Population: 4,132

Port Hardy, British Columbia, is located on Hardy Bay on the northeast coast of Vancouver Island. It is accessible from the Vancouver Island Highway.

Visitor Information

Port Hardy & District Chamber of Commerce/Visitor Information Center (VIC), 7250 Market St. (at the bottom of Main Street); phone 250-949-7622. EV plug-ins on south side of building. Climate: Moderate, with an average annual mean temperature of 8°C/ 46.9°F, and an average annual precipitation of 187 cm/73.6 inches per year.

Port Hardy has all visitor services including hotels, motels, cabins, a hostel, several bed and breakfasts and campgrounds; restaurants and fast-food outlets; gas stations; marine supplies; and retail services. 24-hour ATMs inside lobbies of bank and credit union. Wi-Fi at Cafe Guido and elsewhere (ask at Visitor Center).

Attractions

Port Hardy is a base for outdoor adventures such as hiking, kayaking and fishing. The North Coast Trail is an extension of the Cape Scott Trail and is one of the longest backpacking wilderness trails on Vancouver Island. Adventure trekkers are advised to plan on 6–8 days for hiking this 58-km/ 36-mile trail. Water taxi and land shuttle ser- vices are available from Port Hardy to either end of the North Coast Trail. Port Hardy is also home to the award-winning Quatse Salmon Stewardship Centre, a community museum, local craft shop and galleries.

Additional visitor experiences include cultural tours, wildlife viewing and scenic boat tours with K’awat’si Tours, as well as guided day trips out to San Josef Bay. Water enthusiasts can rent stand-up paddle boards and surf gear (boards and suits).

There are leisurely scenic walks such as Storey’s Beach, moderate hikes or more extensive hikes such as the Tex Lyon Trail. Stop into the Port Hardy Visitor Center for local maps, guides and activity recommendations.