Parks
and Trails of Port Hardy, Winter Harbour,
Coal Harbour
& Holberg Discover Vancouver Island, British Columbia,
Canada |
Cape
Scott Provincial Park. The most
popular destination for backpackers, bird watchers and naturalists
looking for adventure in the northern Vancouver Island region. Cape
Scott Provincial Park is located near Holberg which is accessed
by a 63 kilometre (hour and a half) drive over active logging gravel
roads from Port Hardy, BC, Canada. The Cape Scott trail is a 50
kilometre return hike from the active Cape Scott Lighthouse...
[ more information about
Cape Scott Provincial Park and trails ... ]
Raft
Cove Provincial Park. Short day hike
down to a wonderful, beautiful sandy beaches with panoramic ocean
views of Raft Cove. It is a private little cove well worth the 1 hour
hike. A popular location for picnics and beach combing. Raft Cove
is a 63 kilometre drive along gravel dirt roads past the community
of Holberg just west of Cape Scott Provincial Park.[
more information about Raft
Cove Provincial Park and trails ... ]
Tex
Lyon Trail. A trail, which prior to 1940 was originally
the route used to get from Fort Rupert to Port Hardy, BC. The trailhead
is located south of Port Hardy off of Hwy #19 at Storey's Beach. The
Tex Lyon Trail is a difficult 4.5 hour hike. The first 20 minutes
of the hike is a walk along the sandy shores of Storey's Beach. [
more information about Tex Lyon Trail ]
- Ronning's
Garden. Wilderness trees, plants and shrubs
from around the world along the paths and throughout the fields
of the green lush Ronning's Garden. Started in 1910 by Bernt Ronning.
When he past away the gardens were left neglected for some years.
Not for too long as the hidden treasure garden was brought back
to life by Ron and Julia Moe. Located on the way to Cape Scott Provincial
Park. Watch for the Ronning's Garden sign. Follow gravel road driveway.
Take the short 10 minute walk into the gardens and start your own
self guided tour. [ more
information about Ronnings Garden ]
- Broughton
Archipelago. Fantastic wildlife, wilderness
viewing of some of Canada's most remote forests among hundreds of
Islands. Whale and Black bear watching, beachcombing, sea birds
over head leading the way. Explore and discover nature in the many
secluded bays and inlets of the Islands. Located via boat or kayak.
Tour guides available and recommended. [ more
information about Broughton Archipelago ]
- Mount
Cain.
Vancouver Island's second mountain recreational resort is Mt. Cain.
Silently growing into a destination known for less visitor traffic,
powder snow and untouched, virgin ski runs is Mount Cain. Mt. Cain
is rated as one of the best smaller powder ski hills in British
Columbia, Canada. Ski Canada, recently ranked Mt. Cain as the 5th
best in powder ski conditions in Canada. [
more information
about Mount Cain ]
- Knight
Inlet: North Vancouver
Island kayaking tours around Knight Inlet includes exploring West
Cracroft Island, East Cracroft Island, Minstrel Island and Turnour
Island. And… exploring the Havannah Channel, Chatham Channel,
Clio Channel leading into Knight Inlet which separate the various
islands and acts as the main kayaking route.
[ more info on Knight Inlet ...
]
- Kingcome
Inlet: kayaking trip
itineraries will lead you through Spring Passage and Retreat Passage
to the village of Health Bay in Health Lagoon looking out over Bonwick
Island. Baker and Eden Islands are further north on the way to Echo
Bay, which has a store and a pub and other goodies. Then pass on
by Broughton Island into Kingcome Inlet. [ more
info on Kingcome Inlet ... ]
- Johnstone
Strait: sea kayaking
into areas like Robson Bight and Blackfish Sound where some of the
biggest concentration of orcas ( Killer Whales) survive and thrive
on the West Coast of Canada. Kayaking the coastlines of Blackney
Passage, Telegraph Cove, Blackfish Sound, Beaver Cove and Broughton
Strait visiting with Cormorant Island, Malcolm Island, Hanson Island,
Hambledown Island and the village of the Mamalilaculla totems on
Village Island [ more info on Johnstone
Strait ... ]
- Botel Park. A short walk the whole family
can enjoy the forested trails of Botel Park. Botel Park looks out
at Mathews Island and the spanning Forward Inlet. It is captivating
and scenic. A "Kodak Moment" will probably happen more
then once. Take the active logging gravel roads towards Holberg
and onto Winter Harbour east of Port Hardy.
