FAQ

WHAT ARE THE CURRENT COVID 19 RULES FOR TRAVELLING?

As we all know, the goalposts keep changing for travellers to abide by regulations in regard to COVID 19. Please read the following information carefully. We will keep updating as we learn of changes. For now, the current regulations require:

Travelling within Canada:

• if you are on a fly-in trip, passengers aboard our chartered flights must show proof of being fully vaccinated. This is expected to change by summer, but we are not holding our breath.
• if you are driving into Fair Harbour and being picked up by boat, as of April 8, 2022, you no longer need to show proof of vaccination in order to enter the lodge.

Travelling Internationally (including the US):

• Entering Canada - as of April 1, 2022, you no longer need to show proof of a negative Covid test to enter Canada by either air, land or sea. However, you must still provide proof of being fully vaccinated.
• you DO need to fill out the ArriveCan app. It is highly recommended that you have this completed before arriving at the border whether driving or flying. Information on the ArriveCan app can be found here.
• random testing at the border has been suspended as of June 13, 2022 but only temporarily until June 30, 2022 when the situation will be reassessed.
• Entering the US - As of June 12, 2022 travellers returning to the US by air, land or seas no longer require proof of a negative COVID 19 test within 24 hours of crossing the border. However, should this change again, there are several suppliers of this test located right at the Vancouver International Airport or in very close proximity. Covid testing locations

When is the best time to fish?

Walters Cove Resort prides itself in only opening during the peak time of the salmon runs. Unlike other lodges, we do not have a “shoulder” season where we discount because fishing can be hit and miss. We only operate from late June to the end of August. Feeder Chinook are present in our waters all year and the mature Chinook returning to their spawning rivers begin coming through in May and keep coming until well into September. Coho salmon start showing up in early July and get more prolific the later into the summer we get. Bottomfish (halibut, ling cod, rockfish) are present the whole year. To sum it up, you will experience peak fishing during our entire operating season!

What about tuna fishing?

Albacore tuna is an emerging fishing opportunity that can present opportunity in late August. While we don’t sell “tuna trips” per say, we do sometimes get the chance to fish for them. The conditions must be right. Water temperature, chlorophyll content and ocean conditions all need to line up for the tuna to come close enough to shore for us to have a shot at them (within 25 miles). We monitor ocean charts daily to determine if it is possible. Historically, the last half of August has been when “the planets align”.

How many fish can I bring home?

We have no restrictions on weight limits for fish coming home. However, the number of each species is controlled by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans regulations. Each season’s regulations come into effect on April 1 (the new license year). The following link will take you to DFO’s current regulations for Areas 26 and 126 (the management areas we fish).

Historically, our guests take home an average of 60 – 80 lbs of fileted fish.

How do I get my fish home?

Your fish are all packaged and ready to leave the lodge in airline approved, waxed cardboard boxes. Your fish will arrive with you in Vancouver at Seair either by plane or by reefer truck (depending on plane space). Commercial airlines will take these boxes as checked baggage. If you are driving into Fair Harbour it is highly suggested to bring coolers with you. We can also plan to have your fish shipped home for you via FedEx through St. Jeans Cannery.

Can I fish on arrival and departure days?

Arrival and departure days combine to provide you with 10 hours of guided fishing (one full day). Times on each day vary with the transportation option you have chosen to get here. Fish caught on your departure day will be filleted, portioned and vacuum packed. They may not have time to freeze before departing the lodge but if not, they will be packaged on ice to keep them cold for the trip home.

Do you book single anglers?

All our rates are based on double occupancy at the lodge and fishing with a minimum of 2 people per boat. However, we do keep a list of anglers who would like to be paired up. We arrange for correspondence between suggested pairings prior to coming so that you know you would be compatible. We usually can provide separate accommodations too. Call us to discuss your likes and we will do our best to find you a compatible fishing partner.

What is there for communication with the outside world at the lodge?

Kyuquot is very remote and there is no cellular service in the area. If you are driving to Fair Harbour, be advised that there is no cell service north of Campbell River. The lodge has complimentary Wi-Fi as well as a landline telephone so you won’t be cut off from the “real world”. Enjoy the break from the cell phone while you are here relaxing!!

What documents do I need to enter Canada?

Whether driving or flying into Canada you will require a current passport originating from your home country.

• Important tip: your passport cannot expire within 6 months of your trip or you may be denied entry.

I have had a DUI or DWI in my past. Will I have a problem entering Canada?

In Canada, a DUI (or DWI) is considered a felony and you could be denied entry at the border. However, there are permits you can get to allow entry. This website could be able to help.

What is your booking/payment procedure?

• We require a deposit of $1500/person at the time of booking to confirm your reservation. The balance of your invoice is then due on April 15th of the year of your trip.
• If you book after April 15th, the amount of the invoice is due in full at the time of booking.
• For Mariner Packages, a 50% deposit is required at the time of booking and the balance of your invoice is due 30 days prior to arrival.
• All invoices are in Canadian dollars.
• We accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards as well as cheques in Canadian dollars.

What is your cancellation policy?

• Deposits paid are non-refundable but are transferrable to another date in the same season or the next season providing the cancellation occurs prior to April 15 (when balances are due).
• Once the trip has been paid for in full, any monies paid can be transferred to another date within the same season, subject to availability, if arrangements are made more than 90 days prior to the original trip date.
• If you cancel the trip more than 90 days prior to the trip date and another date cannot be arranged for the same season, the invoice amount will be refunded, less the deposit amount.
• Any cancellations less than 90 days from the departure date for the trip will result in all monies paid being forfeited.
• It is highly recommended that trip cancellation insurance be obtained. Please go to the following link for a recommended broker.