Population: 2,064

Port McNeill, British Columbia, is located on the northeast coast of Vancouver Island on Broughton Strait. Port McNeill is 6 hours from Victoria, 4 hours from Nanaimo and 30 minutes from Port Hardy. It is accessible from the Vancouver Island Highway.

Visitor Information

Port McNeill Information Center is in the same building with the harbor manager’s office at 1594 Beach Dr. (on the waterfront); phone 250-956-3881. Stop in to find out about whale watching, kayak rentals or fishing. Climate: Moderate, with an average annual mean temperature of 8°C/ 46.4°F, and an average annual precipi- tation of 174 cm/68.5 inches per year.

Port McNeill has complete tourist services. Groceries (with in-store bakery and organic items), restaurants, brewery, clothing, hardware, fishing and sporting goods, and gifts are available in local stores. Many shops are within walking distance of the Visitor Center. Pick up a town map at the visitor center along with a list of popular local hiking and walking trails. Port McNeill has 3 EV plug-ins located at 2080 McNeill Road near North Island Secondary School; 1705 Campbell Way at the back of the IGA parking lot; and 2205 Campbell Way at the Regional Clinton Arena.

Attractions

With its full-service harbor facility, Port McNeill plays host to Inside Passage marine traffic and is also a gateway to a variety of activities, from salmon fishing and whale watching to kayaking and helicopter tours. Campers and outdoor enthusiasts will find everything they require in this full facility community.

Take BC Ferries to Alert Bay and Sointula on Malcolm Island. Special events here include the Orca Fest in mid-August.

Port McNeill is home to 2 of the world’s largest burls. The largest is just north of the Visitor Center in the Community Hall parking lot. Continue past the Community Hall and turn left up-hill for Broughton Strait Campground. Fully serviced RV sites are $30/night in summer/high season; tent sites are $20/night and have com- munity bear boxes for food storage; hot showers available. Reservations phone 250-956-3224.