Sandspit Airport

Sandspit Airport (YZP) is not merely an air harbour, but a gateway to the amazing world of the Haida Gwaii archipelago, known for its pristine nature and the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous peoples. Located on Moresby Island, it serves as a starting point for travellers seeking to explore ancient rainforests, unique wildlife, and mysterious totem poles. Upon landing here, you immediately feel the peaceful atmosphere of one of the most picturesque corners of Canada. This small but important airport provides a link to the mainland and is the key to unforgettable adventures.

The main advantage of Sandspit Airport is its compactness and convenience. There is none of the hustle and bustle of large transport hubs here, allowing passengers to complete all formalities quickly and begin their journey without unnecessary stress. Despite its modest size, essential services are available in the terminal, including car rental counters, which is critically important for exploring the islands. The airport is a key transport hub for the southern part of Haida Gwaii, providing regular connections to Vancouver. Its location makes it an ideal starting point for trips to the Gwaii Haanas National Park and for discovering the region's unique ecosystem.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Sandspit Airport (YZP). We recommend checking the data for accuracy on the official airport website before your trip.

• Official Website: Generally, the most accurate and up-to-date information on flights, services, and regulations can be found on the airport's official website: sandspitairport.com
• Help Desk Phone: For immediate information, you can call the main airport number: +1 250-637-5313.
• Airport Address: 1 Airport Rd, Sandspit, BC V0T 1T0, Canada.
• Email: For written enquiries, you can use the e-mail: info@sandspitairport.com.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain active pages on social networks. It is recommended to use the phone or email for communication.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you should first contact your airline's representative. For items left in the terminal building, please contact the general airport phone number.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For all general questions, including information on accessible facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, please contact the main airport phone or email.

Getting to Sandspit Airport (YZP), located in the settlement of the same name on Moresby Island in the Haida Gwaii archipelago, is quite simple, although it requires advance planning due to the region's remoteness. The village of Sandspit is small, so a trip from any point within it to the terminal will take just a few minutes. The main transport options are oriented towards tourists arriving in this unique part of Canada.

Taxis and Shuttles. This is the most common and convenient way to get to the airport. Local taxi services and private shuttles operate in Sandspit, often coordinating their work with flight schedules. It is highly recommended to book a transfer in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. The cost of a short trip within the village is usually 20–40 Canadian dollars, while a transfer to other parts of the island may cost significantly more.

Car Rental. For travellers planning to explore the Haida Gwaii islands on their own, renting a car is the best choice. Several rental companies have representatives at the airport or nearby. This provides maximum freedom of movement. As with taxis, it is necessary to book a car well in advance, as quantities are limited. The estimated rental cost starts from 80–120 Canadian dollars per day. Parking is available at the airport where you can leave the vehicle.

Public Transport. In the traditional sense, public transport is absent in Sandspit. Movement between Moresby Island, where the airport is located, and Graham Island (where the settlements of Queen Charlotte and Masset are located) is carried out via a ferry crossing. Some shuttles may offer a comprehensive service including transfer and crossing, which is worth clarifying in advance.

Alternative Airports. Although Sandspit is the key air hub for the southern part of Haida Gwaii, travellers may consider other options. To the north of the archipelago lies Masset Airport (ZMT), from which you can reach Sandspit by car using the ferry crossing. For those arriving from the mainland of British Columbia, the main entry point could be Digby Island Airport (YPR) in Prince Rupert. From there, a multi-hour ferry runs to the archipelago, which in itself can be a picturesque part of the journey.

Sandspit Airport (YZP) is a small regional airport serving as the main air gateway to the Haida Gwaii archipelago. Its structure is extremely simple and intuitive, making your stay here comfortable and eliminating the stress typical of large aviation hubs.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which handles all flights — both arrivals and departures. The terminal building is very compact, and all its infrastructure is located on one level. Essentially, it is one large hall divided into functional zones; it is practically impossible to get lost here.

Immediately upon entry, you find yourself in the general area where the airline check-in counters are located. The departure zone consists of a small waiting lounge after passing security control. The arrival zone is located right here as well and includes a belt (or area) for baggage claim. Since there is only one terminal, no transfers between terminals or complex navigation are required — everything is within a couple of steps from each other.

Completing all pre-flight formalities at Sandspit Airport usually takes minimal time. Thanks to the low passenger flow, queues for check-in and screening are generally non-existent. The process proceeds quickly and without fuss. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 90 minutes before departure to calmly check in luggage and pass through security, especially during the peak tourist season.

The history of Sandspit Airport (YZP), the main air gateway of the Haida Gwaii archipelago in Canada, begins during the years of the Second World War. It was built in 1943 as a military airfield for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Its primary task was the defence of the country's west coast from potential threats. Located on a strategically important archipelago (then known as the Queen Charlotte Islands), the airfield played a key role in the coastal defence system.

