Central Northern & Northern Vancouver Island Communities

Alert Bay British Columbia
Historic Alert Bay is located on Cormorant Island. Alert Bay is accessible via BC Ferries from Port McNeill. In Alert Bay the famous U’mista Cultural Centre, Alert Bay Library-Museum, traditional Big House, dance performance by the T’sasala Cultural Group (July and August), Alert Bay Ecological Park, Christ Anglican Church, many trails throughout the island, etc…are all well worth visiting. On the Alert Bay streets you can wind along the waterfront pathways where shops and restaurants overlook the ocean. While visiting the Alert Bay harbour you can observe a variety of fishing vessels getting ready for the fishing season. A popular visitor activity is wild salmon fishing. You can arrange a boat ride to do this or go whale watching. There are many types of accommodations including: hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts, campgrounds, cabins, and lodgings.

Campbell River British Columbia
Known as the Salmon Capital of the World where fishermen catch record size Chinook, Chum, Coho, and Sockeye salmon. Ships of all shapes and sizes from ocean liners to freighters, fishing vessels and seasonal boaters navigate the waters off Campbell River passing through the Inside Passage to Alaska or the far north. The main shopping areas of Campbell River are located near the shoreline with a large variety of stores, restaurants, neighbourhood pubs, coffee shops, museum, theatres and commercial services. Accommodations are offered near the ocean and in private residential areas. A favourite place to stroll is on the Discovery Wharf or along the sea walk. There is easy access to fresh water fishing, scuba diving, kayaking, bird-watching and the beaches are suitable for beachcombing or swimming. A favourite trip is with is with Eco-tourism Adventures where you can arrange excursions to view killer whales and grizzly bears

Comox British Columbia
Situated on a Peninsula with its small farms and unique residential areas surrounded by the Georgia Strait and Comox Harbour. The Comox area offers both a country and small town atmosphere unique to the area. The Harbour offers safe and secure moorage facilities and marine services. The downtown area located just off the waterfront offers accommodations, restaurants, stores and craft shops. Comox is well known for the four day Filberg Arts Festival where artists and musicians gather from around British Columbia. Here you can stroll the bustling waterfront and arrange a fishing charter or whale watching excursion. There is easy access to Forbidden Plateau, a Mt. Washington ski hill and also Strathcona Provincial Park. The Comox Valley offers a large variety of outdoors activities depending on the season including: golfing, boating, scuba diving, surfing, hiking, mountain biking, swimming, winter skiing and snow boarding. Every two years CFB Comox stages one of Canada's best air shows featuring airplanes from around the world.

Cortes Island British Columbia
Access is by BC Ferry on the east side of Quadra Island. Semi-isolated Cortes Island offers a laid back life style and wilderness tranquillity. Accommodations include cozy lodges, retreats, and bed and breakfasts. There is a general store, limited community services and a new museum. Boaters appreciate Gorge Harbour as a popular marina and protected anchorage. There is easy access to fresh and salt water fishing, scuba diving, hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, bird watching, swimming and beaches rich in sea life. Cortes Island is part of the Discover Island Group.

Courtenay British Columbia
Downtown Courtney is known for its island charm and features specialized shops, restaurants, coffee unique shops, tree line streets and plenty of parking. There are several larger shopping centres that provide additional choices in shopping and community services. Courtenay is known as the cultural hub of the Comox Valley offering theatres, concerts, entertainments events. Courtney is a popular haven for artists and you can purchase Native carvings, paintings, pottery and a variety of arts and crafts unique to this area. Tour the Comox Valley and enjoy the wide variety of farms and purchase fresh produce and other local farm products. There is easy access to fresh and salt water fishing, scuba diving, hiking, kayaking, bird watching, sailing, boating, winter skiing and snowboarding also, popular beaches and swimming locations. Golfers from around the world appreciate the beautiful world class golf courses designed to provide a variety of challenges. There is a large variety of accommodations designed to make your stay comfortable and affordable.

Cumberland British Columbia
A short drive from Courtenay will take you back into the past where Cumberland's historic buildings and surrounding area was once a bustling coal mining town from 1888 - 1966. There is a variety of comfortable accommodations that offer a quiet refuge from the larger centres. The village of Cumberland has several restaurants, neighbourhood pubs, coffee shops, and small stores selling antiques, books and musical instruments. Be sure to explore the replica of a coal mining tunnel.

Denman and Hornby Islands British Columbia
Access is by BC Ferry from Buckley Bay south of Courtenay to Denman Island and by a connecting ferry to Hornby Island. Denman and Hornby Islands are known for warm beaches, semi -isolated quiet retreats and artistic communities that boasts the largest number of artists per capita in Canada. There is a variety of accommodations that include: bed and breakfasts, beach resorts, small community co-op stores, craft shops, restaurants and community services. Denman Island is part of the Discover Island Group.

Gold River British Columbia
The village of Gold River is located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, bordering Strathcona Provincial Park with its incredible Northern Vancouver Island scenery. Gold River is a popular destination for the dedicated fishermen interested in fresh water and ocean fishing and the summer steelhead. Accommodations range from bed and breakfasts, wilderness campsites to luxury resorts. There is a nine-hole golf course that offers a variety of challenges. View the splendor of Nootka Sound by traveling aboard the Uchuck III. This is a working coastal vessel that supplies villages and logging camps between Gold River and the small village of Tahsis and the west coast village of Kyuquot. On this voyage you will see grey whales, eagles, black bear and a large variety of seabirds depending on the season and migration. Another popular activity in the area includes caving. Tours can be arranged to view Upana Caves 17 Kilometres northwest of Gold River. You can also enjoy a self-guided one hour tour of this area. Other popular outdoor activities include cycling and hiking along mountain trails.

Holberg British Columbia
Located 67 Kilometres west of Port Hardy via a logging road. Holberg is the starting point to Cape Scott Provincial Park and San Josef Bay. Visitors are amazed to see the Shoe Tree. Here many shoes have been contributed by people visitors from around the world. Visit the Running Gardens and view a collection of exotic plants, shrubs and trees. These gardens were first established in 1910 by Norwegian settlers and now they are being re-developed by Julia and Ron Moe. Outdoors activities include fishing charters, hiking, whale watching, and boat rentals. There is a restaurant in Holberg to serve you.

Port Alice British Columbia
Known as the place where “the Eagles Soar”. Port Alice is located in Neroutsos Inlet on Quatsino Sound and is a short drive from either Port Hardy or Port McNeill. Port Alice offers all the modern conveniences and community services that a small town can offer, including indoor and outdoor activities. The village has one of the most challenging nine-hole golf courses on the island; there is also a boat launch and a yacht club. There is an abundance of salt water and fresh fishing, scuba diving, caving, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, mountain climbing and variety of wilderness camping sites. Port Alice offers the best adventures for the outdoor enthusiast.

Port McNeill British Columbia
Located at the Northern end of Highway 19 on Vancouver Island and the gateway to the Broughton Archipelago. At Port McNeill you can take the BC Ferry to the historic native village of Alert Bay and the Finnish village of Sointula. The town provides community services for both locals and visitors. Stroll along the waterfront and watch fishing vessels and boaters dock at the Government wharf. Don’t miss the eagles nesting in high trees as they feed their young with salmon caught just off shore. The town offers a selection of small shops, craft stores with native carvings, restaurants, a neighbourhood pub and a good variety of accommodations along the waters edge. Outdoor activities include fresh and saltwater fishing, whale and wildlife watching excursions, native cultural tours, forestry and cave tours, air charters, boat charters, hiking, scuba diving, wilderness camping, canoeing and kayaking. Here in Port McNeil you can experience tranquil island living at its best.

Port Hardy British Columbia
Situated at the northern end of Highway 19 on Vancouver Island. Port Hardy is where you take the BC Ferry, Queen of the North, to Prince Rupert and the gateway to Northern Vancouver Island recreation areas. Famous for scuba diving, kayaking, hiking, ocean and fresh water fishing, whale watching, golfing, and caving, Port Hardy has services for all types of eco-adventures and outdoor recreation.

Quadra Island British Columbia
Access is by BC Ferry from downtown Campbell River to Quadra Island. A variety of accommodations include bed and breakfasts, lodges, farm stays and resorts. Charter boats and guides for salmon fishing can be arranged through your accommodation host. Outdoors activities include fresh and salt water fishing, scuba diving, hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, bird watching, sailing, swimming, and boating. A number of popular beaches are warmed by the incoming tide that offers ideal swimming conditions. Quadra Island is part of the Discover Island Group.

