In some cases, patients and their families may need to use alternative transportation in order to receive healthcare services. There are a number of non-profit and commercial transportation providers who offer a variety of service options to patients. Each of these providers have their own policies in place for determining eligibility, as well as the types of patients they are able to offer service to. The links provided below are for information purposes only. Please contact each individual provider for more details on their services.
BC MINISTRY OF HEALTH
The Travel Assistance Program (TAP) offers travel discounts to eligible B.C. residents who must travel within the province for non-emergency medical specialist services not available in their own community, and whose travel expenses are not covered by third-party insurance or other government programs.
NON-PROFIT TRANSPORTATION
The Shrine Care Cruiser program (1-800-661-KIDS), offers free transportation to any BC child and their parents, or care givers, who are receiving treatment at any Shriners Hospitals for Children, BC Childrens Hospital, BC Women's Hospital and Sunny Hill Hospital. Any other travel requests must be pre-approved by the Shriners of BC & Yukon Board of Directors.
Hope Air (1-877-346-4673) is a not-for-profit charitable organization which provides free air transportation for financially burdened Canadians who need to travel to and from medical appointments. Hope Air is not an air ambulance. Rather, it provides donated flights on both commercial airlines and on private planes. Anyone, a patient or family member, a health care professional or a social worker, can call the Hope Air office to see if a flight is available or click on the applicable highlighted words to be provided with further information. For additional details contact Hope Air at 1-877-346-4673 or at www.hopeair.org
AIR
Air Canada / Air BC / Jazz (1-888-247-2262) offers service to Fort St. John, Kamloops, Prince George, Prince Rupert, Sandspit, Smithers, Terrace and Vancouver. For additional information on traveling with Air Canada, visit their Travel Planning website or theirFrequently Asked Questions.
Central Mountain Air (1-888-865-8585) serves Dawson Creek, Fort Nelson, Fort St. John, Prince George, Quesnel, Smithers and Terrace. For more information regarding travel with Central Mountain Air, visit their Terms and Conditions website.
HawkAir (1-800-487-1216) provides flights between Prince Rupert and Vancouver, as well as Terrace and Vancouver. For more information on HawkAir travel policies, click on the “Travel Tips” option in the menu bar at the top of their website.
WestJet Airlines (1-800-538-5696) service includes flights from Prince George to Vancouver. Need more information about your flight with WestJet? Visit their Travel Tips website.
LAND
Greyhound Canada (1-800-661-8747) offers bus services across northern British Columbia. For more questions about Greyhound, visit their Travel Information website.
VIA Rail Canada (1-888-842-7245) offers rail service between Prince Rupert and Prince George. Have any questions or concerns? Visit their frequently asked questions.
SEA
BC Ferries (1-888-223-3779) offers ferry service to communities along the British Columbia coast. Looking for more information on booking a trip on BC Ferries? Visit their Travel Planning website.