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Port McNeill

Port McNeill is a small town on the northeastern coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. In North Vancouver Island, the port is the second-largest community with rich natural resources of land and sea. Port McNeill is known as the gateway to the protected spaces, gloriously spectacular islands, and waterways of the Broughton Archipelago and Queen Charlotte Strait. It is a grade-A stepping stone to outdoor adventure. Port McNeill Harbour and Nimpkish Lake Provincial Park count as the best places for outdoor activities near Port McNeill. Being close to the shoreline has many advantages, such as excellent weather conditions and watching marine wildlife like dolphins, whales, and seals. Among other inhabitants of the Port McNeill area are grizzly bears, black bears, elks, cougars, deer, which you can enjoy watching them.

Average Weather in Port McNeill

The average minimum and maximum temperature for Port McNeill is 4°C (39.2°F) in December and 20°C (68°F) in August.

The Best Time to Visit Port McNeill

Port McNeill has an oceanic climate and mild or pleasant temperature with limited to little rainfall. The best time to visit Port McNeill is from June to September.

How to Get to Port McNeill?

Port McNeill Airport Transfers

Port Hardy Airport is the closest commercial airport to Port McNeill. The airport is about 39 km (24.2 miles) away, and it usually has three flights per week from Vancouver.


Seaplane to Port McNeill

Wilderness Seaplanes offers charter services between Vancouver and Port McNeill.


Ferry to Port McNeill

Take BC Ferries in Vancouver to Nanaimo from Tsawwassen or Horseshoe Bay. And then drive from Nanaimo to Port McNeill, which takes about 4 hours. Campbell River city is situated around the halfway point along the drive and is an excellent spot to stop and rest or refuel.

Top 10 Attractions in Port McNeill

  • BC Ferries
  • Port McNeill Harbour
  • World's largest burl
  • Nimpkish Lake Provincial Park
  • Alert Bay Ecological Park
  • Broughton Strait Campsite
  • U'mista Cultural Centre
  • 'Namgis Original Burial Grounds
  • Minigill Cave
Visiting Port McNeill

Discovering Beauty and Entertainment in Port McNeill

Port McNeill is a popular tourism location on Vancouver Island, especially during summer. There are beautiful islands such as Malcolm Island, Haddington Island and Alert Bay that you can access from Port McNeill. If you want to stroll the city attractions, there are many tours such as photography, whale watching, bird watching, fishing, and diving.


Gardens, Parks, and Natural Green Attractions in Port McNeill

  • Haddington Beach Trail
  • Alert Bay Ecological Park
  • Cormorant Channel Marine Provincial Park
  • Lower Nimpkish River Provincial Park
  • Beaver Lake Recreation Site
Port McNeill gardens

Beaches, Lakes, Rivers, and Water-based Activities in Port McNeill

  • Misty Lake
  • Nimpkish Lake
  • O'Connor Lake
  • Long Lake
  • Keogh Lake
  • Roselle Lake
  • Beaver Lake
  • Thiemer Lake
  • Angler Lake
  • Sua Lake
  • Three Isle Lake
  • Sara Lake
  • D Lake
  • Nimpkish River
  • Willow Creek
  • Cluxewe River
  • Tsulton River
  • Kilpala River
  • Kokish River
  • Tsulton River 
  • Whale watching
  • Dolphin Watching
  • Port McNeill Kayaking and Canoeing
  • Sailing
  • Boating

Museums and Art Galleries in Port McNeill

  • Port McNeill Museum
  • Just Art
  • Orca Gallery Port McNeill

Entertainment in Port McNeill

Festivals and Events in Port McNeill

  • Christmas Arts & Crafts Showcase
  • Port McNeill OrcaFest

Nightlife and Entertainment in Port McNeill

  • Gus's Pub
  • Haida Way Pub 

Free Attractions in Port McNeill

  • Watching boats in Port McNeill Harbour
  • Sunbathing at Alert Bay Ecological Park
  • Walking around seawall
  • Roaming at the ports and watching seals

Services in Port McNeill

Public Transportation in Port McNeill

There are bus and taxi services for transportation in and out of the town.


Where to Stay in Port McNeill

Port McNeill offers excellent hotels and guest houses; most of them are located downtown with access to many facilities.

