3 Ways to Experience Stunning, Remote Vancouver Island North
Vancouver Island North�s diverse landscape, marked by dramatic coastlines, thick forests and mountainous terrain, creates endless opportunities for outdoor adventures, wildlife encounters and tranquil escapes. Bordered by Woss and Sayward to the south, the region stretches to the rugged Pacific coastline in the west, while the shores of Queen Charlotte and Johnstone Straits define its eastern boundary. This area extends to the northern tip of the island, encompassing Cape Scott and Cape Scott Provincial Park.
Dotted with charming small communities and fishing villages like Port Hardy, Port McNeill and Telegraph Cove, Vancouver Island North has a deep connection to its natural surroundings. In the fall, the region transforms into a tapestry of crimson reds and golden yellows and the crisp air, morning mist and cozy cabins make this season one of the most enchanting times to explore this untamed, stunning, remote part of Vancouver Island.
How To Get to Vancouver Island North
To reach Vancouver Island North from Vancouver, board a BC Ferries ferry from either the Tsawwassen or Horseshoe Bay terminals to Nanaimo or Victoria. Then enjoy a scenic drive north along Highway 19. The road trip from Nanaimo to Port Hardy, the region�s northernmost major town, takes around five hours.
For the ultimate west coast journey, the BC Ferries route from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert offers one of the most scenic ferry journeys in the world, known as the Inside Passage. This route takes you along the rugged coastline of British Columbia, weaving through narrow channels and offering breathtaking views of lush forests, towering mountains and remote coastal communities.
For a shorter trip, book a one-hour flight with a regional airline from Vancouver directly to Port Hardy.
Immerse Yourself in Culture
Fall on Vancouver Island North offers the perfect opportunity to slow down and immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of the Kwakwaka�wakw peoples. With fewer crowds, you�ll have more chances to engage with knowledgeable staff at cultural centres and museums, where you can ask questions and gain deeper insights into both the past and present of this remarkable Indigenous community.
Creating arts and crafts in all imaginable disciplines is one productive way that North Islanders make use of their long winter nights. As a result, there is a remarkable range of work on display in galleries and home studios throughout the region. Interested? Take the�Vancouver Island North Art Tour!�A collection of 15 studios and galleries on a route that is intended to be done as a self-guided tour.
Watch Nature Come Full Cycle
Spanning from August to November, the salmon spawn is one of the region�s most exciting natural phenomena. The Quatse River Hatchery and Estuary in Port Hardy is a prime spot to witness this event, as thousands of Chinook, coho and pink salmon return to the river to spawn. The hatchery also offers guided tours and an interpretive gallery that delves into the salmon lifecycle, the region�s ongoing conservation efforts and the deep cultural ties between salmon and the local Indigenous communities.
For a wilder experience, head to Marble River Provincial Park, between Port Alice and Port McNeill. A destination for hiking, biking and fly and tidal water fishing, the park also offers superb salmon viewing opportunities during the annual run. Watch salmon journey upstream near the trailhead of the 4.2-kilometre Marble River Trail and at Bear Falls, roughly three kilometres down the trail.
Discover the Beautiful Trails
With trails that range from leisurely strolls to steep ascents, all set against a backdrop of rocky shorelines, ancient temperate rainforests and serene wetlands, Vancouver Island North is a hiker�s paradise. Set out on the five-kilometre round-trip San Josef Bay Trail, which meanders through lush coastal rainforests and rewards hikers with the sight of sea stacks topped with wind-sculpted trees at San Josef Bay. Ideal for families and those short on time, this trail offers a glimpse of Cape Scott�s wild beauty without the demands of its longer, more technical routes.
Challenge yourself on the 3.5-kilometre out-and-back Raft Cove Trail. This unmaintained path cuts through towering old-growth forests of hemlock, western red cedar and Sitka spruce, where you’ll navigate uneven and root-laden terrain, overgrown sections and muddy patches. The forest opens up to a windswept beach, which you�ll likely have to yourself. To add another layer of adventure to your journey, reach the beach by paddling down the Mackjack River instead.
Know Before You Go
Always check the opening hours of a location as they can change with the seasons. Be prepared for the unexpected and know before you go.
This article is sponsored by Vancouver Island North
Fill your day with endless outdoor activities or relaxing moments of rest in solitude. Be a traveller searching to form a deep cultural connection to the land, or experience the culinary delights of the coast. Shop locally made artisan goods, or forest bath on one of the area�s many natural delights. Regardless of what brought you to Vancouver Island North, there is something for everyone to discover here.
