Getting Here - Vancouver Island North

Vancouver Island, BC, Canada

BY CAR

Highway 19 connects the communities of Vancouver Island North with Campbell River, Nanaimo, Victoria and many towns between. The stretch of Highway 19 that extends from Campbell River to Port Hardy has been named the North Island Route. This section of paved, double lane highway is particularly scenic, offering views of jagged mountain peaks, expansive forest and frequent wildlife sightings. The highway is well maintained and motor home friendly. Approximate driving distances times:

Victoria to Port Hardy, 500 km, 6 hours; Victoria to Port McNeill, 450 km, 5 ½ hours
Nanaimo to Port Hardy, 390 km, 4 ½ hours; Nanaimo to Port McNeill, 340 km, 4 hours

Road Conditions | www.drivebc.com | 1-800-550-4997

Thinking about making the trip in an electric vehicle?

You’ll find Sun Country Highway charging stations in Port Hardy, Telegraph Cove, and Woss.

Find a location on the Sun Country Trip Planner: www.suncountryhighway.ca

BY PLANE

Pacific Coastal Airlines operate daily scheduled flights between the Port Hardy Airport (YZT) and Vancouver Airport’s South Terminal (YVR) with approximately 1 hour flying time.

Pacific Coastal Airlines | www.pacificcoastal.com | 1-800-663-2872

BY FERRY

Port Hardy / Prince Rupert

The Inside Passage is a spectacular voyage providing scenic transportation between Port Hardy and Prince Rupert (on the northern BC coast). This scenic day trip takes 15 hours. Cabins are available on board the M. V. Northern Expedition, BC Ferries newest vessel. This route operates from mid-May to the end of September and reservations are a must.

Port Hardy / Mid and North Coast

During the fall, winter and spring months, the Inside Passage operates as an overnight sailing with stops along the way. Sailing time is 20 – 22 hours.

The Discovery Coast Passage is a summer-only route between Port Hardy and ports on BC’s mid-coast, with several stops along the way. The voyage takes 20 – 33 hours from Port Hardy to Bella Coola depending on the route. Cabins are not available, however, there are showers and reclining seats. Reservations are highly recommended.

Port McNeill / Alert Bay / Sointula

One ferry shares its services between the Port McNeill to Alert Bay (45 minute crossing) and the Port McNeill to Sointula (25 minute crossing) routes with multiple trips scheduled each day.

Vancouver Island / Vancouver

BC Ferries provides regular vehicle and passenger ferry service between Vancouver and Vancouver Island. Major routes are Horseshoe Bay in Vancouver to Departure Bay in Nanaimo; Tsawwassen, south of Richmond (Vancouver), to Duke Point, south of Nanaimo; and, Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay in Saanich (north of Victoria).

BC Ferries | www.bcferries.com | 1-888-BC FERRY (1-888-223-3779)