Winter Harbour, BC, Vancouver Island

Winter Harbour is a small waterfront community on the north-west tip of Vancouver Island. The small community is fronting Forward Inlet and is in close proximity to Quatsino Narrows. A short scenic drive along a gravel logging road leads travelers to Winter Harbour from Port Hardy, BC.

Winter Harbour derived its name from the merchant sailing ships of the 1700's. The cove was used to protect the ships from storms. Still to this day, the seaside community is an active destination for the "comings and goings" of fishing vessels and sailboats.

The ocean views are best viewed from a large pier in town or from the waterfront boardwalk trail following the coastline. The boardwalk trail is an easy walking path with many opportunities for bird watching. The shoreline views from the trail include sightings of Blue Herons, Bald Eagles, Oyster Catchers and many other seabirds.

Nearby, is another easy walking trail named the Botel Park Trail. This trail explores the shorelines and the old growth forests in the region. Explore the trail and there are great views of Hunt Islet and Matthews Island.

Kayaking, hiking and fishing are the most popular activities in the area. The biggest hiking and backpacking destination in the area is the internationally famous wilderness trails of the Cape Scott Provincial Park including the North Coast Trail.

In Winter Harbour there are some basic amenities available to travelers like accommodations, campgrounds, a general store, boat supplies and a liquor store.

How to Get to Winter Harbour, Vancouver Island, B.C., Canada:

From Campbell River you travel Hwy 19 ( North Island Hwy) to Port Hardy. It is a 238 km (147 mi) section of the highway traveling through rugged forests, over rumbling rivers, zigzagging through valleys. Just south of Port Hardy, on the left hand side, is the turn off to Winter Harbour.

The drive to Holberg and Winter Harbour from Port Hardy, BC is along a 60+ kilometre gravel logging road. Along the road look the unique shoe tree where worn down shoes are retired after hiking the Cape Scott Trail.