A coastal town on northern Vancouver Island where fishing boats line the harbor and orcas swim near the shore. Gateway to the Inside Passage ferry route.
Port Hardy marks the northern tip of Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Walk the Quatse Loop Nature Trail to spot black bears foraging in spring, or watch humpback whales breach in Hardy Bay during summer months. This coastal town of 4,000 people connects you to Cape Scott Provincial Park's wilderness beaches and the 43-kilometer North Coast Trail. The carved totems and painted houses of the Kwagu'ł, Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw, and Quatsino First Nations line the streets, each telling stories of communities that have lived here for thousands of years.
Getting to Port Hardy
Highway 19 connects Port Hardy to the rest of Vancouver Island, ending at the town's northern edge. Pacific Coastal Airlines operates daily flights to Vancouver, while BC Ferries runs services to Prince Rupert and Bella Coola (summer only) from the Bear Cove terminal. During the Inside Passage ferry journey, you'll pass forested islands and coastal mountains with snow-capped peaks.
Wildlife Viewing Around Town
Walk the Quatse Loop Nature Trail or Storey's Beach to encounter local wildlife. Black bears feed on berries and plants during spring and summer, while bald eagles build nests in the surrounding trees throughout the year. Look for seals in the harbor waters or watch salmon during their seasonal runs. Between June and September, humpback whales surface in Hardy Bay – you can watch them blow spouts of water from the shoreline.
First Nations Culture
The Kwagu'ł, Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw, and Quatsino peoples have shaped this region for more than 8,000 years. Traditional big houses and totem poles stand throughout Port Hardy and Fort Rupert. Visit the Port Hardy Museum to learn about these communities through artifacts and stories, or browse local galleries for Indigenous art created by local artists.
Hiking Trails and Parks
Trek the North Coast Trail in Cape Scott Provincial Park, winding 43 kilometers through old-growth forests and along beaches shaped by Pacific storms. The Fort Rupert Trail runs 4 kilometers through coastal forest, while the Hardy Bay Seawall path gives you clear views of fishing boats coming and going against a backdrop of coastal mountains.
Marine Activities
Fish for salmon, halibut, and cod in the waters around Port Hardy with local fishing guides, or paddle a rented kayak through the calm waters of Queen Charlotte Strait. Stop by the Quatse Salmon Stewardship Centre to learn about the five species of Pacific salmon through hands-on exhibits.
Weather and Seasons
The ocean moderates Port Hardy's temperatures year-round. Summer days reach up to 20°C (68°F), while winter temperatures typically stay above freezing. Rain falls frequently throughout the year, so bring waterproof clothing regardless of when you visit. Plan outdoor exploration for July and August when dry weather is most common.
