Answering your Questions

Langara FAQ

If you haven't visited us before you'll likely have a few questions about the trip and the experience. The goal of this FAQ page is to help you decide wether a trip to Langara Island Lodge is well suited for you and your group.

Something you don't see answered below or curious about availability? We'd love to hear from you and chat about getting you to Langara. Please feel free to reach out to either Liz Wolfe or Yos Gladstone via our Contact Us page.

Packages & Pricing

At Island Lodge we have built a flexible pricing plan that allows guests to choose how many boats will best accommodate their group size.

For two-person groups, the pricing is easy. The total would be two (2) packages plus one (1) boat.

For a larger group, say of four, there is the option to use one boat for everyone, and the pricing would be four (4) packages plus one (1) boat. If that same group preferred two boats, then the pricing would be four (4) packages plus two (2) boats. 

Boats have a capacity of four anglers. 

Packages include: return charter air transportation from Vancouver to Haida Gwaii with helicopter transfer to the lodge. Accommodations based on double occupancy, all meals and drinks, including alcohol. Fully guided fishing aboard your private boat, including marine clothing, fishing equipment, and fishing licenses. Care of your catch, vacuum packaging, flash freezing, and styro-box shipment to Vancouver are also included.

Not included: Pre and post accommodation if required in Vancouver. Staff & guide gratuities. Airport and conservation fees (approx. $196 CAD). GST and hotel tax. Further fish processing (i.e., canning/smoking/etc.).

Even-numbered groups work best at Island Lodge, as rooms have two beds in each, and pricing is based on double occupancy. If you have an odd-numbered group, there is a 50% package surcharge.

If you are a solo angler, please note that packages are based on double occupancy, and there is a 50% package surcharge on solo anglers.

We do not. We are very transparent about our pricing and are committed to ensuring all guests are treated equally and have access to our fair pricing. We are happy to offer all returning guests our Guest Loyalty Discount of $225 CAD or $175 USD per person.

All about fishing at Langara

Langara enjoys one of the longest salmon fishing seasons anywhere on the coast. Island Lodge opens in late May each year and closes in early September. These months offer prime salmon fishing, with our early season being focused mainly on chinook (king) salmon, while mid- to late-summer dates offer both chinook (king) and coho (silver) salmon fishing.

There really isn't a specific month when halibut fishing at Langara is better than any other time. Bottom fishing is really consistent through the entire season, with excellent opportunities for halibut, lingcod and other bottom fish all season long. Most of our bottom fishing is done relatively close to shore and within a 15-20 minute run from the lodge.

There are lots of places to go salmon fishing in British Columbia, but nothing compares to Langara. It offers the best salmon fishing found anywhere on the British Columbia coast, and our lodge's idyllic location offers the shortest possible runs to the fishing grounds. Some of our big fish spots are within eyesight of the lodge, and it is rare we have more than a 15-minute run to any of our fishing grounds. Many other lodges have 45 minutes or more before you're actually fishing. Another unique aspect of our salmon fishing program is the way we fish; more on that in the next FAQ...

We go back to an old-school style of fishing, a style that isn't that common anymore on the BC coast. It is called 'mooching', where we use light rods, single-action reels, and cut-plug herring as bait. We fish very shallow and close to the shore. We don't use downriggers or heavy gear; instead, our skilled guide crew fishes the tides and along kelp beds in search of big fish! This is an incredible way to fish, and Langara Island is home to the best mooching areas in British Columbia. Each boat fishes four rods, two in the front and two in the back. The front rod baits are placed very shallow, within feet of the boat, adding extra excitement to every bite. If you're serious about salmon fishing, you'll know there is nothing better than shallow water salmon fishing with a mooching rod!

Catch limits for salmon are four (4) salmon per day and a total of eight (8) salmon per trip. Chinook salmon are two (2) per day and four (4) per trip. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans sets limits, and these limits can be changed before or during each season.

Again, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans sets limits on halibut. For our 2024 season, you could keep two (2) halibut measuring under 85 cm (33.5 inches) in length or one (1) halibut measuring under 126 cm (50 inches) in length. Lingcod limits are three (3) lingcod per trip.

The lodge record at Langara Island Lodge is a whopping 77 pounds caught by long-time guest Michael Kennedy, also known as the Hogfather. Guide Darrell Ross netted, measured, and released this giant chinook salmon at Friendly Cove, a very fishy spot that is less than 10 minutes from the lodge!

Boats, Guides and Water Conditions

Yes, we run a fully guided program at Island Lodge. We have an incredible team of professional tidal angling guides; many have been with us at Langara Island for decades. On the northern reaches of Haida Gwaii, you definitely want a guide, maximizing your fishing time and enjoyment on the water.

All our guided boats are private; it will just be you and your group onboard with one of our fantastic guides.

Our uniformed fleet of 25' welded aluminum Ironwood boats is perfected for west coast salmon mooching and will have your group fishing in total comfort. All boats are powered by twin Yamaha 115 engines and are equipped with radar, safety equipment, and top-of-the-line electronics. Boats have a private head (bathroom) onboard. Boats are suited for up to four anglers, with lots of deck room and seating for all.

Yes, all our guided boats are equipped with full bathrooms, so all members of your group can fish without worry.

