Port McNeill : Things to Do and See

Port McNeill, British Columbia, Canada is the second largest eco tourism community located on northern Vancouver Island and is "The Gateway to the Broughton Archipelago". The Broughton Archipelago is an ocean playground with hundreds of islands, inlets and coves ideal for sailing, scuba diving, kayaking, casting a fishing line, sight seeing and bird watching. The Port McNeill, BC area has many caves in the "Back 40" with plenty of trails to explore. The surrounding ocean islands are prime for watching Whales, Sea Lions, Porpoises and Bald Eagles.
Refer to Parks and Trails List and/or the Eco-Tourism Tour and Guides Business Listings.

1. Broughton Archipelago: Fantastic wildlife and wilderness viewing of some of Canada's most remote forests among thousands of broken islands harbouring secret inlets and hidden bays. A popular area for Boaters, Wildlife Watching, Photography and Kayakers. Whale, Black Bear and Grizzly Bear Watching, beachcombing with sea birds over head leading the way. It is all here. Opportunities for wilderness camping on remote beaches. Explore and discover nature. A fantastic adventure awaits, I am sure.
   [ more information about the Broughton Archipelago ]
   
   
2. Walking and Hiking: Many trails populate the area from easy to extreme. Experience by foot with camera in hand the lush rainforest of the "Port McNeill Back 40", Lady Ellen Point, Gator gardens Ecological Park or/and Marble River Trail. Take in the sights and sounds of the magnificent crashing waves along the shoreline fronting the Broughton Archipelago. It is a truly an amazing exploration of the mind and soul as you wonder through the untouched backwoods of the area.
   [more information on all trails and parks in Port Mcneill area...]
   
   
3. 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, north of Port Mcneill, 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 ... ]
   
   
4. 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 ]
   
   
5. Whale Watching: Transient and resident Killer Whales, migrating Humpback Whales and Minke Whales roam the waters freely around Robson Bight, Telegraph Cove and the Broughton Archipelago. Enjoy the whales either by zodiac or a covered heated touring boat. Take a Whale Watching Tour out to Blackfish Sound, Mexicana Pt., Johnstone Straight and/or out to the whales favorite rubbing beach at Robson Bight and the location of the Michael Bigg Ecological Reserve.The Broughton Archipelago and it's 100's of bays and inlets, the islands of Cormorant, Hanson, Swanson, Village, Harbledown and Malcolm offers up some of the best Killer, Humpback whale watching around. Seasonal tours are available
   
   
6. Ocean Fishing: Pack the fishing rods, lures and bait. Remember to bring the sunglasses, warm clothes and hat before you set out on the waters of the Broughton Archipelago and the surrounding fishing hot spots like Robson Bight, Swanson Island, Knight Inlet or Chio Channel. Salmon, Cod, Red Snapper and Halibut are the popular choices to catch on the open seas here near Port McNeill, BC. Many tour Guides in the area and boat rentals are available. Waters and weather are tricky and unpredictable and it is advised to enroll the services of a Fishing Guide.
   
   
7. Scuba Diving: Some of the best diving in the world is found off the coastal waters of Port McNeill, BC. Vancouver Island is well known as the second best place to dive after the Red Sea. Scuba Diving in Port McNeill brings many to explore the 'Browning Wall' rated #1 in BC ( Top 10 world) others want to see the tame wolf eels at Hunt Rock or the ship wrecks of the Themsis and S.S. Suwannee. So much to offer at Brownings Pass and God's Pocket, the marine life is all around you and visibility is excellent. Prime seasons in fall and spring.
   
   
8. Caving: Spelunking in the Port McNeill Back 40 could never get better. There are many caves ranging from easy to extreme, located throughout the area along the rock valleys, forested trails and captivating rain forest. A true explorer will want to splash down at the Atlish River Caves, Devil's Bath, Eternal Fountain and the Disappearing River north of Port McNeill.
   
   
9. Bird Watching: Raptors, seabirds, eagles, herons, sandpipers and many other species of birds that can only be found west of the Rocky Mountains. The area's bird estuary, sanctuaries and many marshes are in the area. The Quatse Estuary and the Hardy Bay Estuary, north of Port Mcneill BC, is one of the best areas for viewing birds because of a viewing tower.
   
   
10. Ocean Kayaking: Set paddle and visit the many accessible small coves, waterfalls, and hidden bays in the area around the Burdwood Group of Islands. Stay along the coastline and see the wildlife in their natural habitat or go ashore and explore till your heart's content, beachcombing the shores of one of the many Islands.
    
    
11. World's Largest Burl: A burl is a large mid section of a tree trunk. Port McNeill has a HUGE 22 tons section from a very large tree. A tree trunk that measures 14 meters (46 ft.) in width and cut from a 360 year old Spruce that was 80 feet tall.
    
    
12. Port McNeill Back Forty: A wilderness hikers dream. The lush thick forests and wildlife enrich this area with natures magic. Untouched wilderness trails crisscrossing back and forth taking you to untouched places you never thought existed. Some very dense areas were a guide is recommended. Don't be surprise if you stumble across caves.
    
    
13. Day Trip to Alert Bay: Short scenic ocean cruise on the BC Ferries to Alert Bay on Cormorant Island. Ferry Terminal is located downtown Port Mcneill, BC. Alert Bay has a deep history with the First Nations people. A museum and many First Nations sculptures, relics on the island to view.
    
    
14. Backpacking. A smorgasbord of trails in the area taking you deep into the untouched wilderness environment. Hike Cape Scott Provincial Park and temporarily live in the habitat of the Black Bear and other wildlife. Go for a weekend or for weeks. It is all possible. There are miles and miles of backwoods to play in.