Plan Your Trip to Northern Vancouver Island

This story was originally written in 2020.

Northern Vancouver Island is a place unlike anywhere else in the province (or the world, for that matter), where remote and rugged coastal adventure awaits. The scenery on Vancouver Island changes dramatically the farther north you drive: the highway narrows to two lanes, the trees grow taller, and the rivers are more plentiful. Up here, towns are smaller and more spaced out, the beaches are less crowded, and the wildlife is more prevalent. 

The experiences are as breathtaking as the views, from watching a whale glide effortlessly through the water to trekking along a vast stretch of beach at low tide. If you’re looking for a wild West Coast escape that’s filled with big nature, incredible wildlife viewing, and rich Indigenous culture, this is a must-do trip to add to your list.   

Prince of Whales Whale and Marine Wildlife Adventures tours depart from Telegraph Cove and head to the nearby protected waters of the Broughton Archipelago—home to an abundance of marine mammals and seabirds. Orcas are most frequent, with humpback whales, Dall’s porpoises, and Pacific white-sided dolphins encountered regularly. If you’re looking for a self-propelled adventure, take a kayaking tour or rent kayaks to explore on your own.

Indigenous-owned Seawolf Adventures offers day trips from Port McNeill to remote areas for wildlife viewing of grizzly bears and orcas. The U’Mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay celebrates the history, culture, and art of the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw First Nations. Don’t miss their collection of artifacts recovered after BC’s infamous Potlatch Ban.

On the northern tip of the Island, Cape Scott Trail has been attracting intrepid hikers from around the globe for decades. It is a solid hike of close to 25 kilometres, and most choose to camp for one or more nights. For adventurers who want more, the North Coast Trail is an extension of Cape Scott, offering over 40 kilometres of more advanced hiking terrain.

From nearby Port Hardy, you can explore the edges of the Great Bear Rainforest by Zodiac with Coastal Rainforest Safaris. The BC Ferries vessel Northern Expedition, departs from town on a scenic 15-hour journey to Prince Rupert through the Inside Passage. 

Featured image: Wandering the beach in San Josef Bay in Cape Scott Provincial Park | Shayd Johnson

This story was originally published in 2017 and has been updated.