Hotels:
Dalewood Inn
The Black Bear Resort Hotel
Sportsman's Inn on the Harbour Front
Humpback Inn Motel
Haida Way Motor Inn
Cedar Park Resort

Self- Catered Accommodation:
Guest House:
Ocean Comfort Bed and Breakfast
Orca Lodge
Seine Boat Inn
McNeill's Inn
Azure Blue Beach House
The Artists Point - Bed, Breakfast and Phototours


Shopping in Port McNeill

Although Port McNeill is a small town, you can find several shopping malls and local stores. Here are some of the best shops in Port McNeill.
West Coast Community Craft Shop, Pioneer Mall, Shop Rite & Rona, The Clothes Inn and East Of Java


Food and Beverage Services in Port McNeill

Restaurant and Café in Port McNeill

  • Archipelagos Bistro
  • Subway
  • Cluxewe Waterfront Bistro
  • Sportsman's Steak & Pizza House
  • Lata's Kitchen
  • M & Y Restaurant
  • Tia's Café
Port McNeill Restaurants and Cafes

Wineries, Breweries, Distilleries, Pubs, and Bars in Port McNeill

  • Absolutely Grape U-Brew
  • Devils' Bath Brewing Co.
  • Gus's Pub
  • Haida Way Pub
  • Faculty Brewing Co.

Health and Wellness in Port McNeill

Sport and Wellness Centers and Spas Port McNeill

Sport and Wellness Centers, Spas, and Recreational Therapy in Port McNeill

  • Chilton Arena
  • Visions Learning Centre Salon & Spa
  • Dynamic Massage Therapy
  • Harbourside Physiotherapy and Health

What you Can Expect to Do Near Port McNeill

Port Hardy Whale Watching

Port Hardy Whale Watching

Looking for a way through which you can make your adventure on Vancouver Island unforgettable? Do not forget to stop by Port hardy while you are in the northern parts of the island. There you will be able to sight magnificent killer whales, near which you should apply ample caution. However, observing them is better an oops than a what if.

Telegraph Cove Whale Watching

Telegraph Cove Whale Watching

From Mid-June through October, you will have lots of adventures ahead of you in Telegraph Cove. While exploring the waters to observe Whales, you may encounter other marine creatures if you are lucky. Besides, other creators such as bears, eagles, sea lions and porpoises are observable.

Camping in Cluxewe Resort

Camping in Cluxewe Resort

Adventure is a critical ingredient to keep your spirit alive. Enthusiasts can spend a splendid time camping in Cluxewe Resort campground, in which you are provided with both woodland and waterfront sites featuring all the necessary facilities. Other than fantastic camping, you may enjoy several outdoor activities, including both water and land activities. Also, the wildlife there can fascinate you and make the place unforgettable.

Camping in Telegraph Cove Campground

Camping in Telegraph Cove Campground

The old-growth forest on Vancouver Island's east coast maintains a great campground to spend a night. The Telegraph Cove Campground spoils the guests and visitors with colourful buildings, wonderful ocean-view, and a beautiful campground and resort with a spectacular atmosphere. Also, campsites and accommodations are facilitated for your convenience.

Camping in Broughton Strait Campsite

Camping in Broughton Strait Campsite

On the edge of Port McNeill, a quiet facilitated campground is provided for you to spend splendid time with family and friends. The Broughton Strait Campground is a beautiful spot to spend moments and observe the magnificent wildlife while appreciating the beautiful nature there in the forest. Also, anglers would be surprised by the various fish species living there.

Camping in Wildwoods Campsite

Camping in Wildwoods Campsite

On the entrance of Hardy Bay, Wildwoods Campsite is located in a rainforest. Many adventure offers are available in this campground in addition to undeniable chances of peaceful camping. For almost 30 years, this campground welcomes campers with great campsites, including all necessary facilities.

Camping in Quatse River Campground

Camping in Quatse River Campground

Nestled in old-growth forests, Quatse River Campground offers peaceful camping next to the bank of Quatse River. This campground provides you with privacy and peace away from the busy urban life comprising a green and treed atmosphere. Also, admirers of nature can enjoy a diversity of flora and fauna while drowning in other adventures.

