Port Hardy
Port Hardy has a typical, west coast marine climate which brings cool, moist weather to the area for most
of the year thus providing an ideal environment for the lush green rainforest. Temperature variations are
moderate with an average annual temperature of 8 degrees Celsius (46 degrees Fahrenheit). The
summer months, May through September, are considerably drier than the winter. Temperatures peak at
17.4 degrees Celsius (63 degrees Fahrenheit) in July and August, but rarely fall below 0 degrees Celsius
(32 degrees Fahrenheit) in the winter.
From organized sports to outdoor adventures, a wide range of recreational opportunities are offered
which include kayaking or whale watching, touring the incubation facilities for salmon at the Quatse River
Hatchery, shopping for arts and crafts or watching the Native carvers at work. Municipal parks provide
picnic areas, playgrounds, beach access and swimming. For longer outings, several provincial parks
offer ideal settings for hikers, spelunkers, campers and for anyone interested in exploring outdoor
wilderness areas.
Golfers will enjoy Seven Hills nine-hole golf course, which is located close to town and has a driving
range, clubhouse and proshop. For skiers nearby Mt. Cain offers a variety of winter sports, including
facilities for both cross-country and downhill skiing.
Port Hardy is Coho country, where catches are plentiful and prize-winning. Fish for Coho from April to
September and for halibut and cod from April to October. Opportunities for water activities abound.
Launch a boat at Fisherman's Wharf into Hardy Bay and explore the local waterways or experience
exceptional scuba diving.
Across the highway from Port Hardy, a road leads west to Holberg on the shores of Holberg Inlet, Winter
Harbour at the mouth of Quatsino Sound and world-renowned Cape Scott Provincial Park at the very tip
of Vancouver Island.
Holberg was given the name by Danish settlers in 1895, for Baron Ludvig Holberg, a distinguished
Danish historian and dramatist. The route to this small hamlet passes blue lakes and forested valleys.
Chances of seeing bear or deer are good, so have a camera ready. Once the home of the world's largest
logging float camp, this logging community is now land-based. The annual Logger Sports Day showcases
local loggers and attracts a wide audience. Another attraction is Ronning Gardens, named after
Norwegian Bernt Ronning who established a homestead near Holberg in 1910. From seeds and cuttings,
he developed a small paradise with exotic trees, shrubs and plants from all over the world. Now, Julia
and Ron Moe welcome visitors to the property they are working hard to restore.
Winter Harbour is a 40 minute drive from Holberg and offers boat and fishing charters, an RV park with a
lounge for visitors, lodging and a general store. Kwaksistah campsite is located just inside the village
boundaries at the north end with 12 campsites, fire pits, barbeques, picnic tables and a boat launch.
Take the Botel Park Trail leading to fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean off of Quatsino Sound.
Port Hardy is the southern terminus for the B.C. Ferries
"Queen of the North" to Prince Rupert, with connections to the Queen Charlotte Islands and Alaska. Day
rooms or cabins can be reserved for the 15-hour trip. This beautiful Inside Passage Route is very popular
with visitors and in the busy summer season is reserved for months in advance. Also available to explore
the beautiful mid-coast area on the Discovery Coast Passage, is the Queen of Chilliwack BC Ferry
route from Port Hardy to Bella Coola. Stop over a day
or two at Klemtu, Bella Bella, Ocean Falls or Shearwater.
Highway 19, the main highway serving Vancouver Island, links Port Hardy with Victoria and all other
major centres on the island. Island Coach Lines offers daily
bus service from Port Hardy to Campbell River and Nanaimo. In the summer, additional buses connect
directly with the ferry to Prince Rupert.
Port Hardy has a fully-serviced, all-weather airport, owned and operated by Transport Canada. The
airport has three runways and is equipped to handle both domestic and international carriers providing
flights to Vancouver, Victoria, Nanaimo and many coastal communities. Limousine and taxi services
offer transportation from the airport to the downtown core. A federal government wharf and private
marina facilities provide moorage for pleasure craft, charter boats and Canadian Coast Guard vessels.
Victoria and Vancouver Island Accommodations
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