Coal Harbour, Vancouver Island Accommodations, Charters, B&B, British Columbia, Canada


British Columbia Canada Travel Guide
- Vancouver Island
- Port Hardy
: Vancouver Island : Victoria BC : Gulf Islands : Sunshine Coast :
: Whistler BC : Okanagan Valley : North BC : Queen Charlotte Islands :

Coal Harbour, British Columbia, Vancouver Island

Coal Harbour is a small waterfront community on the north-central tip of Vancouver Island resting on the ocean shores of Holberg Inlet. Coal Harbour is only a short scenic drive from Port Hardy, BC. The community's past has been varied and has grown through some identity changes in its lifetime. Starting, way back when, in the 1800's, Coal Harbour, initially, was a coal mining town. Then in 1940, Coal Harbour transformed itself into a military base, which operated until the late 1960's. Time passed and the community morphed back into a coal mining town when the Island Copper Mine took up residence in Coal Harbour, BC until the late 1970s.

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Today, the history of Coal Harbour is preserved for tourists to discover the past of this northern west coast community. There are military buildings still present like the old Royal Canadian Air Force station which stands as a historical landmark. A 6.6 metre (20 Ft.) jaw bone of a Blue Whale is on display in the community in recognition of Coal Harbour's whaling days.

The natural environment of Coal Harbour on Vancouver Island attracts outdoor enthusiasts interested in experiencing a salmon and halibut fishing charter, a day out birdwatching at the local estuaries and tidal flats, paddling around - kayaking Quatsino Narrows or hiking around the local lakes and rivers. Another big draw to the village is the internationally famous backpacking adventure, Cape Scott Trail and the newly developed North Coast Trail.

Coal Harbour, Vancouver Island facilities and services include a general store, post office, government wharf and boat launch, campground, B&Bs, fishing and floatplane charters, a water taxi service, community parks and a scenic waterfront walkway.

Cape Scott Provincial Park, Port Hardy, BC, Vancouver Island


How to Get to Coal Harbour, Vancouver Island, B.C., Canada:
Approximately 502 km (312 mi) north of Victoria. Follow Hwy 19A (Oceanside Route) or the Inland Hwy (19) traveling north. The Highway continues from Campbell River as Hwy 19 ( North Island Hwy) to Port Hardy. 238 km (147 mi) of paved highways through thick rugged forests, over rumbling rivers, zigzagging through valleys. A 2.5 -3 hour drive with a good chance for a Black Bear sighting along the route. First community after Campbell River is Port McNeill. From there continue 50 km (31 mi) further north to Port Hardy BC. Just before Port Hardy take a left at the sign to Coal Harbour. It is approximately a 15 minute drive from Port Hardy to Coal Harbour depending on how many stops you take to observe the views and wildlife.


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** Coal Harbour BC Accommodations**

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