Every May, as spring approaches summer, an epic sailing race takes competitors around the entire circumference of Vancouver Island. The Van Isle 360 Sailing Race draws an international yacht crowd eager to experience the incredible, diverse coastal landscape found here and the thrill of the adventure. The race takes place over 14 days, covering 580 nautical miles. 2025 is the 14th edition of the race and takes place from May 31 to June 14.
Vancouver Island North showcases a shifting spread of ecosystems for competitors as they navigate our region’s east, north, and west coasts. Everyone is on wildlife watch as they traverse the coast, ensuring respectful distances while hoping to catch a glimpse of an orca’s dorsal fin, a diving seabird, or a raft of fluffy sea otters. Then there’s the warmth and lively spirit of each Vancouver Island North community, all thrilled to host competitors during stops, along with their land crews and spectators.
Read on to discover which Vancouver Island North communities are involved and the best locations to watch the Van Isle 360 race in Vancouver Island North.
Support Telegraph Cove during the Van Isle 360
The Van Isle 360 begins and finishes in Nanaimo, stopping in Comox, Campbell River, and Sayward, before entering Vancouver Island North. Sailboats travel the tricky waters of Discovery Passage and the Johnstone Strait, past spectacular protected whale habitat, to arrive in the serenity of Telegraph Cove on the lands of the ‘Na̱mg̱is First Nation.
For the adventurous, the race can be watched from several recreation sites between Sayward and Telegraph Cove, accessed by logging roads or marine vessels. From the Telegraph Cove Forest RV Campground, the Blinkhorn (Dave Farrant) Trail is a challenging hike to a panoramic viewpoint of the Johnstone Strait.
On December 21, 2024, several areas and businesses within Telegraph Cove were severely damaged by a fire. The restaurant, pub, much-loved whale museum, and more have gone. However, resilient locals and passionate long-time fans are drumming up funding and support to help rebuild. The forest campground, marina, General Store, houses, and hotel are all operational and worth a trip during the Van Isle 360 to experience the historic cove and champion the rebuild.
Supplies and celebrations in Port Hardy
The next stop for the sailboats is Port Hardy, Vancouver Island North’s largest community, on the east coast on the lands of the Kwakiutl Nation. The community comes alive as crew members do a major reset, restock on supplies, and prepare for the rugged west coast and just one small and remote community stop (Winter Harbour) until Ucluelet.
Spectators head to Carrot Park to watch the sailboats arrive and wave them off on the next stage of their epic journey. It’s also the site of the Port Hardy portion’s awards ceremony. Why not grab some tasty provisions from one of the eateries on Market Street, like Cafe Guido & Co or Market Cafe, and make a day of it on the oceanfront?
Other fantastic viewpoints can be found at Storey’s Beach, along the Tex Lyon trail—this one’s more rugged, so come prepared—and Bear Cove Park. There is also a unique tradition for the Port Hardy arrival of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in their ceremonial red serge uniforms, receiving competitors.
The final outpost: Winter Harbour
Land crews pack up and depart along the gravel logging road that takes them from Port Hardy to Winter Harbour on the lands of the Quatsino First Nation on the west coast of Vancouver Island North. Spectators are also encouraged to join the adventure, but make sure you’re adequately prepared for rugged and remote conditions along the road and little to no cell service. Winter Harbour is a charming small fishing community that has sheltered fishermen and boats from the wild storms of the west coast for over two hundred years. Walk along the waterfront boardwalk, stop by The Outpost at Winter Harbour for supplies, or head out on the water with a fishing charter.
Beyond the community of Winter Harbour, a series of pristine sand beaches at Grant Bay, Raft Cove, and San Josef Bay in Cape Scott Provincial Park to the North beckon visitors to hike, camp, and watch the Van Isle 360 go by. These destinations showcase Vancouver Island North’s wild beauty, history, and dynamic conditions, and are well worth spending a few days at.
The last leg of the Van Isle 360 in Vancouver Island takes competitors past some of the most isolated parts of Vancouver Island North. This area is sometimes known for its stormy conditions, but is also dotted with breathtaking vistas and pristine ecological reserves. If you’re not a sailor but are keen to explore this area, we highly recommend getting out on a multi-day kayak tour or a boat charter from Winter Harbour.