Welcome to central & northern Vancouver Island!
You may have come a long way to spend your well-deserved vacation in this natural part of the world, or you may be a returning local discovering new places in your beautiful backyard.
From lush forests to stunning shorelines, the central and northern region of Vancouver Island is unlike anywhere else. Find a comfortable place to stay before and after your kayak tour with our accommodation suggestions, and be inspired to extend your vacation with some of our top Vancouver Island North bucket-list recommendations.
Accommodation
PORT HARDY
Accommodation before and after: Whales & Wilderness Glamping, Johnstone Strait Ultimate, Ultimate Family Adventure, Johnstone Strait Expedition, Whales & Wilderness Expedition
Located a 40-minute drive north of Alder Bay or 55-minutes from Bauza Cove (meeting points for tours above). Taxi service to Alder Bay is available through Waivin Flags or Town Taxi.
KWA’LILAS HOTEL
The Kwa’lilas Hotel is an Indigenous owned and operated hotel in Port Hardy. This hotel is a lovely place to stay and our top pick for Port Hardy.
1-855-949-8525, [email protected], kwalilashotel.ca
NORTH COAST HOSTEL
The North Coast Hostel is a clean and affordable hostel with a variety of room options. We would recommend this for someone looking for a more basic, budget-friendly accommodation option.
1-866-448-6303, northcoasttrailhostel.com
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port mcneill
Accommodation before and after: Whales & Wilderness Glamping, Johnstone Strait Ultimate, Ultimate Family Adventure, Johnstone Strait Expedition, Whales & Wilderness Expedition
Located a 15-minute drive north of Alder Bay or 30-minutes from Bauza Cove (meeting points for tours above). Taxi service to Alder Bay is available through Waivin Flags or Town Taxi.
BLACK BEAR RESORT
The Black Bear Resort offers newly built, comfortable guest rooms with ocean views and is conveniently situated close to the main shopping centre of Port McNeill, restaurants, and many of the town services.
Local: 1 866 956 4900, Overseas: 250 956 4900, [email protected],
port-mcneill-accommodation.com
THE HUMPBACK INN
This coastal property offers 24 guestrooms each within walking distance to stunning views of the protected harbour, Malcolm Island, and the coastal mountains of British Columbia’s mainland. The Hotel is conveniently situated close to the marina, shops of Port McNeill and local restaurants.
Local: 1 888 956 3131, Overseas: 1 250 956 3131, humpbackinn.com
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ALDER BAY
RV or camping option before and after: Whales & Wilderness Glamping, Johnstone Strait Ultimate, Ultimate Family Adventure, Johnstone Strait Expedition, Whales & Wilderness Expedition
Meeting point for all tours above with the exception of the 4-day Johnstone Strait Expedition.
ALDER BAY RV PARK AND MARINA
With 30 acres of private land with abundant walk-on waterfront, fully serviced RV pull through sites, easy boat launch and dock facilities, Alder Bay RV Park & Marina is the perfect spot to begin your adventure if you are set with your RV, camper van or tent.
Local & Overseas: 1 250 956 4117, [email protected], alderbay.com
TELEGRAPH COVE
Accommodation before and after: Whales & Wilderness Glamping, Johnstone Strait Ultimate, Ultimate Family Adventure, Johnstone Strait Expedition, Whales & Wilderness Expedition
Located a 15-minute drive north of Alder Bay or very close to Bauza Cove (meeting point for tours above). Only recommended for guests with vehicle access as taxi service is not available.
TELEGRAPH COVE RESORT
Located in the heart of historic Telegraph Cove, Telegraph Cove Resort offers a variety of accommodation choices. Options include cabins & historic homes, dockside suites, and hotel rooms at the new Telegraph Cove Lodge. Camping and RV parking also available.
Local & Overseas: 1-800-200-4665, [email protected],
telegraphcoveresort.com
QUADRA ISLAND
Accommodation before and after: Desolation Sound Expedition
TAKU RESORT
One of the most beautiful settings you will find anywhere, and also conveniently located right in Heriot Bay. This ocean side resort has charming self contained A-frame cabins or terrace view rooms. Camping is also available. Also provides a hot tub, tennis and basketball court and barbecues. There is generally a 2 night minimum stay required, however exceptions are sometimes made.
Local & Overseas: 1 877 285 8258, [email protected], takuresort.com
HERIOT BAY INN
Our friendly local pub and restaurant. Gift store, ocean views & beach access. Beautiful dining deck & front yard overlooking the marina. They do have accommodation, but most of their rooms are located over top of the pub, so please ensure that if you stay here you are keen to be a part of the party or request one of their quieter rooms.