- Cape Palmerston. A perfect beach
getaway for all ages. Cape Palmerston is a beautiful forested West
Coast site that is accessable by a vehicle. A short walk from the
Cape Palmerston parking lot and you are on the beach. Campsites
also onsite. Follow road signs to Cape Scott Provincial Park. After
visiting the village of Holberg, BC watch for signs to Raft Cove.
Pass Raft Cove and watch for the Cape Palmerston turnoff. Enjoy!
- Carrot Park. The most photographed
area of Port Hardy, BC. Passing by you will often see cameras flashing
of the 3 wood carvings, 3 flags, a tribute to Port Hardy's sister
city of Numata, Japan and the Sea Wall with the ocean in the back
ground. Wood carving carrot marks the end of the Highway. The coastline
walkway of Port Hardy called the Sea Wall starts at Carrot Park
and ends at Tsulquate Park at " Mile 0". From the benches
of Carrot Park one can view float planes landing, fishing boats
returning from a big catch and the activities of the Coast Guard
at the pier with the looming mountains in the background.
- Chainsaw Carvings. Unique wooden sculptures
carved with a chainsaw displayed throughout the village of Port
Hardy depicting the areas history and environment. There is a wood
carving "Salmon" at the RCMP building, an "Eagle"
at the Glen Lyon Inn, a "Bear" at the Airport Inn, Public
Library and at the entrance to the Bear Cove Highway.
- Devil's Bath. The artistic
work of time and nature. Devil's Bath is a sink hole, a rock bowl
that is filled by an under ground stream. The path is slippery and
steep. So be aware. Located on gravel logging roads in the Nimpkish
Lake area. Watch for the signs to Little Huston Lake Arches and
Caves located on the Island Highway.
- Fort Rupert Village. This community was once
the site of a Hudson Bay Fort. The community has many Totem Poles
for viewing and the local First Nations people built a "Big
House" for special ceremonies. A short drive from Port Hardy
- Little Hustan Cave Regional Park. Limestone
caves and rock arches. A short walking trail leads into the Little
Hustan Cave Park. There is a viewing platform looking down at the
river and a rock bridge. Caving is very slippery, be prepared with
good traction, flashlight and hard helmet if you have one. Take
the Zeballos turnoff from Highway 19 and follow the signs down gravel
roads for 21 kilometres.
- Murals. Artists of the area are rewarded
with the opportunity to paint the village of Port Hardy depicting
the area's rich environment. Take a self guided tour around and
about Port Hardy and enjoy the areas past and present through art.
The murals can be found at the Airport Inn, Malone's Bistro, Hardy
Buoys Smoked Fish plant, at the local library, North Island Dive
Centre, Thunderbird Mall and Seagate Hotel.
- Totem Poles. A reflection of the
deep First Nations heritage of the area. Totem Poles can be seen
at Port Hardy Airport, Bear Cove BC Ferry Terminal, Chamber of Commerce
building, Thunderbird Inn, Rotary Park, and Thunderbird Mall.
- Marble River Trail. A short 4 km river hike
with tall mature Hemlock and Balsam trees and limestone canyon walls
located 30 minutes from Port Hardy. The river is a great viewing
spot to see Salmon spawn. It is a 3 hour round trip hike. Located
along the Port Alice Hwy in the Marble Creek Recreation Park campground.
- Port Hardy Museum. A trip into the past with
many interesting exhibits. The museum tells the story of Port Hardy's
First Nations, mining, forestry, and whaling history. Located at
7110 Market St. in Port Hardy.
- Quatse River Estuary. At the head
of Hardy Bay with two rivers feeding into it is Quatse River Seaturay.
A picture world for naturalists with plenty of opportunity for wildlife
and bird watching. A viewing tower onsite for clear views of the
surrounding lush marsh environment. Definitely bring camera and
binoculars. Located on Goodspeed Rd in Port Hardy, BC.
- Quatse River Trail. The relaxing trail follows
the rivers edge and through some lush rain forest areas. Visit the
estuary and the number of other off shoot trails. Also The trail
and Quatse River Hatchery are located at the corner of Hardy Rd.
and Hwy #19.
- San Josef Bay Trail. Admire the cliffs and
the crashing waves from your sandy beach. A 2 km rain forest hike
takes you to oceanic views of the real west coast... untouched,
pure and rugged. The wild part of nature. Lots to explore here especially
at low tide. Located north of Port Hardy, 30 minutes from Holberg
in Cape Scott Provincial Park.
- Storey's Beach. Miles of fine white sandy
beaches located 10 kilometres from Port Hardy. A popular sandy beach
for sand castle building, swimming, kayaking and bird watching.
Beach area has a playground for the children, covered picnic area,
fire pits, and lots of enthusiasm.

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