Port Hardy

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• Camping in this community 

History

Port Hardy, the largest community in the North Island region, was named for Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy who, as captain of the H.M.S. Victory, held the dying Lord Nelson in his arms at the end of the Battle of Trafalgar.

Archaeological studies carried out in 1978 by the B.C. Provincial Heritage Conservation Branch indicate the site was first occupied some 8,000 years ago. Samples of tools provide evidence that the area's early residents made good use of the land and resources in this region.

Settlers first came to the Port Hardy area at the turn of the century when Alec and Sarah Lyon operated a store and post office on the east side of Hardy Bay in 1904, not far from the existing settlement of Fort Rupert on the shores of nearby Beaver Harbour.

The stark isolation of the area discouraged further settlement in those times, but a 1912 land deal promoted by the Hardy Bay Land Co. ultimately put the area on the map and increased its population.

Enticing advertisements promising a prosperous port town, complete with rail yards and grain elevators, drew settlers from the United States and England, but when they arrived they found dense green forests and black rock, in place of the farms and conveniences they had been promised. Many packed up and left, but others had invested everything they had to make the move. These people remained and by 1914, 12 families had settled, built a school, sawmill, church and hotel. By 1916, a trail connected Port Hardy to Coal Harbour and the community was on its way to becoming the central North Island supply centre it is now.

Location

Located on the northern end of Vancouver Island, Port Hardy is built along the shores of a natural deep water harbour. Hardy Bay overlooks the Queen Charlotte Straits and across to the mainland where the snow capped peaks of the B.C. Coastal Mountain Range loom in breathtaking splendor. Bordered on the east by water and on the west by the foothills of the Vancouver Island Mountain Range, Port Hardy is in the heart of an area renowned for its natural beauty and rich in opportunity. The mountains, rivers and lakes, the forests, and the marine environment all make for an ideal natural setting. The natural natural beauty of Port Hardy is accessible via major transportation networks of road, air and water.

Places to See

• Cape Scott Provincial Park

Cape Scott Provincial Park is a truly magnificent area of rugged coastal wilderness that is located at the northwestern tip of Vancouver Island, 563 kilometers from Victoria.

Established in 1973 and named after the site of a lighthouse that has guided mariners since 1960, Cape Scott is characterized by more than 115 kilometers of scenic ocean frontage, including about 30 kilometers of spectacular remote beaches.

The park stretches from Shushartie Bay in the east, then westward around Cape Scott and south to San Josef Bay. Rocky promontories, salt marshes and jagged headlands punctuate the fine-textured, white-sand beaches. The most impressive of these beaches, Nels Bight, stretches more than 2,400 meters long and 210 meters wide at low tide, and is one of the Park's most popular camping destinations. Other significant beaches include San Josef Bay, Guise Bay, Experiment Bight, Lowrie Bay and Nissen Bight.

Visitors can choose between a day hike or a backpacking excursion to explore the sandy beaches, rainforests and lowland bogs and muskeg of this wilderness park.

Anyone contemplating a visit to Cape Scott Provincial Park should be prepared for such adverse weather conditions as high winds and heavy rain, which are common at all times of the year.

• Seven Hills Golf & Country

Seven Hills Golf & Country is located a short distance from Port Hardy. The facilities include a nine-hole course, practice putting greens, driving range, pro-shop, a large Clubhouse, men's & ladies locker rooms and R.V. sites.

• Thunderbird Mall

Located in downtown Port Hardy, the Thunderbird Mall will fulfill all your shopping needs, from brand name clothing, to quality gifts, delightful meals, and unique local shops.

• The Seagate Wharf

The Seagate Wharf is located in downtown Port Hardy. It comprises a 7.9 m x 121.9 m approach leading to a 21.9m x 61m wharf. The wharf is serviced with water, sewer and power. Ten light standards illuminate the approach trestle. The outer berth face of the wharf has a hydraulic jib crane of 3 tonnes capacity on it.

Things to Do

• Quatse Salmon Stewardship Centre

Explore, play and learn in our unique interpretive gallery and take a guided tour of a working salmon hatchery. A visit to the Salmon Centre is a fun and educational experience for all ages! All proceeds support salmon conservation in Northern Vancouver Island streams. 

