There aren’t many things besides your clothing or personal items that you’ll need to bring with you for a stay at Sointula Lodge. Unlike some British Columbia lodges, which require you to bring some of your own gear, we provide everything that you need to enjoy a day on the water casting a line or searching for wildlife. This includes all of your fishing gear, bait, float coats, and an experienced guide to lead the way!
But besides some clothing and extras like a swimsuit for a dip in the hot tub or a great book to enjoy while relaxing in your cabin, there are a few items every visitor will need to have. These items are required for all guests at the best fishing lodge British Columbia has to offer. Without them, you might not even be able to enter Canada for your trip, or won’t be able to enjoy some incredible salmon fishing during your visit.
Keep reading to learn more about the essential official documents you’ll need for your visit to British Columbia fishing lodges.
Your Passport, Passport Card, or NEXUS Card
Unless you’re visiting British Columbia lodges as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you’ll need a passport, passport card, or NEXUS card for your visit. Which official travel document you need will depend on where you are visiting from and how you’ll be arriving in Canada. In some cases, you might also need a visa for your visit.
NEXUS Card
A NEXUS card is a travel document that may be available for certain individuals who frequently travel between Canada and the United States. Travelers must apply and be pre-approved for a NEXUS card. You’ll also need to complete an in-person interview to get a NEXUS card and pay a $100 fee. But after obtaining one, you can use your NEXUS card to quickly enter Canada by air, sea, or land for your visit to the best fishing lodge British Columbia has to offer.
Passport Cards and Books
Most other U.S. citizens and permanent residents will need either a passport card or a passport to enter Canada. Passport cards are a less expensive alternative to passports. They can be used to travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and some Caribbean countries. However, the passport card can only be used if you’ll be entering Canada by land or sea.
If you plan to fly to Canada, you will instead need a U.S. Passport Book. If you don’t already have a passport, make sure to complete the application at least a few months before your planned trip, as it can sometimes take more than 9 weeks to get your book after approval.
Who Needs a Visa to Visit Canada
If you’re visiting from outside of the U.S., you will still need a valid passport from your home country. You may also need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization, or eTA, to enter the country. Check this list to find out whether you’ll need additional documentation to visit Canada and British Columbia lodges like Sointula Lodge.
A British Columbia Fishing Licence
In addition to a passport and possibly a visa or eTA, each visitor to Sointula Lodge will also need to have a British Columbia fishing license. Without this, you won’t be able to spend any time fishing during your Sointula Lodge stay. Luckily, you can get your fishing license in just a few minutes online ahead of your visit.
Anyone age 16 or older will need their own fishing license. You’ll need to obtain and print your license before you arrive at Sointula Lodge. Even if you don’t think that you’ll want to fish during your visit, get a license. This will allow us to set prawn and crab traps during your tour as well.
To get your license, go to Fisheries and Ocean Canada. If you haven’t had a Canadian fishing license before, click “Register Now,” under “New Fishers.” Follow the prompts to create your profile. When asked about your preferred fishing region, select “Pacific.”
You’ll want to purchase a 5-day license, choosing the dates of your Sointula Lodge trip. Add a salmon stamp to your fishing license as well. Purchase your license, print it out, and make sure to bring it with you on your trip!
Planning Your Visit to British Columbia Fishing Lodges
Now that you know what essential official documents you’ll need during your stay at British Columbia lodges, it’s time to start planning your next visit.
Spots are already filling fast for the 2023 season at Sointula Lodge! Purchasing your Fishing Trip or Wilderness Package today will help you get your choice of dates, and give you plenty of time to get your passport and fishing license. Book your 2023 visit to Sointula Lodge today to get started!