I am travelling up to Smithers, BC this September, by flying from Vancouver Intnl Airport. Previously I have done this on Hawkair but it seems they no longer fly this route. My travel agent reckons the only option now is Air Canada and has booked my flights with them. Checking the Air Canada website for travelling with firearms it seems I will be hit with extra charges. That's annoying as Hawkair were very reasonable in that regard and with the baggage allowance.
Does anyone know if airlines other than Canada Air service this route ? I won't change my booking now but would rather not use Air Canada if there is a next time.

30.06
Check out on page 2 under Air Canada travel.It seems to be a mixed bag.

Agreed, a very mixed bag. I had already read the thread on Air Canada travel. That's why I asked if any other airlines fly the Vancouver / Smithers route. The extra charges by Air Canada are nothing more than gouging.
I'm still hoping someone can suggest an alternative to Air Canada.

You do not have any other options unless You fly Vancouver to Terrace via Westjet and then you are two hours car drive to Smithers.

I live In Prince Rupert but do most of my flying out of Terrace because of West Jet. Now These flights all all done with Dash 8's or CJ 400's ie prop aircraft. Make sure you book plenty time between Landing at YVR and making your connection to Smithers because you are going to clear customs at YVR and doing so with firearms is going to take you longer.

Thanks ALF.
I did note the West Jet option before when searching for other airline services. Hawkair also offers Vancouver / Terrace and have apparently dropped Smithers from their route. If I went to Terrace I would also have to hire a vehicle to transport myself to Smithers and it would be sitting unused for my hunt duration which is just a waste I would rather avoid. I don't know if it's possible to hire a vehicle in Terrace and return it in Smithers but if possible it would be an option.
We overnight in Vancouver on arrival day and fly to Smithers the next. Planning early check in for Smithers as you say as I expect delays checking in our firearms.

we do all our flying out of Terrace because they have about 11 flights a day in summer ( Winter less) as opposed to 2 flights only from Prince Rupert. Also the Terrace flights are way way cheaper than Prince Rupert Flights.
I get your car hire thing, what about getting your guide to pick you up in Terrace ?
Anyway what are you hunting and with who ?
Doing any fishing ? Steelhead in the Bulkley is huge in September !

Hunting Mountain Goat with Collingwoods.They pick up clients in Smithers. Terrace may be a bit of a stretch for them but I'm thinking maybe something they need to contemplate in future relative to airline schedule changes.
More a hunter than fisherman. Yeah, Steelhead season is a big thing. Seen many fishermen on the rivers and plenty stay at Hudson Bay Lodge where we usually camp for a day or so.

Good outfit !
Hope you have success.
I live in Goat country we often see them from the highway and in Winter when they come down low one can actually see them close to the road.

Indeed Air Canada will be it for options unfortunately, they charge about $50 Canadian each way for firearms, but other than that offer very good service. I use Smithers in the goat season too as we can fly right off the lake out front of the airport to goat country, saves a 250 mile round trip vs Terrace or a lot of floatplane time / money.

Look forward to hearing all about the hunt, Collingwoods are excellent, will be another great trip. I'll be around there a lot and if you have time to kill in town this season and I'm out of the bush, let's catch up.

Angus,
I'll definitely have time pre hunt but probably quite tight for time after. Let's try to coordinate a meet closer to the time and hopefully it works out for us both. Would welcome the opportunity if we can make it happen. Cheers.

Looks like central mountain air flies vancouve to smithers. I just picked a couple days 433.00 canadian return.. here is the link..

http://www.onetravel.com/fpnext/Air/Listing/s/1

Watson Lake