After the war ended, the military base was converted into a civil facility. Management of the airport was transferred to the Department of Transport, and from that moment, its new history began. The airport became a vital transport hub connecting the remote settlements of the archipelago with the mainland, particularly with cities such as Prince Rupert and Vancouver. For local residents, it turned into a true "gateway to the wider world".

Over the decades, the airport has been modernized repeatedly to meet modern aviation requirements and growing passenger traffic. Works were carried out to improve the runway and navigation equipment. One of the key stages of development was the construction of a new terminal, which made the airport experience more comfortable for travellers. Today, the airport serves not only tourists but also ensures the delivery of mail, cargo, and the execution of medical flights, highlighting its exceptional importance for the entire region.

Interesting fact: the airport is located on a narrow sand spit, which gave the town of Sandspit its name. Such a unique location offers passengers breathtaking views during takeoff and landing, but sometimes creates difficulties for pilots due to fog and strong crosswinds. Thus, the former military outpost has turned into an indispensable civil facility, whose history is closely intertwined with the life and development of the Haida Gwaii archipelago.

Sandspit Airport (YZP) is a small regional air station providing a basic set of services for a comfortable wait for your flight. It is important to consider that due to the compact size of the terminal, the selection of amenities here is limited but includes everything most essential for travellers.

A small café operates within the airport, where passengers can have a snack or a hot drink before departure. Shops, including Duty Free, are absent here, so purchases should be taken care of in advance. There are no separate premium lounges or VIP zones in the terminal; the departure area is common for everyone.

Passengers have access to free Wi-Fi, allowing them to stay connected. To charge gadgets, there are electrical outlets in the waiting hall, but their number may be limited. There are no bank branches or currency exchange points at the airport, although an ATM may be installed. It is recommended to settle all financial matters before arriving at the airport.

The terminal is fully accessible for passengers with reduced mobility, and airport staff are always ready to provide necessary assistance during check-in and boarding. For travellers with small children, basic amenities are provided, such as baby changing tables in the restrooms. There are no specialised medical points, conference halls, or business centres at the airport.

There are no hotels directly on the territory of the air terminal. The nearest accommodation options, including guest houses and motels, can be found in the settlement of Sandspit located nearby.

Dining opportunities at Sandspit Airport (YZP) correspond to its status as a small regional terminal. You will not find a large food court with many restaurants here; however, a cosy café or snack bar is provided for a comfortable wait. This is the main place where passengers can have a snack, drink coffee, and relax in a quiet environment.

The establishment's menu usually features classic and filling dishes, ideally suited for travellers. You can count on fresh sandwiches and wraps, warming soups, as well as various pastries — muffins, croissants, and cookies. This is an excellent place for both a quick snack and a more substantial lunch. Sometimes, dishes with local flair can be found on the menu, for example, a sandwich with smoked salmon, offering a chance to touch the gastronomy of the Haida Gwaii region.

The café is located in the public zone (landside) of the single terminal, so it is accessible both to departing passengers before passing security control and to those meeting them. The establishment's opening hours depend directly on the flight schedule: it opens shortly before the first flight and ceases operations after the departure of the last plane of the day.

Passengers with specific dietary requirements should bear in mind that the selection of vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free dishes may be very limited. It is recommended to clarify the availability of suitable options on site or, to be sure, bring a snack with you. The price range in the café corresponds to the average level for airports, offering a reasonable price-quality ratio for the convenience of travellers.

Travelling through Sandspit Airport (YZP), the gateway to the Haida Gwaii archipelago, can be simple and pleasant if you know a few nuances. Here are several tips that will help you prepare for your flight from this small but important airport in Canada.

Arrival at the airport and check-in. Sandspit Airport is small, so there are rarely long queues here. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive 90 minutes before the departure of a domestic flight. This will give you enough time to check in your luggage without rushing and pass through security control. To save time, use online check-in, which usually opens 24 hours before departure.

Seat selection and hand luggage. Given the picturesque location of the airport, if possible, choose a window seat. During takeoff and landing, stunning views of the islands and the coast will open up to you. Standard rules for hand luggage apply here as well: liquids in containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag, as well as the absence of sharp objects. Check the exact baggage allowance on your airline's website, as they may be stricter on small regional aircraft.

Customs control and transfers. Since Sandspit Airport serves only domestic flights (mainly to Vancouver), there is no need to pass through customs and border control here. If you are flying to Sandspit from another country, you will complete all customs formalities at the first airport of arrival in Canada. If you have a transfer planned at a larger airport, study its map in advance and allow enough time between flights.

Saving money and unforeseen situations. To save money, book tickets in advance and consider travelling light with only hand luggage. There is a limited selection of cafés at the airport, so you can bring permitted snacks with you. In case of a flight delay, which is possible due to weather conditions in the region, stay in touch with airline representatives and monitor updates on the display boards. Having a portable charger and an interesting book will help pass the waiting time.