Our guide staff is a big part of our 90% return rate at Island Lodge, with a team of the most experienced saltwater captains on the coast of BC. The majority of our full-time guides have spent 10-20 years guiding at Langara, some even more! Led by our head guide Mark MacAneely, who has guided at the lodge for almost 30 years, our team is dedicated to ensuring all guests have an incredible and safe experience at Langara. If you're looking to fish with true professional saltwater guides, then Island Lodge is where you want to be.

The landmass of Langara Island is about 8000 acres, or approximately 12.5 square miles. On a calm day the island is circumnavigated in about 40 minutes. Each point of Langara offers fishing opportunities, as does the Graham Island shoreline directly across from Langara.

Haida Gwaii is often described as the Galápagos Islands of the north. The area around Langara is rich in marine life included lots of humpback whales, pods of orcas and other marine mammals. It is not uncommon to see multiple whales in a day while out fishing. Along Graham Island, during the low tides, we often spot black bears and the treetops of Langara are the summering grounds for countless bald headed eagles.

Very few of our guests ever get seasick. The short runs, inshore fishing and protected waters all help. We are always within site of land and most often fishing within close proximity to the shoreline. If you are susceptible to seasickness taking some non-drowsy Gravol cures almost everyone!

Accommodations & Dining

Langara Island Lodge is comprised of three unique smaller lodges. They include the Chinook Lodge with a capacity of 22 guests, the Eagle Lodge with a capacity of 12 guests, and the Raven Cottage with a capacity of 6 guests.

Depending on group size, any of the lodges can be booked privately. The Chinook Lodge is usually shared by several smaller groups. The Eagle Lodge does have some shared group dates throughout the season but is generally booked by groups of 12. The Raven Cottage is always booked as a private lodge.

The Chinook Lodge is usually the one with the most availability throughout the season. The Eagle and Raven openings are very limited.

The Kusgwai Spa at Island Lodge features a steam room, sauna, fitness/yoga area, and a full-time masseuse. Spa treatments can be booked upon arrival at the lodge. Visit our Spa & Amenities page for more information.

There is a gift shop at the lodge that sells branded Patagonia and Arc'Teryx clothing along with locally made art and other gifts. If you need something warm, there are beanies, gloves, socks, and underlayers for sale as well. Complimentary toiletries are available from the lodge.

The Chinook Lodge has eleven rooms, each with two double beds. The Eagle Lodge has six rooms, each with two queen beds, and the Raven Cottage has three rooms with two queen beds in each. Rooms are suitable for two guests. There are cots available for groups with a single smaller child.

Island Lodge has long prided itself on a fresh and fun culinary program. Our head chef, Richard Benson, has elevated our dining experience for guests to the highest level. The menu is west coast inspired, with fresh fish, locally sourced meats, and ingredients rounding out options for all. There are also plenty of crowd pleasers, including burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more. Our in-house pastry team bakes all the bread and goodies fresh daily. Breakfast is served each morning, and our on-the-water food service delivers mid-morning snacks and coffees to each boat. Lunch can be enjoyed at the lodge or picked up for a bite on the water. The dinner menu features a variety of options each evening.

Yes. All meals, snacks, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included. This includes wine, beer, and spirits.

Absolutely. We're happy to make sure any and all dietary requirements are satisfied. Upon booking, we will send you a guest information form on which you can include any requests, allergies, etc. Our kitchen staff will be notified prior to your trip.

Booking Your Trip

Available dates are not on this website. The best place to start is by sending us an inquiry via our Contact Us page. Please let us know what timeframe would best suit you, your group size, and any other pertinent details. A member of our dedicated sales team will get back to you with availability.

If you're interested in a trip, you should certainly inquire as early as possible. Our return rate at Island Lodge is about 90%, so seasonal dates do book very early as returning guests have first right of refusal. Our booking process for each season generally begins in mid-October, after the lodge is shut down for the year.

To secure your space, a 50% deposit is required, with final payment due 120 days prior to your trip's starting date. Cheque and wire transfer payments are preferred.

When you have so much fun at Langara, you always want to come back for more! Current guests have first right of refusal, so if you visit us one year that date will be yours for the following year. Our booking process begins by reaching out to current guests to see if they would like to rebook their date. Once we finish that, which is generally in mid November, we begin offering dates and time slots to those who have made inquiries.

Travel Tidbits

We're located on the very northern tip of Haida Gwaii, just off of British Columbia's northern coast. On a clear day we can see Alaska, which is only about 45 miles away!

From Vancouver the travel time is only a few hours. Our chartered flight from Vancouver, which is included in all packages, is about 1.5 hours and lands in the community of Masset. In Masset you will board a helicopter for the 15-minute flight to Langara Island.

You will check in at Vancouver International Airport's South Terminal. This is a small terminal on the YVR grounds. There is shuttle service from nearby hotels, including the Fairmont Vancouver Airport, and ample parking if you are driving.

A detailed travel planner, including a packing list, will be sent upon booking. Warm layers for on the water and comfortable attire for at the lodge are all you need. Marine clothing is included to keep you dry and warm while on the water. Please note, there is a 30-pound maximum for baggage.

Yes, if you are flying private, simply let our sales team know so arrangements can be made for your arrival in Masset. There is tarmac space if your plane is staying while you are at the lodge. There is no runway at Langara Island itself, so once you have landed in Masset, you will board the helicopter to reach the lodge.

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2025 PRIME DATES

The 2025 season is filling up quick! Contact our dedicated travel team for availability, pricing and more information.

The 2025 season is filling up quick! Contact our dedicated travel team for availability, pricing and more information.

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