Accommodations & sights we recommend on northern Vancouver Island
Welcome to central & northern Vancouver Island!
From lush forests to stunning shorelines, the central and northern region of Vancouver Island is unlike anywhere else. Find a comfortable place to stay before and after your kayak tour with our accommodation suggestions, and be inspired to extend your vacation with some of our top Vancouver Island North recommendations.
Located a 40-minute drive north of Alder Bay or 55-minutes from Bauza Cove (meeting points for tours above). Taxi service to Alder Bay is available through Waivin Flags or Town Taxi.
KWA’LILAS HOTEL The Kwa’lilas Hotel is a Indigenous owned and operated hotel in Port Hardy. This hotel is a lovely place to stay and our top pick for Port Hardy.
QUARTERDECK RESORT AND MARINA The Quarterdeck Resort and Marina is a waterfront accommodation option in Port Hardy. They offer many different types of rooms and have a restaurant in house.
PORT HARDY RV & RESORTS Nestled along the Quatse River, Port Hardy RV and Resorts is a recently updated accommodation provider that offers cabins, RV sites, and campsites. The resort is about a 40 minute walk from the amenities of town, but offers options for those looking to camp.
Located a 15-minute drive north of Alder Bay or 30-minutes from Bauza Cove (meeting points for tours above). Taxi service to Alder Bay is available through Waivin Flags or Town Taxi.
BLACK BEAR RESORT The Black Bear Resort offers newly built, comfortable guest rooms with ocean views and is conveniently situated close to the main shopping centre of Port McNeill, restaurants, and many of the town services.
THE HUMPBACK INN This coastal property offers 24 guestrooms each within walking distance to stunning views of the protected harbour, Malcolm Island, and the coastal mountains of British Columbia’s mainland. The Hotel is conveniently situated close to the marina, shops of Port McNeill and local restaurants.
ALDER BAY RV PARK AND MARINA With 30 acres of private land with abundant walk-on waterfront, fully serviced RV pull through sites, cottages, easy boat launch and dock facilities, Alder Bay RV Park & Marina is the perfect spot to begin your adventure.
TELEGRAPH COVE RESORT Located in the heart of historic Telegraph Cove, Telegraph Cove Resort offers a variety of accommodation choices. Options include cabins & historic homes, dockside suites, and hotel rooms at the new Telegraph Cove Lodge. Camping and RV parking also available.
TAKU RESORT One of the most beautiful settings you will find anywhere, and also conveniently located right in Heriot Bay. This ocean side resort has charming self contained A-frame cabins or terrace view rooms. Camping is also available. Also provides a hot tub, tennis and basketball court and barbecues. There is generally a 2 night minimum stay required, however exceptions are sometimes made.
HERIOT BAY INN Our friendly local pub and restaurant. Gift store, ocean views & beach access. Beautiful dining deck & front yard overlooking the marina. They do have accommodation, but most of their rooms are located over top of the pub, so please ensure that if you stay here you are keen to be a part of the party or request one of their quieter rooms.
WE WAI KAI CAMPSITE Waterfront location in Heriot Bay, situated at the edge of Rebecca Spit Provincial Park. This location aas both waterfront and forest campsites as well as showers and full-hookups.
As Bella Bella has limited accommodation options we encourage our guests to stay on Denny Island, a beautiful island that is just a short water taxi ride from Bella Bella offered by Shearwater Resort & Marina.
SHEARWATER RESORT & MARINA Shearwater is an Indigenous owned and operated resort based on Denny Island. They offer many different types of rooms and suites as well as camping options. Please note that Shearwater Resort & Marina is only accessible by boat or a water taxi. Shearwater is also the location of your pre-trip meeting.
Tahsis is a small village with a limited amount of accommodation providers. Offerings in this area are typically B&B’s with some camping and resort options.
MOUTCHA BAY RESORT
On the waters of Nootka Sound lies Moutcha Bay Resort. This resort has many different accommodation options as well as a great restaurant and other amenities. While Moutcha Bay Resort is outside of Tahsis, it is one of the only resorts in the area and therefore it is our recommendation.
Got some time before or after your tour? Check out our favourite places on Vancouver Island!
Northern Vancouver Island
Located on the traditional territory of the Kwakwakaʼwakw people, Northern Vancouver Island is known for its beautiful forests and unique biodiversity. This region is the adventure seekers paradise!
Explore quaint and historic Telegraph Cove, the gateway to the Johnstone Strait, Blackfish Sound, and Broughton Archipelago for many of our tours. Walk along the waterfront boardwalk lined with colourful historic buildings and be sure to visit the Whale Interpretive Center to learn about the local whales and see a 60-foot fin whale skeleton!
Cape Scott Provincial Park
Discover the stunning, sandy beaches of Cape Scott Provincial Park. Access beautiful San Josef Bay in less than an hour on a wheelchair accessible path or make it a longer backpacking trip through diverse coastal terrain to reach remote coastal beaches.
Alert Bay
Visit Alert Bay, internationally renowned as a center for First Nations culture, home to the ‘Namgis First Nation of the Kwakwaka’wakw. Be sure to spend some time at the U’mista Cultural Centerfeaturing a collection of masks and regalia that the Kwakwaka’wakw people fought for decades to bring home after the 1885 to 1951 potlatch ban.
God’s Pocket Provincial Park
Scuba dive in what experts have described as some of the “finest cold-water diving in the world.” Access areas such as God’s Pocket Provincial Park from Port Hardy or Port McNeill.
The North Coast Trail
Combine your paddle with an epic hike! Check out the rugged North Coast Trail, a 58 km hike on the northernmost tip of Vancouver Island.
CENTRAL VANCOUVER ISLAND
Central Vancouver Island is teeming with opportunities for adventure! This region has something for everyone. Beautiful beaches, picturesque mountains, and delicious food make us proud to call this region our home.
Enjoy this spectacular provincial park, a gorgeous mountain wilderness where you’ll find something for everyone. You can take a easy to moderate day-hike such as the shorter walks in the Paradise Meadows / Forbidden Plateau region or you can make it a longer adventure, camping and hiking through stunning mountain terrain.
Discovery Islands Life
Fall in love with island living on Quadra Islandand the surrounding Discovery Islands. Quadra Island is our home and we are constantly in appreciation of the lively community and abundance of natural beauty.
Campbell River
Discover Campbell River, a hub of opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts with many options for hiking, beaches, parks, fishing, wildlife watching, water sports, and more.
Singletracks in Cumberland
Mountain bike on over 80 km in Cumberland, called by some the “unofficial epicentre of mountain biking on Vancouver Island.” While you’re there, check out their awesome restaurant scene, community brewery, and unique collection of other shops.
For more inspiration to discover Vancouver Island, check out some of our favourite local resources:
