Start exploring
Land Acknowledgement
GILAKAS’LA. Vancouver Island North communities are located on the traditional territory of the Kwakwakaʼwakw people, who have been stewards of this land since time immemorial.
Click on a map marker to learn about each community.
Alert Bay
Alert Bay on Cormorant Island, formerly a thriving fishing village on the BC coast. Heritage buildings and old village houses on the waterfront still speak of the early pioneer days, where a fish saltery was in 1870.
Coal Harbour
Coal Harbour is a northern Vancouver Island marine hub providing access to the fertile fishing grounds of Quatsino Sound located just a 20 minute drive on a paved road from Port Hardy.
Holberg
The tiny village of Holberg sits at the most westerly end of Holberg Inlet. Access to this community is via a 50 km (31 mi) gravel logging road leading west from Port Hardy.
Port Alice
A picturesque community built on a mountainside affording excellent views of Neroutsos Inlet from every vantage point.
Port Hardy
Port Hardy is located at the northern tip of Vancouver Island, renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and as a gateway to the stunning wilderness of Vancouver Island.
Port McNeill
Port McNeill is celebrated for its stunning coastal views, outdoor recreational opportunities, and as a starting point for eco-adventures and whale-watching tours. Hop on a ferry to Malcolm Island or Cormorant Island to explore more.
Quatsino
Quatsino is a remote and peaceful village on the northwest coast of Vancouver Island, offering a serene escape amidst majestic forests, pristine waters, and a close-knit community.
Sointula
Sointula, a quaint and unique community on Malcolm Island, embraces its Finnish heritage, offering a serene coastal setting, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Telegraph Cove
A charming historic fishing village, renowned for its picturesque boardwalk, stunning wildlife, and popular whale-watching tours.
Winter Harbour
Winter Harbour, a remote fishing village on Vancouver Island's rugged northwest coast, captivates with its untouched natural beauty, tranquil harbours, and abundant opportunities for outdoor adventures and marine exploration.
Woss
Woss is a small community surrounded by lush forests, offering a peaceful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring nature's wonders.
Broughton Archipelago
Vancouver Island North is also home to many smaller island and coastal destinations offering unique wilderness experiences. These communities include:
- Echo Bay
- Broughton Island
- Knight Inlet (Minstrel Island)
- Gilford Island
- Nimmo Bay
- Blackfish Sound
- Hanson Island
- Johnstone Strait
- West Cracroft Island
- God's Pocket
- Drury Inlet
Plan your ultimate escape
Select the type of adventure and number of days you wish your travel to begin creating your itinerary.
I want to visit the North Island and exploreActivity
Select activity
For this number of daysFor
Select # of days
Plan Your Ultimate Escape
What would you like to explore?
Activity
-
Whales & Bears
Kayaking
Hiking
Parks & Camping
Arts & Culture
Indigenous Culture
Heritage Culture
Rainy Days
Select Trip length
Trip Length
-
Whales & Bears
Every inch of Vancouver Island North is teeming with wildlife, creatures great and small; the land up here still belongs to the wild things.
Kayaking
Every inch of Vancouver Island North is teeming with wildlife, creatures great and small; the land up here still belongs to the wild things.
Hiking
Every inch of Vancouver Island North is teeming with wildlife, creatures great and small; the land up here still belongs to the wild things.
Parks & Camping
Every inch of Vancouver Island North is teeming with wildlife, creatures great and small; the land up here still belongs to the wild things.
Arts & Culture
Every inch of Vancouver Island North is teeming with wildlife, creatures great and small; the land up here still belongs to the wild things.
Indigenous Culture
Every inch of Vancouver Island North is teeming with wildlife, creatures great and small; the land up here still belongs to the wild things.
Heritage Culture
Every inch of Vancouver Island North is teeming with wildlife, creatures great and small; the land up here still belongs to the wild things.
Rainy Days
Every inch of Vancouver Island North is teeming with wildlife, creatures great and small; the land up here still belongs to the wild things.
Take the North Island Wild Pledge
The Wild Pledge is a promise to practise responsible tourism and journey with care when visiting Vancouver Island communities, businesses, Indigenous communities, forests and oceans.
Real places shot by real people
Follow us on social media to keep exploring the north island or some other text.
Weather & Tides
Light Rain
Today
High
8°C
Low
6°C
Moderate Rain
Tomorrow
High
7°C
Low
6°C
West Coast Tides
High Tide1:41 am
Height3.1
High Tide6:41 am
Height2
East Coast Tides
High Tide1:54 am
Height4.2m
High Tide6:59 am
Height2.4m
Explore our guides
Trail Guide
View the Vancouver Island North Trail Guide to find rugged trails across the region.
Learn More
Visitors Guide
The Explorer Guide is packed with plenty of ideas for anyone curious about Vancouver Island North!
Learn more
Recreation Map
View the Recreation Map for highlighted areas including parks, beaches, trails and more.
Learn more