and learn about what makes the region so special and unique.
Visit the Haig-Brown Heritage House
If you have an interest in conservation and environmentalism, a visit to the Haig-Brown Heritage House is a must.
Built in 1923, the home once housed Roderick Haig-Brown, a celebrated environmentalist and conservationist, and his wife, Ann. Roderick was a published, popular writer, and wrote 25 books and more than 200 articles during his lifetime. His work continues to inspire people to interact with and protect nature, and conserve the beautiful region he once called home.
The Haig-Brown House is both a bed and breakfast and a museum, where you can see the author’s large collection of books and learn about his life and work. During the winter months, the home is occupied by a Writer in Residence through a cooperative program with the Campbell River Museum.
Planning Your Visit to Campbell River and Vancouver Island
If you’re planning to drive to Vancouver Island for your visit to Sointula Lodge, spending a day or two in the Campbell River area is a great way to extend your trip and experience more of what this incredible region has to offer.
Just as spots on Kenmore Air can fill up fast, now is a great time to secure your 2022 spot at Sointula Lodge. Book today to guarantee your choice of dates, and start looking forward to the adventure of a lifetime!