Camping in Port Hardy RV Resort and Log Cabins

Camping in Port Hardy RV Resort and Log Cabins

While exploring the lands of Northern Vancouver Island, do not forget to visit Port Hardy RV Resort and Log Cabins to stay a day or two. This clean and safe campground provides you with amenities and chances to have a splendid time at a sandy beach, in which you can enjoy a meal of the fish you caught. The resemblance of this campground to paradise is uncanny, providing untenable forest tours.

Telegraph Cove Kayaking

Telegraph Cove Kayaking

As another significant paradise for paddling, kayaker and canoeists can lose themselves enjoying every single moment while they are on board. Besides the great adventure of surfing the water, paddlers can do other water activities and make their stay even more memorable. So, if you are a paddling freak, don't forget to prioritize Telegraph Cove.

Port McNeill Kayaking and Canoeing

Port McNeill Kayaking and Canoeing

Let your spirits feed on the adventure provided for you in Port McNeill. One of the best places for paddlers, Port McNeill, has a sheltered harbour and fabulous waterways suitable for kayaking and canoeing. This place is the gateway to real adventure in which you can experience every kind of vigorous activity both on land and at sea.

Port Hardy Kayaking and Canoeing

Port Hardy Kayaking and Canoeing

Looking for a place to make your kayaking adventure a safer experience? Check out Port Hardy and its protected waters and embrace the undeniable opportunities for a journey on board. Kayakers and canoers may have the chance to explore spectacular sightseeing and strange fishing spots and campsites.

Quatsino Sound Kayaking

Quatsino Sound Kayaking

Stretch your minds and imaginations to a different experience of kayaking by going to Quatsino Sound. As a mysterious place, it is known as underground caverns, and it offers undeniably chances for those in love with paddling. While you are on the water and paddling the smooth waves, you may be lucky and observe some marine creatures that can add to your joy.

Wreck of the SS Themis Diving

Wreck of the SS Themis Diving

No one can imagine a sank ship's wrecks can make an ideal place to dive deep in the water. Wreck of the SS Themis Diving is a habitat for a small diversity of marine creatures, and it is a beautiful background view for your pictures.

Browning Pass Diving

Browning Pass Diving

Make your diving experience memorable by going to the Browning Pass Diving zone. Browning Pass cold waters provide you with ample and undeniable opportunities to dive deep and observe the spectacular life under the surface. Comprising a rare beautiful nature, you can take images with an imaginary background.

Camping in Cape Scott Provincial Park Campground

Camping in Cape Scott Provincial Park Campground

In the pursuit of your dreams about camping, you can plan to make it come true within the realm of Cape Scott Provincial Park Campground. A rugged coastal wilderness with lovely beaches offers walk-in, backcountry, and wilderness camping. While you are staying in this magnificent campground, you are provided with remote scenic beaches with a gorgeous ocean view and endless opportunities for adventure.

What you Can Expect to See Near Port McNeill

Coal Harbour

Coal Harbour

Coal Harbour is an entrance to the old-growth forests of Vancouver Island North's wilderness areas. It has access to scenic coastal waters and is a gateway to ocean adventures and a historical village. Coal Harbour is a perfect launch point for fishing charters, kayakers, and boaters. Dolphins, whales and sea otters have included the wildlife in the beautiful area.

Telegraph Cove

Telegraph Cove

Telegraph Cove is a fantastic spot for photography with a stunning view of the ocean, famous buildings, and houses close to the rocky shoreline. You can expect to watch grizzly bears in spring, salmon in August, and millions of pink salmon return to spawn up the inlet channel in September. Telegraph Cove Campground is one of the full-service and breathtaking campsites in the area.

Port Alice

Port Alice

Port Alice is "The Gateway to the Wild West Coast." The natural environment, such as lakes, rivers, mountains, and wood with excellent views of Neroutsos Inlet, is what this village is famous for. It is also counted as the sea otter capital of Canada. Port Alice is home to other animals such as sea lions, bears, and birds. A pleasant entertainment in Port Alice is fishing.

Port McNeill

Port McNeill

Port McNeill is a small town but a large community in North Vancouver Island with the rich natural land and sea resources. It is the gateway to the protected spaces, islands, and waterways of the Broughton Archipelago and Queen Charlotte Strait. Being close to the shoreline gives you chances to watch wildlife like dolphins, whales, seals, grizzly bears, black bears, elks, cougars, and deer.

