Parks & Camping 3-5 days
Follow the road less traveled, the one that leads you to the purest kind of wilderness experience. In the Vancouver Island North region, spanning the mountains and coasts of the Island and adjacent mainland, there are vast expanses of land that are still unsettled. Our regional and provincial parks are as much a part of the Island as its people. As much a part of our heritage as the small towns settled over hundreds of years ago.
Itinerary
Travel to Vancouver Island North and camp at Link River
Day 01
Day 02
Day 03
Day 04
Day 05
Additional Activities
Day 01
HIKE THE TEX LYON TRAIL
This challenging 12-kilometre trek to Dillon Point from Storey’s Beach offers a wonderful adventure. At points along the Tex Lyon Trail you will pop out from the forested trail onto rocky bluffs with panoramic ocean views. Dillon Point is the turn-around for this out-and-back trail and can be reached in about 5 hours so adventurers setting out on this trek should give themselves a full day for the return trip. Be sure to check the tides and allow at least eight hours for the round trip.
Day 02
CHARTER AN OCEAN OR FRESHWATER FISHING CHARTER
All five varieties of Pacific salmon migrate through Queen Charlotte Strait, and fishermen get first dibs on catches headed for spawning grounds further south in BC. Halibut, snapper and cod might also be the catch of the day. Inland, our lakes are great places to relax and wait for the trout to bite. Local guides are equipped with all the gear and the expertise to have you reeling in a prize catch.
Day 03
CAMP AT KWAKSISTAH CAMPGROUND & HIKE BOTEL TRAIL PARK
Arrive at the edge of the North Island near the village of Winter Harbour and breath in the ocean air under a canopy of tall trees. Kwaksistah Campground is a wilderness oceanfront site with remote surroundings. Located close by, Botel Park offers a rainforest hike from the community to an outside shore.
**Travel on logging road required.
Day 04
WALK A WEST COAST BEACH
Head west from the village of Winter Harbour to the white sand beach of Grant Bay. From the trailhead and newly expanded parking area, it’s just a short 10 minute hike to this isolated bay facing the open Pacific Ocean. Soft sand and rocky headlands make for a great day of beach combing and exploration.
**Travel on logging road required.
Day 05
EXPLORE LITTLE HUSON CAVES
Little Huson Caves Regional Park, a 45-minute drive south of Port McNeill, off the Zeballos road, is the perfect place for an introduction to these magical formations carved by nature. It’s a caving experience for all levels – even if you’re not interested in going underground. A self-guided tour here includes stops at a natural rock bridge and walk-in, cathedral-style cave.
**Travel on logging road required.
Additional Activities
- It’s all about salmon at the Quatse Salmon Centre in Port Hardy, learn about the important role salmon play in the life of whales
- Dig your toes into the sand at Storey’s Beach, at low tide this wide, sandy beach is a prime location for picnics and beachcombing, or an evening beach fire (check seasonal restrictions), Tide Guides available at the Port Hardy Visitor Centre
- Glimpse into the early settlement days on the North Island at the Port Hardy Museum & Archives
- Find the perfect Island-inspired gift item to remember your trip by, shop galleries in Port Hardy, Fort Rupert, Port McNeill & Alert Bay
- Explore a garden in the midst of the rainforest at Ronning’s Garden, wander the grounds to discover the plantings started by an early settler to the area, Bernt Ronning
- If you’re heading west, be sure to stop at the Shoe Tree on the eastern end of Kains Lake, this old cedar snag is covered with hundreds of shoes contributed by visitors
- Take a kayak tour out of Telegraph Cove for another chance to see whales from a different perspective, 2 or 4 hour options available
- You will be struck immediately by Telegraph Cove’s charm, dig into the roots of this place by touring historic boardwalk
GETTING HERE & GETTING AROUND
The North Island may feel like a remote destination, but it’s certainly not a challenge to get here. With a fully paved highway leading you North, to daily flights and multiple ferry options, you have your pick of ways to travel! Visit the Getting Here page to learn more.