On the northeast edge of Vancouver Island, the communities of
Port Hardy, Port Alice, and Port McNeill offer access to some of the island’s most peaceful and culturally significant coastal places. These beaches aren’t crowded or curated — they’re quiet, often windswept, and intimately tied to the daily lives of the people who live there. Storey’s Beach, just outside Port Hardy, is a favourite among locals for walks, beachcombing, and community events. At low tide, the beach reveals a wide, flat stretch ideal for family play or reflective solitude, framed by distant mountain views and the steady sound of shorebirds.
Port Alice, nestled along the sheltered waters of Neroutsos Inlet, offers a different kind of beach experience — one that feels protected, even hidden. Here, the shoreline is dotted with small access points and pocket beaches perfect for launching a kayak or enjoying a quiet moment by the sea.
In
Port McNeill, the waterfront blends working harbour life with coastal trails and gathering spaces, where marine life, logging history, and Indigenous stewardship converge. All three communities are located on the traditional territories of the Kwakwaka’wakw peoples, whose cultural presence remains vibrant and visible. Visitors are encouraged to move with awareness, support local businesses, and treat the beaches not just as scenic stops, but as spaces of living community and deep-rooted care.