The town of Port McNeill (population 2,700) – the famed "Gateway to the Broughton Archipelago" – sits on the northeast side of Vancouver Island. It lies surrounded by the staggering grandeur of mountains, rainforest and the islands of the archipelago.
This small, thriving community offers big, exciting things to do: hiking, whale-watching, sea kayaking, fishing, diving, bird-watching, walking, caving and photography. Plus the human dynamism of First Nations history and culture.
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 harbour, 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."
Port McNeill is proud of its hometown hockey hero, Willie Mitchell. Mitchell, an NHL defenceman for the Los Angeles Kings, is an avid fisherman and enjoys returning to the North Island to experience the outdoors.
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 and Eating 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. Considering its size and location, Port McNeill also has diverse eats: Greek, steak, pizza, retro Cantonese and, of course, fresh seafood.
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/19ft in height, 6m/19ft in diameter and weighs a mere 30,481kg/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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