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)
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
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
It’s going to be humpback city pretty soon; there’s already been amazing sightings! Looking forward to hosting you all this season. #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #safetrueeducational #gonorthisland #explorebc #explorecanada #humpbackwhales #humpbackwhale 📸 @taylormichaelburk
Sea wolves on northern Vancouver Island are a fascinating and unique population of coastal wolves that have adapted to a marine-based lifestyle. Unlike their inland counterparts, these sea wolves rely heavily on the ocean for their diet, feeding on a variety of marine species such as fish, seals, and even shellfish.
These wolves have a marine diet, with up to 90% of their food coming from the ocean. They hunt salmon, forage for barnacles, and scavenge on washed-up marine mammals. Sea wolves are also excellent swimmers, capable of traveling between islands and across coastal waters in search of food, and they have been observed swimming up to 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) in a single trip.
Their behavior is unique compared to inland wolves, as they exhibit coastal foraging and a more solitary hunting style. They are less likely to form large packs and often hunt alone or in small groups. Genetic studies have shown that sea wolves are genetically distinct from other wolf populations, having adapted specifically to their coastal environment over thousands of years.
Sea wolves hold a special place in the culture and stories of Indigenous communities on Vancouver Island. They are often featured in legends and are considered guardians of the coastal ecosystem. Protecting sea wolves is crucial not only for their survival but also for the health of the coastal ecosystems they inhabit. Efforts to conserve their habitat and prey species are vital to maintaining the delicate balance of these environments.
These coastal wolves of northern Vancouver Island are a testament to the incredible adaptability and resilience of wildlife in the face of changing environments. 📸 @taylormichaelburk. #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #safetrueeducational #seawolf #seawolves #gonorthisland #explorebc #explorecanada
Today, we at Coastal Rainforest Safaris had the profound experience of visiting a sacred place, Hiła’s, that has belonged to the Nuwiti since the beginning of time. Nuwiti is comprised of three nations, the T̕łat̕ła̱sikwa̱la, Na̱ḵa̱mga̱lisa̱la, and the Yut̕łinux̱w. This land, rich with cultural and spiritual significance, was tragically taken away and repurposed by local governments. Being on the water there, we felt the weight of history and the injustices that have been inflicted upon these people.
Today marks a significant turning point. We are committing to the process of decolonization, supporting the nation’s rightful claim to their ancestral lands and waters. This is more than just a political act; it is a deeply emotional and spiritual journey towards healing and reconciliation.
By supporting these efforts, we acknowledge the importance of their traditions, their connection to the land, and their right to steward it as they have done for millennia. It is a step towards justice, a recognition of their sovereignty, and an affirmation of their enduring presence. This day symbolizes hope and a renewed commitment to building a future where these nations can thrive, reconnect, and heal on their own terms.
Black bears on Northern Vancouver Island are an integral part of the region’s ecosystem. These bears thrive in the island’s diverse habitats, including coastal rainforests, alpine meadows, and dense woodlands. They primarily feed on berries, plants, and fish, particularly during the salmon runs. Human interactions are common due to increasing tourism and development, leading to initiatives focused on bear conservation and management. Local authorities emphasize the importance of bear awareness and safety to prevent conflicts. Despite these challenges, the black bear population remains robust, contributing to the island’s biodiversity and attracting wildlife enthusiasts from around the world. The Kwakwakawakw territories have vast wildlife and beautiful nature! #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #explorebc #explorecanada #gonorthisland #getnorth #gonorth
During our first trip of the season yesterday we encountered humpback whale Nippy who is a regular in our area along with a brand new calf. We reported this siting to @mersociety and here is what they had to say:
Another new baby!
Nippy’s little one was bouncing / breaching north of Port Hardy on June 1st.
When Andrew Jones of Coastal Rainforest Safaris messaged us that they were seeing a new calf, we suspected it might be Nippy (BCX1262). She has returned to that feeding area with such predictability and typically stays there for much of the summer / fall.
Humpbacks generally return to very specific areas where they know how to get fat fast.
Andrew’s photos confirmed - Nippy has a new baby! This is her 5th known calf. Her breeding ground is not known.
We are sharing these baby announcements to increase understanding and care about why there are Humpbacks off our coast. They are here to feed, to grow, to play, to care for babies, and to learn. Humpback calves only spend about 1 year with their mothers.
