We will be arriving in Vancouver, plan to spend a night and then travel to the Queen Charlotte Islands for a week, before returning to Vancouver to embark on a cruise to Alaska.
Wondering what is the best way to get to the islands ... flights seem to vary in price, although all are fairly expensive. Any airline better than the others? Is it worth buying seats in advance, or are they available and priced the same if one waits?

Any suggestions are welcome.

Yes flying is expensive and there are few deals anywhere.

Given the expected slump in tourism numbers due to the post-olympic hangover there should be space if you wait but don't expect prices to drop much if at all.

What about BC Ferries? I see that's available - their website is http://www.bcferries.com/

Got the info from the Queen Charlotte Islands Visitors Bureau website: http://www.qcinfo.ca/gethere.html

Hope that helps.

I'm pretty sure the ferry to the Charlottes is only from Prince Rupert, which is a long way north of Vancouver. Unfortunately, we're on a pretty tight schedule, so I can't see that working for us.

The Ferry is not only expensive but slow, unreliable and rough, locals call it the <b>Vomit Comet</b>. b-(