Sointula, Malcolm Island, British Columbia, Canada is the largest inhabited island on the northern west coast near Vancouver Island and is a gateway to the Broughton Archipelago. 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 village of Sointula, BC is a ferry ride away from Cape Scott Provincial Park and Mount Cain. The surrounding ocean islands are prime for watching Whales, Sea Lions, Porpoises and Bald Eagles. The Broughton Archipelago at your doorstep is a huge plus!
Refer to Parks and Trails List and/or the Eco-Tourism Tour and Guides Business Listings.

1. Cape Scott Provincial Park. Only a short ferry ride from Malcolm Island to Port McNeill on Vancouver Island. From there a couple hours touring logging roads to natures creation, Cape Scott Provincial Park and San Josef bay beach. 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 93 kilometre 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 ... ]
   
   
2. 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 ]
   
   
3. Mount Cain. Vancouver Island's second largest mountain recreational resort is Mt. Cain located near Port McNeill on Vancouver Island. A short BC Ferry ride to Port McNeill from Sointula only to enjoy a couple hours during the scenic drive to Mount Cain. A mountain that is silently growing into a destination known for less visitor skiing traffic, powder snow and untouched, virgin ski runs. 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 ]
   
   
4. 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.
   
   
5. Relaxation: Void of the big city amenities and distractions. Filled with day hikes and wonering trails. The Island is a prime get-a-way to escape for photographers, bird watchers or a romantic private getaway. A retreat island where the marine life, pebbled beaches, wondering trails and spanning ocean views always will entertain it's guests. This is a destination for recharging ones batteries and rediscovery of ones self.
   
   
6. Hiking and Walking: Many little day hikes and viewing points from any of the beaches on Sointula can captivate a whole day of your time. Explore the Mateoja Trail and the Beautiful Bay Trail, or take in the miles and miles of pebbled beaches. Start more central and walk the small village square meeting Locals on the way to exploring this coastal community.
   
   
7. Whale Watching: Whale Watching is popular in the area. Killer Whales, (Orcas) call Bere Point theri home in many cases. Many Orcas are rumored to hang out at Bere Point as it is a favorite spot because of the rubbing rocks off the shores of Malcolm Island. Also available is local tours to see the Orca pods in their natural habitat.
   Michael Bigg's Ecological Reserve, nearby is a launching point for whale watching and fantastic wildlife viewing. Located at Robson Bight. Must book appointment.

   Also Paul Spong's Orca Lab, for over 30 years, is a famous marine biologist who has studied and observed the Killer Whale in it's natural habitat. Access by boat on Hanson Island. Must book prior to arrival for acceptance on or near premises.
   
   
8. Beach Worshipping: Gather up the picnic, a good book to get lost in and any other beach items that you cherish and enjoy a day on a secluded pebbled beach. Many times the beach is all yours with not a soul in sight. Whether you enjoy relaxing on the pebbled shores or walking the beaches there is plenty of activity off shore to observe. It is all here. There are miles of beaches and ocean views of channels, straights and surrounding islands.
   
   
9. Biking: Paved roads and some gravel roads lead you into the backwoods of Sointula. A good bike ride exploring the hidden corners of this island will, no doubt, entertain you with views. Peddle your bike up to elevated ocean views, through tunnels of looming trees. Take a break in one of the many quiet coves for resting. Take the ferry with your bike and continue the journey on the island or rent a bike in the village. Peddle, peddle because there is a lot of beach to see.
   
   
10. Canoeing and Kayaking: Beautiful coastlines await off of Malcolm Island for kayaking. Explore the coves and inlets like Mitchell Bay, Rough Bay and Pultenay Point. More experienced paddlers can venture the east side of the island with rougher currents to explore like Bere Point, Black Bluff and Trinity Bay. Next door to the Broughton Archipelago is a big plus as some of the most remote kayakers venture out to this maze of islands to explore.
    
    
11. Ocean Fishing: Pick the bait and set out onto the waters of the Broughton Archipelago. Many bays and inlets to enhance your fishing intuition. Cast a line at Robson Bight, or near Swanson Island, in Knight Inlet, or Chio Channel. Salmon, Cod, and Halibut call this home. Arrive with that fishing feeling because it is going to be a blast on these crystal clear ocean waters. An adventure for sure.
    
    
12. Scuba Diving: Stated as some of the best temperate water diving in the world. Crystal clear ocean with fantastic visibility. Explore off the coast of Cormorant or Malcolm Islands where some of best coral formations and visibility can be found. Grab your gear and plan ahead because it is going to take you days to see everything this underwater paradise has to offer.
    
    
13. Boating: Coves, bays, inlets - explore the surrounding wilderness extravaganza the islands of Stubbs, Pearse and in and around Cormorant and Malcolm islands can offer. Dock into Sointula's Lions Harbour which offers an overnight rest and moorage while planning the activities for your next day.
    
    
14. Wildlife Watching: Observe the roaming deer living around the village and the backroads. Bald Eagles and Blue Heron and many other marine birds visit with Malcolm Island often. With the assortment of marine birds patrolling the skies brings there friends barking in the background, the sea lions. Observe the Orca Whales swimming in pods off the coastline from the safety of your tour guides boat.