An Introduction To Port Hardy
Nestled in the northern tip of Vancouver Island, Port Hardy is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. From rugged hiking trails to breathtaking vistas, this small town has a lot to offer for outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a place to unwind and reconnect with nature, Kwa’lilas Hotel is the perfect base for your adventure.
Port Hardy is home to some of the most scenic hiking trails on Vancouver Island. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, there’s a trail for every skill level. Here are some of the must-visit trails:
The Quatse River Loop is a delightful leisurely stroll, sure to sooth away your cares while you wind your way through. This nature trail is easy terrain with a mixture of gravel and boardwalk surfaces. You can extend this walk by going under the bridge and continuing with the Estuary Trail. During the spring and summer months, this area is a haven for various birds, such as ducks, geese, ravens, great blue herons, eagles, etc. When the salmon run occurs, the estuary and river area becomes abundant with wildlife.
The Commuter Trail, also known as The Fort Rupert Trail, is a historic walk through Kwagu’ł territory. This route was used to commute between villages at Tayaguł and Bear Cove. Nowadays it is a beautiful hike through first and second-growth forests; keep an eye out for culturally modified trees. The Commuter Trail has two trail heads, located off Beaver Harbour Road and Bear Cove Highway and both have local First Nations artwork at each entrance. The trail includes a boardwalk and gravel-type surfaces, and some uphill terrain. There is a beautiful lake about halfway from either direction where you can sit on a bench, rest on your journey, and enjoy the silence.
Experience this 8.7-km out-and-back trail near Mount Waddington, British Columbia. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 2 h 14 min to complete. This is a very popular area for camping, hiking, and running, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. This is an amazing all-day adventure from Port Hardy to a vast vacant 2-kilometre beach complete with caves, tidal pools and sea stacks to explore! San Josef Bay in Cape Scott Provincial Park is a hike-in park at the northwestern tip of Vancouver Island. The trailhead for San Josef Bay and Cape Scott is located 64 kilometers west of Port Hardy and can be reached by active logging Roads.
The Dakota 576 was a Royal Canadian Air Force plane that crashed on April 19th, 1944. The plane was on a navigation exercise from Pat Bay and was to approach Port Hardy and then return. However, they didn’t have enough fuel and decided to try to land in Port Hardy. Experience this 4.2-km out-and-back trail near Port Hardy, British Columbia. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. This is a popular trail for hiking and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.
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