 Kayaking in the Broughton Strait, Jeremy Ferguson photo
Friendly Community Port McNeill today serves as a hub for Northern Vancouver Island and the islands of the Archipelago. It's a vital, friendly place. Though the town radiates out from the harbor, seemingly with no centre, its sense of community runs large and deep. The motto, according to one astute McNeiller, "If I can't help you, I know three people who can."
Kwakwaka'wakw First Nation  The Port McNeill region is the traditional homeland of the Kwakwaka'wakw First Nation, which has been here for as long as 9,000 years. Aboriginal bands speaking the Kwakwaka'wakw language constitute a significant minority and form the majority in many smaller communities. They imbue the region with a rich cultural heritage and compelling recent history best explored at Alert Bay, 40 minutes by ferry.
Staying in Port McNeill For a remote community with a population under 3,000, Port McNeill offers a complete range of accommodations including a swanky contemporary resort, motor inn, cottages, B&Bs and campgrounds.
Black Bear Resort The Black Bear Resort is the top address in town, a stylish cedar complex of 40 rooms, all with panoramic views of the harbour, Malcolm Island and the coastal mountains of the BC mainland. It boasts a sophisticated spa. The menu includes Shiatsu and Swedish massage, facials, body wraps, reflexology, manicures and pedicures.
Port McNeill Foodie For its size and location, Port McNeill has diverse eats. By way of international cuisine, Greek is servied at the Sportsman's Steak and Pizza House and retro Cantonese at M&Y. Card-carrying foodies bolt for Northern Lights, affixed to the Haida-Way Motel. Chef Philip Kelly struts his stuff with impeccably fresh fish from the waters of Blackfish Sound.
Big Burls  For the uninitiated, a burl is a natural phenomenon that occurs when extra cells grow on a tree, its peculiar-looking wood often prized for its beauty as furniture. Port McNeill is home to the two-largest burls in the world. The largest was cut from the base of a 351-year-old Sitka Spruce tree. It measures 6m/19.69ft in height, 6m/19.69ft in diameter and weighs a mere 30,481k/69,200lb. Visit Port McNeill's waterfront park for a good look and a picture or two.
Art Galleries It's a must to visit the Just Art Gallery. It specializes in superb examples of First Nations art, masks and totems from local artists and craftsmen.
Port McNeill Heritage Museum The Port McNeill Heritage Museum, financed through local donations, is the pride of the town. Here are the trappings of the logging era: a Grand Jewel wood stove, cider press, antique typewriters, historic photographs, vintage phonographs, snow shoes, and a 1904 Humber Motor Bike. Allow time for nostalgia to strike.
Getting Started For further information, maps and brochures about Port McNeill, drop by the Visitor Centre at 1594 Beach Drive.
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