Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Port Hardy (pop. 4,000) lies along sheltered Hardy Bay, 235 kilometers (146 miles) north
of Campbell River and 495 kilometers (308 miles) north of Victoria. It's the largest com-
munity north of Campbell River and the terminus for ferries sailing the Inside Passage to
and from Prince Rupert. The ferry is the main reason most people drive this far north, but
PortHardyisalsoagoodbasefromwhichtoexplorethewildanduntamed northerntipof
the island or fish for salmon in the sheltered waters of “King Coho Country.”
Sights and Recreation
AsyouenterthePortHardyarea,takethescenicroutetotownviaHardyBayRoad.You'll
passseveraloriginalchainsawwoodcarvingsandskirttheedgeofpeacefulHardyBaybe-
fore entering downtown via Market Street. Stroll along the promenade to reach
Tsulquate
Park,
where you can appreciate native carvings and do some beachcombing if the tide is
out. Many bald eagles reside around the bay, and if you're lucky you'll see them swoop-
ing about in the neighborhood. Another interesting place to spend a little time is the small
Port Hardy Museum
(7110 Market St., 250/949-8143, noon-4:30pm Tues.-Sat., dona-
tion), which holds a predictable collection of pioneer artifacts.
At the
Quatse Salmon Stewardship Centre
(Byng Rd., 250/949-9022, 10am-5pm
Wed.-Sun. mid-May to late Sept., adult $6, senior and student $4), on the scenic Quatse
River, you can observe incubation and rearing facilities for pink, chum, and coho salmon,
as well as steelhead. Good fishing on the river attracts droves of anglers year-round, but
the Quatse is by no means the only fishing game in town. With so much water—both salt
and fresh—surrounding Port Hardy, visiting anglers probably won't know where to start.
Ask at the local sporting-goods store on Market Street for the best fishing spots, or take a
fishing charter (inquire at the information center for current guides and skippers).