Port Hardy

Port Hardy

Port Hardy is a district municipality on Vancouver Island. Every day in summer, the peak season in Port Hardy, ferries depart to popular tourist destinations in BC. Excellent wilderness activities, such as paddling, caving, scuba diving, whale watching, surfing, camping, and fishing, are popular. Lush green parks in Port Hardy are great for a family trip and having a picnic.

Minigill Cave

Minigill Cave

Minigill Cave is a hidden gem and one of the natural wonders of Vancouver Island. The entrance is a gap on a rocky ground with no signs around and is surrounded by tall trees as it is placed in a forest. The cave is suitable for professional cavers and exploring it needs equipment. The fascinating formations, stalagmites, and stalactites are what you can expect.

Little Huson Caves

Little Huson Caves

Are you among the curious people? If the answer is yes, you are at the right place. Knowing what could be in a cave and its end is a desire a caver can not deny. Deep inside the mountain, find the stones endured from the natural elements. The water runs deep in the caves, carving its way through the mountain and polishing the rocks' rough edges. Want to explore it for more? Plan visiting Little Huson Caves, a series of mysterious caves.

Nimpkish Lake Provincial Park

Nimpkish Lake Provincial Park

Nimpkish Lake Provincial Park is a recreation zone with a great unspoiled nature and a rugged wilderness setting located southwest of Nimpkish Lake, the deepest lake on Vancouver Island. This spectacular park is home to various trees valuable for the environment and black bears, black-tailed deer and a wide range of wildlife. Some parts of the park are open to hunting for specific species.

Karmutzen Range

Karmutzen Range

The Karmutzen Range is a subrange of Vancouver Island Ranges. While visiting the Karmutzen Range, you will be fascinated by surrounding mountains winding through a beautiful old-growth forest and enormous trees. The area is a paradise for mountaineers. Up at the peaks, the view includes the trees covering the hills and Nimpkish Lake that lying within Nimpkish Valley walls.

Hankin Range

Hankin Range

The Hankin Range provides full of perfect adventurous sports such as mountain skiing with a snowboard store available. The area offers thrilling winter sports with plowed roads through the alpine forest. Visitors will experience peace at the non-motorized recreational place. The Hankin Range offers both tree skiing and skiing with uninterrupted terrains.

Little Huson Cave Regional Park

Little Huson Cave Regional Park

Little Huson Cave Regional Park is a complete package located in Nimpkish Valley. You can explore 15 caves, have water activities in Nimpkish Lake and enjoy your time at the park or even mountain ranges in the area. The scenery features unique rock bridges and rock arches, flowing water, natural bridges and deep pools filled with crystal-clear green water from Huson Lake.

Franklin Range

Franklin Range

The Franklin Range is a subrange of Vancouver Island, perfect for mountain climbing. It is located southwest of the Johnstone Strait and Robson Bight. Start a fantastic adventure by launching a boat at Telegraph Cove, having pleasant hiking through gorgeous forest, and step into the breathtaking ambiance of Franklin Range shrouded with clouds and covered by trees.

Bonanza Range

Bonanza Range

The Bonanza Range is a small mountain range. While approaching the Bonanza Range, you will experience a beautiful wilderness passing through the Tsitika River and Bonanza Lake. The area is a paradise dotted with gorgeous lakes and tarns winding through alpine and subalpine mountain forests having spectacular views of incredible snow-capped mountains.

Broughton Archipelago Marine Provincial Park

Broughton Archipelago Marine Provincial Park

With its tremendous and wild beauty and stunning landscapes, Broughton Archipelago Provincial Park is among the world's most magnificent places. Bald eagles and marine mammals such as dolphins, seals, otters, orcas and humpback whales are among the park's inhabitants. It is a hot spot for boating, especially sea kayaking and is a world-class saltwater fishing spot.

Nimpkish River

Nimpkish River

Keep your restless spirit of travelling to start exploring the longest river on Vancouver Island. The Nimpkish River extends from the west slope of Mount Alston, passes Nimpkish Lake toward the Broughton Strait. With a provincial park on its way, it gives you excellent chances to camp or to have a picnic in nature. Discover it all and the wilderness, or have some relaxing time during fishing.

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