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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