Overseas: 1 888 605 4545, Local: 250 285 3322, [email protected], heriotbayinn.com
Beautiful Camping on Quadra Island
WE WAI KAI CAMPSITE
Waterfront location in Heriot Bay, situated at the edge of Rebecca Spit Provincial Park. Has both waterfront and forest campsites. Showers and full-hookups are available. 15-20 minute walk to shops in Heriot Bay as well as the Heriot Bay Inn, the tour pre-trip meeting location.
Local & Overseas: 1 250 285 3111, [email protected],
wewaikai.com/we-wai-kai-campsite
BELLA BELLA & DENNY ISLAND
Accommodation before and after: Great Bear Rainforest Expedition
As Bella Bella has limited accommodation options we encourage our guests to also consider Denny Island, a beautiful island that is just a short water taxi ride from Bella Bella offered by Shearwater Resort & Marina.
Denny Island
SHEARWATER RESORT & MARINA
Provides limited campsite opportunities and moorage options. Please note that Shearwater Resort & Marina is only accessible by boat or water taxi.
Call in advance for more information.
The best way to book a room at Shearwater Resort is through their online booking page.
Local & Overseas: 1 250 957 2666, [email protected], shearwater.ca
TAHSIS
Accommodation before and after: Nuchatlitz Expedition
NOOTKA GOLD
Fully furnished self-contained 2 bedroom guest suite, plus an additional two bedrooms in the main house.
Local & Overseas: 1 250 934 7979, [email protected], nootkagold.com
For more Tahsis lodging options ranging from ocean-view hotels to B&Bs to campgrounds, check out the Village of Tahsis’ recommendations.
VANCOUVER ISLAND BUCKET-LIST
Our Top 10 Places to Explore on Central & Northern Vancouver Island
1. Telegraph Cove Village
Explore quaint and historic Telegraph Cove, the gateway to the Johnstone Strait, Blackfish Sound, and Broughton Archipelago for many of our tours. Walk along the waterfront boardwalk lined with colourful historic buildings and be sure to visit the Whale Interpretive Center to learn about the local whales and see a 60-foot fin whale skeleton!
2. Cape Scott Provincial Park
Discover the stunning, sandy beaches of Cape Scott Provincial Park. Access beautiful San Josef Bay in less than an hour on a wheelchair accessible path or make it a longer backpacking trip through diverse coastal terrain to reach remote coastal beaches.
3. Alert Bay
Visit Alert Bay, internationally renowned as a center for First Nations culture, home to the ‘Namgis First Nation of the Kwakwaka’wakw. Be sure to spend some time at the U’mista Cultural Center featuring a collection of masks and regalia that the Kwakwaka’wakw people fought for decades to bring home after the 1885 to 1951 potlatch ban.
4. God’s Pocket Provincial Park – West coast diving
Scuba dive in what experts have described as some of the “finest cold-water diving in the world.” Access areas such as God’s Pocket Provincial Park from Port Hardy or Port McNeill.
5. The North & West Coast Trail
Combine your paddle with an epic hike! Check out the rugged North Coast Trail, a 58 km hike on the northernmost tip of Vancouver Island, or the iconic 75 km West Coast Trail further south near Port Renfrew.
6. Go fish!
For a true west coast fishing destination and some of the best fishing on Vancouver Island, check out Nootka Sound.
7. Discovery Islands Life
Fall in love with island living on Quadra Island and the surrounding Discovery Islands. Quadra Island is our home and we are constantly in appreciation of the lively community and abundance of natural beauty.
8. Strathcona Provincial Park
Enjoy this spectacular provincial park, a gorgeous mountain wilderness where you’ll find something for everyone. You can take a easy to moderate day-hike such as the shorter walks in the Paradise Meadows / Forbidden Plateau region or you can make it a longer adventure, camping and hiking through stunning mountain terrain.
9. Campbell River
Discover Campbell River, a hub of opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts with many options for hiking, beaches, parks, mountain life, wildlife watching, water sports, and more.
10. Singletracks in Cumberland
Mountain bike on over 80 km in Cumberland, called by some the “unofficial epicentre of mountain biking on Vancouver Island.” While you’re there, check out their awesome restaurant scene, community brewery, and unique collection of other shops.
For more inspiration to discover Vancouver Island, check out some of our favourite local resources:
