GILAKAS’LA. Our Vancouver Island North communities are located on the traditional territory of the Kwakwakaʼwakw people, who have been stewards of this land since time immemorial.

Port McNeill is Vancouver Island North’s second-largest community, and is celebrated for its stunning coastal views, outdoor recreational opportunities, and as a starting point for eco-adventures and whale-watching tours.  From Port McNeill, a scenic drive by highway and logging road leads to Cape Scott Provincial Park and the North Coast Trail. Or head a few minutes south to Alder Bay and Telegraph Cove, a historic boardwalk fishing village renowned for its whale watching excursions.

Port McNeill

Port McNeill is Vancouver Island North’s second-largest community, and is celebrated for its stunning coastal views, outdoor recreational opportunities, and as a starting point for eco-adventures and whale-watching tours.  From Port McNeill, a scenic drive by highway and logging road leads to Cape Scott Provincial Park and the North Coast Trail. Or head a few minutes south to Alder Bay and Telegraph Cove, a historic boardwalk fishing village renowned for its whale watching excursions.

    As the sun rises on the coastal mountains, the working harbour of Port McNeill springs to life as fishermen set out into the productive waters of the Broughton Archipelago. Soak in the slower pace of life as you search the shores for waders and waterfowl.

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    1594 Beach Drive, Port McNeill, BC, CA, V0N 2R0

    Right in the heart of Port Mcneill lies an abundance of bird life. Stroll along the harbour seawall and take in the sites of this bustling working port. Some highlights include a Greater White-fronted Goose, multiple species of plover, excellent Bald Eagle sightings and a Yellow-billed Loon. Migration season brings the greatest diversity of species but there is a number of waterfowl that overwinter here. Continue on to the nearby School House Creek Trail to explore a salmon spawning creek and the surrounding forest.

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    BC, CA, V0N 2R0

    Located across the bay from Port Mcneill, the trails to Lady Ellen and Ledge point are accessed from the same logging road a short distance from town. Both of these trails end at different vantage points along the shoreline with excellent views of the broughton strait. The sandy beaches are great for beachcombing and birdwatching, and the two could be combined to make a lovely afternoon adventure.

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    BC, CA

    This ecologically significant area consists of a rare combination of river estuary and salt marsh in close proximity. The excellent spawning conditions host 6 salmonoid species bringing abundance to the area each year during the fall salmon runs. This wetland complex is significant for waterfowl with many seasonal visitors including the Trumpeter swan, Green-winged Teal, Surf Scoter and Harlequin Duck. During the summer, the area sees an influx of nesting songbirds which contribute to the 137 species spotted here.

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    1003 Ocean Place, Port McNeill, BC, CA, V0N 2R0

    Embark on a private photo tour with award-winning professional photographer Rolf Hicker. Capture the incredible scenery and have a chance to photograph grizzly bears, black bears, orcas and humpback whales, eagles, seabirds and more.

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    1703 Broughton Boulevard, Port McNeill, BC, CA, V0N 2R0

    Get some incredible shots on a wildlife photography tour with A Bucci Photography. Take part in Sea Bird, Sea Otter or Marine Wildlife Tour for spectacular wildlife viewing, with opportunities for viewing humpback whales, orca’s, sea lions, seabirds depending on the season. This experienced bird photography also offers land-based tours in search of birds of prey through out the year to align with the best viewing opportunities. 

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    1597 Beach Drive, Port McNeill, BC, CA, V0N 2R0

    Stop by this quaint waterfront cafe for a coffee or tea and their delicious baked goods, soups and sandwiches.

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    1705 Campbell Way, Port McNeill, BC, CA, V0N 2R0

    Combination cafe and Mexican market. Tia’s cafe serves up delicious treats using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Along with fresh made baked goods, sandwiches and wraps, they have a variety of traditional Mexican dishes to choose from.

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    1616 McNeill Road, Port McNeill, BC, CA, V0N 2R0

    This family-owned craft brewery has a laid-back atmosphere, delicious beers, and a variety of creative dishes on their food menu. Stop by for lunch or dinner, or for some evening beers.

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    1573 Beach Drive, Port McNeill, BC, CA, V0N 2R0

    Head to Gus’s Pub for a lively atmosphere, delicious food and cold beers. Enjoy watching a game, or the view of the beautiful harbour.

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    1700 Broughton Boulevard, Port McNeill, BC, CA, V0N 2R0

    Well loved food truck with ocean views serving tasty burgers, sandwiches, fish and chips, wraps and more!

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    1547 Beach Drive, Port McNeill, BC, CA, V0N 2R0

    For delicious steak, pasta, pizza and more, checkout Sportsmans’s Steak & Pizza. This casual eatery has been a Port McNeill staple for 30 years!

