Port Hardy, British Columbia

Coastal Rainforest Safari’s tours depart from the town of Port Hardy, which is located at the northern end of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada.

Port Hardy Office and Departure Location
7185 Market Street
Port Hardy, BC

You can travel to Port Hardy by car (and ferry) or plane. Get directions from Google Maps. 

Driving to Port Hardy is quite straight forward. When you are starting on Vancouver Island: From Victoria drive north on Highway 1 to Nanaimo. From Nanaimo head north on Highway 19 until you can’t go any further. The only other option to this route is north of Nanaimo just before you reach Parksville you can take the seaside route on Highway 19A. This route rejoins the main Highway 19 at Campbell River. The seaside route may add an extra hour to your trip.

Drive time from Victoria to Port Hardy is approximately 6 hours, from Nanaimo to Port Hardy is approximately 4 ½ hours and from Campbell River to Port Hardy is about 2 ½ hours.

Island Link offers a convenient daily bus service connecting Victoria and Port Hardy, making stops at various locations along the route. While Port Hardy is quite walkable, if you are not travelling with your own vehicle and need a taxi we recommend Waivin Flags Taxi.

If you are coming from the lower mainland of British Columbia (Vancouver area), you first need to sail on BC Ferries to either Nanaimo or Victoria on Vancouver Island and then follow the directions above.

If you are coming from central or northern British Columbia or Alberta, you could also drive to Prince Rupert and sail on BC Ferries to Port Hardy.

If you are coming from the USA, you can take the Coho Ferry from Washington State that sails between Port Angeles and Victoria on Vancouver Island. And follow the directions above for driving from Victoria.

Car rentals are available through various rental locations in Vancouver, Victoria or Nanaimo. If you are planning a one-way rental, your only option is Budget who have a location at the Port Hardy Airport.

Flights to Port Hardy (YZT) depart from the South Terminal of Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and are approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. These flights are operated by Pacific Coastal Airlines.

Port Hardy airport is a 10 minute taxi ride from town. We recommend reserving a taxi with Waivin Flags Taxi.

There are various accommodation options available in and around Port Hardy.

Kwa’lilas Hotel (Port Hardy)
Quarterdeck Inn(Port Hardy)
Ecoscape Cabins (Port Hardy)
Bear Cove Cottages (Port Hardy)
Glen Lyon Inn & Suites (Port Hardy)
Airport Inn (Port Hardy)
North Coast Trail Backpackers Hostel (Port Hardy)
Port Hardy RV Resort  & Log Cabins (Port Hardy)

Cluxewe Resort – RV, Camping, Cottages  (a 20 minute drive south of Port Hardy)

Black Bear Resort (Port McNeill)
Humpback Inn (Port McNeill)
Haida Way Motor Inn (Port McNeill)
Dalewood Inn (Port McNeill)
Ocean Comfort B&B (Port McNeill)

Additional Activities in Port McNeill and Northern Vancouver Island

 

The website www.vancouverislandnorth.ca provides lots of suggestions for things to do and places to stay and below we have compiled some of our favourites.

Quatse Salmon Stewardship Centre  (Port Hardy)
Copper Maker Gallery (Port Hardy)
Cove Adventure Tours (Port Hardy)
k’awat’si Tours (Port Hardy)
Sea Wolf Adventures (Port McNeill)
Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures (Port McNeill)
U’mista Cultural Centre (Alert Bay)

Whales and landscapes! It’s getting to be about that time where you should be thinking about booking your experiences on the north Island. Check out our website to find different options on how you can get out on the water with us! #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #safetrueeducational #gonorthisland #wildlifeplanet #indigenousbc #explorebc ...

98 3

The Humpback we call Celly spotted in the territory this past season. Humpback whales have made leaps towards reestablishing their presence in our traditional areas. The connection to these gentle giants have been made for millennia and we are grateful to keep this going! #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #safetrueeducational #humpbackwhale 🐋 #gonorthisland #indigenousbc #indigenoustourism ...