Sayward British Columbia
The village is situated right on Johnstone Strait and is the best place in the world to see killer whales. Here in Sayward you can find full amenities including: moorage, accommodations, a recreation centre, shopping, and community services. Logging is the primary employer in Sayward. Outdoor recreation include, canoeing, kayaking, camping and hiking trails. This a great place to view wildlife such as: Roosevelt Elk, cougars and migrating birds including the eagles. Salt water fishing brings in salmon, cod and halibut. There is an abundance of freshwater fishing for trout and steelhead on Salmon River, White River, Adam River and Eve River. Experience the area's former logging history by visiting the island museum. Also, try winter skiing on Mt Cain.

Stuart Island British Columbia
Sitting at the head of Bute Inlet located between Vancouver Island and the mainland of British Columbia where the Strait of Georgia meets Johnstone Strait approximately 44 km (27 miles) north of Campbell River BC. This very beautiful and rugged area, with swift tidal passes is a mecca for salmon fishing and for fly-in sport fishermen. A number of lodges and corporate retreats have been established on Stuart and neighbouring Sonora Island. Visitors can fly in on private airstrip. There is also a nine-hole golf course. The inlet suports five species of salmon, which in turn feed Dall’s porpoises, sea lions, seals, otters, bald eagles, coastal grizzly and black bears, and on occasion, killer whales. Stuart Island is part of the Discover Island Group.

Sointula British Columbia
Located on Malcolm Island, Sointula is accessible by BC Ferries from Port McNeill. Founded by Finnish settlers a century ago this was an attempt to create a utopian colony. Here in Sointula the village street winds along the waterfront where shops and restaurants overlook the expansive ocean. At the Government wharf you can view large commercial fishing boats. Try your hand salmon fishing or take a tour watching whales. Then drive or walk along the main road where houses and business hug the shore line. The general store provides for your basic needs and there is fine island food in the local restaurants and coffee shops.

Tahsis British Columbia
Located north of Gold River and situated in beautiful Tahsis Inlet. Outdoor activities include sport fishing, kayaking, remote surfing trips, windsurfing, hiking, caving, mountain biking, and scuba diving. Accommodations include bed and breakfasts, RV parks, lodges, and a motel. There are restaurants, pubs, cafes, and full amenities including a grocery stores and gas station. Visit the local museum to view the historic past of Tahsis. Fishermen enjoy deep sea fishing for salmon, snapper, cod and halibut. On this Vancouver Island you can explore the rugged mountains and nearby caves that are a favourite of many experienced hikers. Guided tours can be arranged. The daily scheduled passenger and freight vessel Uchuck III provides an opportunity to explore Nootka Sound, Friendly Cove and nearby small coastal communities.

Telegraph Cove British Columbia
Situated in a tiny cove, with a boardwalk built on stilts above the waterline, this small historic community operated a thriving sawmill. The restored buildings include workshops, bunkhouses, restaurant, shops, and private homes. Accommodations are limited here and include converted bunk house rentals and RV campground. Telegraph Cove offers superb ocean fishing for salmon, halibut, kayaking, scuba diving, and wildlife watching. Just south of Telegraph Cove is the famed Robson Bight where the whales rub themselves on rocks along the beach. The area is a major center for research into killer whales as they gather in Johnstone Strait.

Winter Harbour British Columbia
Located 40 minutes from Holberg, Winter Harbour is a small fishing and logging settlement that features a boardwalk along the waterfront. Activities here include: ocean water fishing and ocean boat charters, kayak rentals. There is limited accommodation here in Winter Harbour.

Woss and the Nimpkish Valley British Columbia
Located in the Nimpkish Valley where the great outdoors offers wilderness hiking, camping, backpacking and a healthy wildlife. Woss Lake and Nimpkish Lake offers easy access to wilderness camping and fresh water fishing. Wind surfing in popular on Nimpkish Lake. The small villages provide basic services such as: a general store, service station, and a home-style restaurant. Nearby Mt. Cain Ski Resort has beginner and advanced downhill and cross-country skiing. The Little Hudson Regional Cave Park is a good place to begin your caving adventures. A short trail leads from the parking lot to nearby caves.

Zeballos British Columbia
Located at the mouth of the Zeballos River and the wild and rugged west coast of Vancouver Island. Zeballos River is a small peaceful logging community. The town offers great outdoor opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, hiking, wilderness camping, fishing and scuba divers. Fishing charters can be arranged. In the Zeballos River fresh water fish like trout and steelhead are bountiful. In the autumn, this river is filled with salmon returning home to spawn. Visitors enjoy exploring Lake Zeballos and also the abandoned gold mines.