Their movements can be very unpredictable and very unexpected. They can suddenly surface after a long dive, be resting or nursing just below the surface, or suddenly become acrobatic. They are often not moving in a straight line but rather often stay in one area and move in the same sort of seemingly random patterns as you in your home. 🙂
As stated in our previous baby post: May knowing about far-travelled, hungry whale mothers and their thirsty, naïve calves motivate greater care for the whales. Boater vigilance is needed year-round to do the right thing to reduce noise and the risk of collision. See www.SeeABlowGoSlow.org.
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#ForTheWhales
#SeeABlowGoSlow
#BabyOnBoard
#boatereducation
@coastalrainforestsafaris
Sea lions and sacred Mountain, priceless! We are getting very close and looking forward to hosting you all for 2024! Give us a call and book your experience:) #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #sealions
The northern tip of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, is a remote and rugged area known for its rich natural diversity. It features dense rainforests, steep mountains, and rocky coastlines, supporting a wide range of wildlife, including marine life like whales and sea otters, and land mammals such as black bears and cougars. The region’s old-growth temperate rainforests are especially significant, consisting of towering trees like Douglas firs and western red cedars. This area is also culturally important to the Indigenous Kwakwaka’wakw people, who have a long-standing connection with the land, evident in their traditions and conservation practices. #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #gonorthisland #explorebc #explorecanada #explorevancouverisland
Getting anxious to see how many new pups there are this year in the territory. Sea otters typically give birth once a year, although this can vary depending on environmental conditions and the health of the otter. Each pregnancy results in the birth of usually one pup, and occasionally twins. The reproductive cycle for sea otters includes a gestation period of about six months, but they can delay implantation of the embryo, extending the gestation period up to a year in some cases. #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #safetrueeducational #seaotterpup #seaotter #gonorthisland #explorebc #explorecanada #wildlifeplanet
The coastal rainforest of British Columbia, particularly on Vancouver Island, is a lush and biodiverse ecosystem teeming with life. Characterized by towering ancient trees, including Sitka spruce, Douglas fir, and Western red cedar, this rainforest is a vital habitat for numerous species of plants and animals. The mild, wet climate supports the growth of dense vegetation, from ferns and mosses to unique fungi and lichens. It’s also home to iconic wildlife such as black bears, cougars, bald eagles, and salmon, which rely on the rich resources provided by the forest and nearby ocean. The Indigenous peoples of the region, the Kwakwaka’wakw, have inhabited and stewarded these lands for thousands of years, with deep cultural connections to the rainforest and its resources. Despite facing threats from logging, urbanization, and climate change, efforts to conserve and protect this valuable ecosystem are ongoing, recognizing its ecological importance and intrinsic beauty. #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #rainforest #coastalrainforest #vancouverisland #mystic #mystical #healthyecosystem
Humpback whales, renowned for their majestic presence in the world’s oceans, exhibit fascinating social behaviors that highlight their affinity for companionship and connection. These charismatic giants are known to form intricate social structures, often congregating in groups to engage in various activities and interactions.
One remarkable aspect of humpback whale socialization is their tendency to form alliances and friendships within their pods. These pods, typically consisting of individuals with familial ties, provide a supportive environment where whales can forge bonds through communication, play, and cooperative behaviors.
During the breeding season, male humpback whales are particularly social, competing for the attention of females through elaborate displays of acrobatics and vocalizations. These competitive yet cooperative interactions emphasize the dynamic nature of humpback whale societies, where individuals collaborate and compete for reproductive success.
Beyond breeding activities, humpback whales also engage in communal behaviors such as feeding cooperatively using bubble-net feeding techniques. This cooperative feeding strategy involves a group of whales working together to corral and trap prey within a bubble net, allowing them to efficiently harvest vast quantities of food.
Furthermore, humpback whales are known for their captivating songs, which play a crucial role in socializing and communicating within their populations. These intricate vocalizations are thought to serve various functions, including mate attraction, navigation, and maintaining social bonds within pods.
Overall, the social lives of humpback whales offer a glimpse into the complex and interconnected nature of marine mammal societies. Through their shared experiences, cooperative behaviors, and expressive communication, humpback whales exemplify the importance of social bonds in the vast blue expanse they call home. #humpbackwhales #humpback #whales #gonorthisland #vancouverislandwildlife #majestic