Cape Scott, Fishing, Hiking, Boating, Vancouver Island
Things To Do in Port Hardy, British Columbia, Canada

Port Hardy, Vancouver Island British Columbia, Canada, Accommodations

Canada > British Columbia > Vancouver Island > Port Hardy

Port Hardy Things To Do & See
Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Hiking, Backpacking, Canoeing, Kayaking, Golfing, Sailing, Boating, Birdwatching and Fishing are popular activities in and around the community of Port Hardy, Vancouver Island, BC including the communities of Coal Harbour, Quatsino, Holberg and Winter Harbour, British Columbia, Canada. More information is available under Parks and Trails. Contact information for tours and guides is available under Port Hardy Attractions.

Cape Scott Provincial Park. The most popular destination for backpackers, bird watchers, hikers and naturalists on the northern end of Vancouver Island. Cape Scott Provincial Park is located near Holberg which is accessed from Port Hardy via a 63 kilometre (hour and a half drive) active logging gravel road. The Cape Scott trail is a 50 kilometre return hike from the active Cape Scott Lighthouse. The Cape Scott Trail connects to the North Coast Trail. [ more information about Cape Scott Provincial Park ]
Mount Cain. Vancouver Island's northern mountain recreational resort. Although it is a small mountain it receives a good amount of powder snow and due to the smaller crowds the runs are less traveled. Mt. Cain is rated as one of the best smaller 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 ]
Walking and Hiking: Port Hardy and region enjoys a vast selection of day hikes and long haul backpacking routes ranging from easy to extreme adventures. [Port Hardy Parks and Trails]
Whale Watching: Whether boating, sailing or on a wildlife watching cruise there are many opportunities to view Killer Whales, Humpback Whales and Minke Whales off the tip of Vancouver Island near Port Hardy. Whales have been spotted in Blackfish Sound, off of Mexicana Pt., throughout the Johnstone Straight and up near Robson Bight. Robson Bight is home to a favorite rubbing beach visited by whales and it is home to the Michael Bigg Ecological Reserve.
Ocean Fishing: The ocean waters off the tip of Vancouver Island located near Port Hardy and the hamlet of Winter Harbour provide some of the best salmon and halibut fishing opportunities available on the west coast of British Columbia.
Scuba Diving: The coves , bays, islets and islands near Port Hardy provide some of the best scuba diving in Canada. The region has been recognized as the second best scuba diving destination in the world. Second to only the Red Sea. Some of the diving highlights include the 'Browning Wall' (rated #1 in BC - Top 10 world) , the tame wolf eels at Hunt Rock or the sunken ship wrecks - the S.S. Themsis and S.S. Suwannee. Prime diving seasons are in the fall and spring.
Caving: There are many self guided tours in Port Hardy exploring cavernous river caves, limestone walled passageways, sink holes, disappearing rivers and lots of stalactites and stalagmites. You just need to know where to look. Top destinations for include the Atlish River Caves, Devil's Bath, Eternal Fountain, the Disappearing River. and the Little Hustan Cave Regional Park.
Village of Holberg & Winter Harbour: There are many who enjoy day drives. If you do not mind gravel roads and the odd rock hitting your vehicle than the 63 kilometre drive to Holberg, BC and Winter Harbour is worth a trip. The road passes by mountains, lakes and rivers. Wildlife viewing opportunities (bears, deer, eagles, etc) are very possible exploring along this route.
Ocean Kayaking: Kayaking can be enjoyed either on a guided tour or self guided. The routes enjoyed by kayakers include exploring around Coal Harbour, Telegraph Cove and through the Quatsino Narrows. Some venture out to Sointula or Alert Bay.
Bear Watching: There are guided tours for bear watching located on the north island near Port Hardy. The northern tip of of the island is home to many Black Bears. It is not uncommon to view a Black Bear while driving the back country roads near Port Hardy. Venture further off the coast of Vancouver Island, on the mainland, there are opportunities to view Grizzly Bears.
Bird Watching: Birders will enjoy the oceans, wetlands, sanctuaries and marshes located in and around Port Hardy.
Storm Watching. Pack your rain gear and come to Port Hardy to enjoy crashing waves and howling winds smashing against the coastline. Some decide to enjoy storms from the comforts of an accommodation while others prefer a more wild surrounding and venture out to hot sports like San Josef Bay Park in the Cape Scott Provincial Park.
Murals. Art in the community that shares with you the story of Port Hardy. 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.
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.
Totem Poles. Beautiful tall art structures depicting the culture and traditions of the First Nations people who live in the region. Totem Poles can be located at Port Hardy Airport, Bear Cove BC Ferry Terminal, Chamber of Commerce building, Thunderbird Inn, Rotary Park, and Thunderbird Mall.