Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Sandspit. Sandspit Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 30 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Before heading into Sandspit, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for Canada vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Sandspit is roughly 30 minutes from YZP via local transport. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in local currency. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Things to Do During Your Layover
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Sandspit, two standouts are:
- Sandspit Beach Walk & Beachcombing — You don’t need long to appreciate it — even a brief visit is refreshing.
- Duna Vista Trail Hiking — Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside YZP, you can spend time at Terminal Window Viewing or try Haida Gwaii Information Display. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Eating Well on a Sandspit Layover
- In the city: Sandspit Inn Restaurant and Sandspit Co-op Deli & Cafe are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Sandspit.
- At the airport: Airport Snack & Coffee Counter and Vending Machines will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Transport from Sandspit Airport to Downtown
You have two main options for getting from Sandspit Airport into town:
- local transport: About 30 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 50 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Layover Budget Breakdown
Quick budget math for your Sandspit layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$10 |
| Meal | ~$20 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$40 |
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Sandspit.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Dedicated luggage storage at YZP may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Sandspit’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at YZP, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Sandspit itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Canada that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Resting at the Airport
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at YZP.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Sandspit count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave YZP. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.