58 1

Photography Tours in the Great Bear Rainforest

The Great Bear Rainforest is a paradise for photography enthusiasts. This remote, lush region offers opportunities to capture stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and cultural stories. With its ancient cedars, mist-shrouded fjords, and glassy waters, every frame tells a story of untouched wilderness. Photography tours often focus on intimate encounters with humpback whales, orcas, grizzly bears, and coastal wolves, providing visitors with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to document these moments.

On a boat-based tour, the interplay of light and water often creates breathtaking compositions as humpbacks breach against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains or glide through calm seas. The silence and serenity of the rainforest amplify the beauty, enabling photographers to connect deeply with the environment.

These experiences aren’t just about capturing images—they’re about fostering a profound appreciation for this unique ecosystem. For many, these tours are transformative, as they combine the thrill of wildlife encounters with a growing understanding of the importance of conservation and stewardship of these precious lands and waters.

With skilled guides, such as those at Sea Wolf Adventures and Coastal Rainforest Safaris, guests not only leave with unforgettable photographs but also with a deeper connection to the natural and cultural heritage of the Great Bear Rainforest. #seawolfadventures #coastalrainforestsafaris #gonorthisland #explorebc #explorecanada #indigenousbc #goindigenous
...

83 0

It’s as simple as this: The overall impression is one of peace and tranquility, capturing a moment of serenity in the otter’s natural habitat! #seaotter #cuteness #otter #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #gonorthisland #vancouverisland #vancouverislandwildlife #indigenousbc #explorebc #explorecanada ...

117 0

The orca, known as max̱’inux̱w in the Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw language, holds a profound place in the culture and traditions of the Kwakwaka’wakw people of the Pacific Northwest. Revered as protectors of the ocean and messengers between realms, orcas are seen as kin to humans, embodying power, unity, and family bonds. Their graceful movements through the waters of the Great Bear Rainforest are a reminder of the interconnectedness between people, land, and sea. For the Kwakwaka’wakw, orcas are not just creatures of the ocean—they are ancestors and teachers, inspiring stories, songs, and art that continue to celebrate their significance. #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #safetrueeducational #gonorth #gonorthisland #explorebc #indigenousbc #goindigenous #orca ...

967 4

Bald eagles are significant to the Kwakwaka’wakw people, symbolizing strength, leadership, and connection to the spiritual world. These majestic birds, with their striking white heads and powerful presence, are common in the Great Bear Rainforest. They are often depicted in Kwakwaka’wakw art and stories, embodying wisdom and respect for the natural world. Bald eagles play an essential role in the ecosystem, hunting fish and scavenging, and are viewed as vital to the balance of life in the territory. #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #gonorthisland #vancouverislandlife ...

161 1

Humpback whales are a spectacular sight along the northern coast of Vancouver Island, where they are often seen feeding and breaching in the nutrient-rich waters. These majestic giants migrate to the region during the summer and fall months, drawn by the abundance of small fish and krill. Known for their acrobatic displays and distinctive tail flukes, humpbacks play a vital role in the marine ecosystem. Their presence in these waters is a testament to the rich biodiversity of the area, offering visitors an unforgettable glimpse into the lives of one of the ocean’s most charismatic creatures. #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #safetrueeducational #gonorthisland #explorebc #indigenousbc ...

125 2

Our beautiful scenery on the North Island is a testament to the deep connection and stewardship of the local First Nations. Each landscape tells a story, and our tours offer a unique opportunity to experience these landscapes through our paradigm. #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #safetrueeducational #explorebc #explorecanada 📸 @westcoastlife ...

52 0

Living and working in rainforesty territory! The biodiversity of our area is beautiful that deserves our love and attention! If we look after the land and waters; the land and waters will look after us. #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #safetrueeducational #rainforests #biodiversity ...

108 1
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Scroll to Top