Wild and rugged, Port Hardy is a gateway to Northern Vancouver Island and offers a variety of unique wilderness experiences, including kayaking with orcas, hiking coastal trails and watching grizzly bears in their natural habitat. You'll also find pristine beaches and family-friendly attractions.
Things to do in Port Hardy
Port Hardy boasts some of British Columbia's most memorable wildlife encounters. From May to September, whale-watching tours offer a unique chance to spot orcas, humpbacks, minkes and greys. Guided nature tours with companies like Sea Wolf Adventures get you up close with full-grown grizzlies and their cubs fishing for salmon in nearby rivers.
The Quatse Salmon Stewardship Centre offers a fascinating glimpse at the life-cycle of Canada's iconic fish. Kids and adults alike will love touring the working hatchery, browsing the interpretive gallery and peering into a cylindrical fish tank.
Take in Vancouver Island's stunning coastline from the Hardy Bay seawall, a waterfront promenade commanding sweeping views of British Columbia's coastal mountains. It's dotted with First Nations totems and interpretive signs. Nearby, Storey’s Beach is perfect for early-morning yoga sessions, afternoon picnics and sunset strolls.
Port Hardy is a jumping point to the BC Ferries Inside Passage, an iconic coastal route stretching from Northern Vancouver Island to Prince Rupert. Highlights include whale watching in Queen Charlotte Sound, basking on the outdoor deck and cruising past First Nations coastal communities. If you're lucky, you might spot a white "spirit" bear grazing on the shoreline of Princess Royal Island.
Getting around Port Hardy
Downtown Port Hardy is easy to get around on foot, especially around the waterfront district. North Island Transportation runs shuttles to and from the ferry terminal. Rental cars are best for exploring Vancouver Island. The BC Ferries Port Hardy ferry terminal is a 10-minute drive out of town.