The fertile colours of forest foliage, the powerful flow of our waterways, and the flurry of movement as birds and wildlife catch your eye are sure to inspire a desire to protect the wild places and species of Vancouver Island North.
We invite you to visit with intention—sharing core values with our locals who love seeing the spark of stewardship shine brightly in guests, too—and be an adventurer who gives back. Discover this three-day itinerary rooted in our Wild Pledge principles. Principles you can tuck in your back pocket as a helping hand to help us keep the magic of our natural wonders alive.
Arrive in Port McNeill on day one to begin your adventure in Vancouver Island North. Prepare for the experience of being in our rugged beauty by packing for shifting weather conditions and reviewing advice and guidelines for visiting any remote locations ahead of time. You can meet friendly staff who eagerly wait to share their safety knowledge, trail etiquette insights, and love for the area with you in the Port McNeill Visitor Centre. While there, collect a free #LiveTheWildPledge tote bag for your day two activities.
At Essentials Refillery, gather low- to zero-waste beauty and health supplies (think electrolyte powders and all-natural deodorant) to minimize your ecological impact during your travels. Once you’re stocked up, head on to the coastal community of Port Hardy, a vibrant homebase for adventures and where you’ll spend the night at Ecoscape Cabins. Both the cabins’ original development and ongoing business practices are proudly rooted in minimizing their environmental footprint—have a chat with staff to share in mutual enthusiasm for protecting the wild!
On day two, wake bright and early because…you’re headed for a breathtaking beach! Be prepared for rough road conditions and no cell service as you journey from Port Hardy to Cape Scott Provincial Park.
Once you arrive at the trailhead parking, you will have several options for day hikes. Make sure you’re carrying plenty of water and snacks, and remember to scrunch those candy wrappers and other garbage up into your pocket to bin later as part of the Leave No Trace principles that help us all keep these beaches pristine, together. San Josef Bay is a popular day hike for its windswept, sandy expanse and sea stacks, or for the more experienced intrepid adventurer Nels Bight takes you past Giant Sitka Spruce and the remnants of early settlement en route to the outer edge.
These beaches are where your participation in the #LiveTheWildPledge Ocean Legacy self-guided beach cleanup takes place. Fill your tote up with any non-natural debris you find and return it to one of eight locations to secure your incentive card with discounts and rewards from local businesses passionate about stewardship.
In these outer edges, remember to observe, but don’t disturb any wildlife you see, which can include bears, wolves, whales, and eagles. Your options for the night are to camp out in the breathtaking beauty of the park to fall asleep to the sound of eagles and the pulsing waves at one of its campsites (seek out food caches or sling up a bear hang for your food and toiletries overnight!), or head back to Port Hardy and enjoy the cozy comforts of Hotel 19.
Day three takes you back to Port Hardy for a walk in the Quatse River Park to the estuary. From June to August, visit the Quatse Salmon Stewardship Centre for vibrant interpretive displays on the intriguing life cycle of the seven Pacific salmon species, and the ecosystems that sustain them.
Wander the trail along the Quatse River. Can you smell the change in the air as you go from freshwater and cedar to the saline of the estuary and sea beyond? Make like a local (and say hello as you pass!) by keeping to the marked trails that protect sensitive ecosystems, while allowing the calming scents and sounds to wash over you. This area has many non-human inhabitants, so we encourage you to be wildlife aware and always observe from a distance. If you move quietly, you might be lucky enough to see anything from a Belted kingfisher or bald eagle to a Swainson’s thrush or black bear snacking on salmon at different times of the year.