Winter in Vancouver Island North means the magic of snow coating the mountaintops, an invitation to dwell in cozy cultural venues and eateries, and plenty of festive happenings where you’ll get to connect with our artistic and entrepreneurial residents. Read on to learn about the winter markets and holiday events happening in each of the North Island’s communities, and what else to do while you’re in the area for each.
Marvel at the festival of lights in Port Hardy
Port Hardy’s popular Festival of Lights, put together by the Rotary Club of Port Hardy, takes place on November 27, with an opening ceremony and plenty of goodies and involvement from local businesses. Get yourself to the Port Hardy Visitor Centre by 5:30pm for the kick-off. Enjoy the excitement of the quintessentially coastal Harbour Boat Parade, where the local maritime community adds to the sparkling atmosphere of the Festival of Lights by decorating their decks for a seafaring procession into the Port Hardy Harbour, expertly led by the Coast Guard.
An extension of the Festival of Lights, the Rotary Santa Claus Parade will this year have its very own date perfect for weekend visitors: Sunday, November 30. Then, the Port Hardy Christmas Shopping Event on December 6 celebrates an incredible 50 local vendors from across Vancouver Island North. Discover knitted and crocheted wares, photography, paintings, candles, cards, and other unique gifts, many inspired by our West Coast locale and spectacular natural surroundings.
Make the most of your time in Vancouver Island North by staying at locally-owned accommodations in Port Hardy, like Kwa’lilas Hotel or Hotel 19, and if you miss the shopping event, you can still find unique gifts and soak up the festive spirit at the likes of the West Coast Community Craft Shop and the Copper & Kelp Market.
Holiday Festivities in Port McNeill and Port Alice
Port McNeill kicks off their holiday festivities on November 15 with the Lions Xmas Showcase. Over sixty vendors will be sharing their wares with local staycationers and visitors alike. The event is at the Port McNeill Community Hall and Old School from 10 am to 2 pm.
Spend the last weekend of November in Port Alice to delight in their Tree Light Up and Parade on Sunday, November 30, from 5pm to 7pm. Thrill at the sight of fireworks brightening the winter sky, watch the town’s decorated vehicles turn out in force, and enjoy hands-on activities like wreath-making and kids’ crafts. Pick up the work of talented local artists, handmade holiday gifts, and locally roasted coffee over the weekend from Rumble Beach Gallery & Gifts and Foggy Mountain Coffee Co.
Celebrate the 47th Sointula WinterFest
A winter staple that reveals the warmth of Sointula’s eclectic community is the Sointula Winterfest, which celebrates its 47th year on November 22. The artisan market is the main event, taking place from 10am to 3pm at the F.O. Hall, Athletic Hall, and the Dance Studio. Grab a hot beverage and some treats as you wander between the stalls showcasing the North Island’s incredible array of talented craftspeople. If you’ve got the whole family in tow, stop by the free face painting station. Make sure to stick around into the evening—a talent show at 7pm ushers in the joyful hum of creative expression and islander entertainment.
Book a stay at the Oceanfront Hotel or one of Sointula’s homestyle accommodations, like the historic Deb’s Deli and Guest House or Nanshands Air BnB, and spend a morning at the intriguing Sointula Museum before taking a windswept walk at Bere Point or the Pulteney Point Lighthouse.
Cormorant Island Christmas Baazar
Time your winter visit to Alert Bay with the Cormorant Island Christmas Baazar on December 14th. Make your way to the Lawrence Ambers Memorial Rec Center from 1pm to 6pm for a fully-stacked roster of some 50 vendors whose wares celebrate cultural traditions and North Island craftsmanship, along with plenty of baked goods.
Make a weekend of your adventure to Alert Bay with a stay at Gordie’s Restaurant and Lounge, Seine Boat Inn, the Orca Inn Pub, or another B&B, hotel, or cozy cabin. Beyond the Christmas Baazar, be sure to make time to stop at the U’mista Cultural Centre and the Culture Shock Gallery. Both are also fantastic places to support First Nation artists and entrepreneurs, and other local makers, if you’re unable to make it to the bazaar.
Be prepared for winter travel
Wherever you spend your winter vacation in Vancouver Island North, you can expect a warm welcome, vibrant locals, and cozy establishments to warm up in between the festivities and wintery hikes and beach walks. Make sure you brush up on our Know Before You Go section and check seasonal operating hours with local businesses. Winter tires are required north of Campbell River between October 31 and March 1, and it’s always best practice to have extra warm layers, hot beverages and water, and snacks in the car.