Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
sprawling oceanfront patio. Breakfasts are all under $10, including delicious breakfast
burritos.
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
Port Hardy is also a good base from which to explore the wild and untamed northern tip of
the island or fish for salmon in the sheltered waters of “King Coho Country.”
Sights and Recreation
As you enter the Port Hardy area, take the scenic route to town via Hardy Bay Road. You'll
pass several original chainsaw wood carvings and skirt the edge of peaceful Hardy Bay be-
fore entering downtown via Market Street. Stroll along the promenade to reach
Tsulquate
Park,
where you can appreciate First Nations 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
swooping 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.,
donation), 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-late Sept., adult $6, senior and student $4), on the scenic Quatse
River south of town, 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 most of the fishing action takes place in the offshore tidal waters, with
chinook and coho salmon, halibut, lingcod, snapper, and tuna all caught through the sum-
mer season. A well-respected company offering charters is
Tides & Tales
(250/949-0641,
www.tidesandtales.com
)
, which charges around $1,000 for an eight-hour fishing trip for up
to three anglers.
Accommodations and Camping
In a town of boring, overpriced motel rooms,
M
Bear Cove Cottages
(6715 Bear Cove
Hwy., 250/949-7939 or 877/949-7939,
www.bearcovecottages.ca
, $150 s or d) stands out,
but because there are only eight cottages, you'll need to reserve well in advance. Located
right near the ferry terminal, 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) out of town, they sit in a neat row
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