• Diving

Port Hardy ranks second to none for underwater adventure. The local waters abound with brilliant soft corals, intense vertebrae life, and countless other marine species. Boasting 100+ visibility, the waters offer divers an underwater playground. Come dive with Pacific white-sided dolphins or frolic with playful wolf eels! Whether you're looking for that once in a lifetime technical dive or a relaxing recreational experience, local suppliers and charter operators can meet your needs year-round.

• Wildlife Viewing and Whale Watching

Local tour operators will dazzle you with an abundance of wildlife. Viewing possibilities include Orcas, Grey Whales, Humpback whales, Minke whales, sea lions, harbour seals, eagles, a large variety of birds, grizzly bears, black bears, black tailed deer, Roosevelt elk, timber wolves, and cougars. Both land-based and water-based tours are available, or be your own guide.

• Fishing

Port Hardy offers world-class fishing opportunities, including salmon ( Chinook, Coho, Sockeye; Pink, and Chum ), Halibut, Red Snapper, Rock Fish, Sea Bass, Crab, trout, steelhead, and cutthroat. Custom charters, boat rentals and guides are available for saltwater or freshwater excursions. Port Hardy is home to a full-service marina which includes moorage, fuel sales, and a boatyard.

• Explore the Native Heritage and Culture

The region is rich with Native Culture. Local Native Artisans display their works in shops and galleries throughout the North Island and several invite you to watch a work-in-progress from the comfort of their workshops. Various aboriginal tours are available, offering insight into native history and culture. Port Hardy holds an annual festival celebrating First Nations Culture every September. Several galleries display a wonderful selection of local artist's wares - from pottery to original watercolors - a feast for the eyes!

The Port Hardy Museum is open year round and provides a glimpse into the past.

• Hiking

A network of publicly accessible logging roads, (please abide by the recommended safety guidelines), has opened up wilderness areas on the west coast and provides access to the Winter Harbour, Cape Scott, and Raft Cove Provincial Parks. Hiking routes vary from a 45-minute wheelchair accessible trail to an 8-hour trek to the tip of Cape Scott Provincial Park. The Tex Lyon Trail offers a rugged 5-hour trek along the coastline to Dillon Point.

Marble River Provincial Park features a wooded trail winding down to the Marble River. From Alpine terrain (Merry Widow Mountain), to lake trails (Georgie Lake Trail) and wide-open ocean vistas - you will find a trek suitable for everyone!

• Skiing

The ski season usually kicks off in December, depending on the amount of snowfall. The local ski hill, Mt. Cain, is located a short distance from Port Hardy and offers two T-Bars and a rope tow. The hill is geared for family fun and accommodation is available - advance arrangements are a must.

• Go on an Eco Adventure

The sky is the limit! Port Hardy is the gateway to many eco - adventures, including Kayaking - guided & self-guided, day tours, and two to seven day trips with or without mother ships are available.

Port Hardy is the launch point for spectacular paddling areas appealing to all skill levels. From Beaver Harbour and its sheltered islands, and rugged Cape Scott with its 23 kilometers of sandy beaches, to the archipelago of islands stretching across to the mainland, the diversity of the area will amaze you. Come to Port Hardy and paddle the path of the Orca! Bring your surfboard or your boogie board and catch a wave in Raft Cove or San Josef Bay. Along the way stop at one of the many lakes for a canoe ride and enjoy the quiet solitude.

There are many caves and underground formations on the North Island. Little Huson Cave Park offers a great opportunity to view easily accessible caves. Alternatively, for the more adventurous, local guides are available to take you deep into the Artlish Caves. Local guides provide all gear and safety equipment needed for your adventure.

If white-water rafting is your passion, days trips are available just a short distance from Port Hardy in the spectacular Nimpkish Valley. While in the Nimpkish Valley, take in a day of windsurfing on beautiful Nimpkish Lake!  

Nearby Communities

Contact Information

Tourism Port Hardy
Toll Free: 1-866-427-3901 
E-mail: info@porthardy.travel
Web: www.porthardy.travel

Vancouver Island North Tourism
E-mail: info@vancouverislandnorth.ca
Web: www.vancouverislandnorth.ca