RV Friendly Sightseeing in Port Hardy
We may be biased, but we feel there is so much to do in Port Hardy and the surrounding areas! The list below includes some of our favourite (and our friends/visitors) things to do in Port Hardy.
Salmon & halibut fishing. Head out on a charter boat or grab a rod and fish off of the government wharf in Port Hardy. Fishing is a very popular past time for locals and visitors in Port Hardy alike. Check our Wicked Salmon Sports Fishing, Codfarther Fishing Charters, and Tides and Tales Sport Fishing Adventures.
Storey’s Beach. Located about 10-15 minutes outside of downtown this is a beautiful, sandy beach that many bald eagles call home! We also see porpoise and the odd humpback whale in the bay during the summer months. Insider’s tip- go at low tide (click here for a tide guide) and walk past the bluff at the end. There are amazing tidal pools back there and the beginning of the Tex Lyon Trail.
The Commuter Trail. This trail runs from the Bear Cove Highway to Storey’s Beach. It’s about a 2 hour hike each way, it is 4km each way. It is common to walk it one direction and either take a cab back to your vehicle or park a second vehicle at the other end of the trail. It is an easy hike with small amounts of elevation. There are many boardwalks that can be a bit slippery if wet. It’s a beautiful hike and there is a scenic lake about half way.
The Airplane Crash Trail. This trail starts right beside the BC Ferries Terminal on the Bear Cove Highway. The hike is about an hour each way and is moderate. There is quite a bit of elevation gain that allows for beautiful views of Hardy Bay. There are a couple of spots that require using ropes and climbing rocks. The site of the plane crash is very impressive and amazingly intact.
The Beaver Lake Interpretive Trail & Beaver Lake. This trail is about a 30-40 minute easy walk. It goes through various stages of our temperate forests and has many interpretive signs. This is a great trail for families. Across the street from the parking lot is Beaver Lake that has a swimming dock and is an ideal place to go for a paddle in a canoe.
The Salmon Stewardship Centre. This centre is located at the Quatse River Fish Hatchery. They offer guided tours of the facility and depending on the time of year guests have the opportunity to see various types of our local salmon at different life stages. This is a great place for people of all ages to spend an hour.
Coal Harbour. This is a lovely little community about 15 minutes outside of Port Hardy. It was originally a whaling town and an access point to the Quatsino Sound. Be sure to stroll the government wharf and see what the local fisherman are unloading and also check out the Coal Harbour History Museum located at the sea plane base. The road to Coal Harbour is a single-lane, paved road that is very suitable for RV traffic.
For more information on hiking around Port Hardy check out the web version of the ‘Off-the-Beaten Path’ publication by clicking here.