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    1703 Broughton Boulevard, Port McNeill, BC, CA, V0N 2R0

    Family restaurant serving breakfast, pub food favourites and pizza, all with a beautiful waterfront view of the marina.

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    1817 Campbell Way, Port McNeill, BC, CA, V0N 2R0

    Port McNeill’s most popular hotel, Haida Way has 70 inviting guestrooms and suites. The hotel is conveniently located close to downtown and offers easy access to shopping, dining, and the ferry terminal. They also have an on-site restaurant and pub!

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    1812 Campbell Way, Port McNeill, BC, CA, V0N 2R0

    The Black Bear Resort offers elegant and comfortable accommodations nestled on the edge of a natural forest in the heart of Port McNeill. The 40 guestrooms each offering breathtaking views of the protected harbor.

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    1528 Broughton Boulevard, Port McNeill, BC, CA, V0N 2R0

    This coastal inn offers 24 tastefully decorated guest rooms, each with easy access to stunning views of the protected harbor, Malcolm Island, and the coastal mountains of BC’s mainland.

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    1703 Broughton Boulevard, Port McNeill, BC, CA, V0N 2R0

    Centrally located accommodations with comfortable rooms and suites, including pet-friendly rooms.  On-site, you’ll find a pub, restaurant, and liquor store.

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    Port McNeill, BC, CA, V0N 2R0

    Port McNeill’s only waterfront hotel, with harbour views from every room, kitchenettes and 3 restaurants on site.

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    1 Cluxewe Campground Road, Suquash, BC, CA, V0N 2R0

    Resort surrounded by nature offering beachfront cottages, RV sites, and tent sites. Enjoy the Cluxewe Waterfront Bistro and immerse yourself in the surrounding nature with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and birdwatching.

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    7001 Mine Road, Port McNeill, BC, CA, V0N 2R0

    Choose from cozy cottage accommodations and RV camping sites with 30 amp service. Enjoy their 9-hole disc golf course, all while treating you to spectacular mountain and ocean vistas.

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    Broughton Boulevard, Port McNeill, BC, CA, V0N 2R0

    Scenic coastal campground with RV and tent sites, hot showers, laundry services, and more! The full service harbour facility makes it a great campsite for boaters and kayakers.

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    1705 Campbell Way, Port McNeill, BC, CA, V0N 2R0

    This family-owned sporting goods store has everything you need for an adventure in Port McNeill, like fishing rods, footwear, apparel and hunting goods.

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    1705 Campbell Way, Port McNeill, BC, CA, V0N 2R0

    The Marine Education Research Society aims to directly reduce threats to marine wildlife by responding to reports of entanglement, vessel strikes and other human-caused incidents. Stop by their store front in Port McNeill to pick up some ocean themed apparel and gifts with all the proceeds supporting MERS initiatives. 

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    1594 Beach Drive, Port McNeill, BC, CA, V0N 2R0
  • One of the last boardwalk settlements on Vancouver Island, this picturesque town has a colourful past. Explore the bustling harbour or depart on an excursion in search of the abundant local wildlife.

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    1 Alder Bay Road, Port McNeill, BC, CA, V0N 2R0

    A local birding hotspot, just south of Port Mcneill the community of Alder Bay has a fantastic vantage point from which to search for the 140+ species observed in the area. Stop in for a visit to this unique community and enjoy a bite from Roxy’s Diner.

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    Telegraph Cove, BC, CA, V0N 3J0

    A bustling summer destination for eco-adventurers, the boardwalk community is a hub for wildlife watching and wilderness exploration. It’s worth setting aside some time to explore the different vantage points from the boardwalk, as the bird watching can be exceptional from the shore.

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    BC, CA, V0N 3J0

    Located on the boardwalk at Telegraph Cove Marina, The Cove Coffee Company serves gourmet coffees and baked goods. Grab a coffee and take a stroll on the boardwalk. Open seasonally during the summer months. 

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    BC, CA, V0N 3J0

    This seasonal cafe is a local favourite in Telegraph Cove. It has a striking warm ambience, and a delicious menu of specialty seafood items. Make sure to try their alder-smoked Salmon Barbecue.

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    1 Alder Bay Road, Port McNeill, BC, CA, V0N 2R0

    Seasonal eatery in Alder Bay with a large outdoor patio. They serve pub eats like burgers and wings, as well as daily specials, and have Devil’s Bath Brewing beers on tap!

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    1 Alder Bay Road, Port McNeill, BC, CA, V0N 2R0

    1 and 2 bedroom modern oceanfront vacation homes overlooking Alder Bay, west of Telegraph Cove.

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    1610 Telegraph Cove Road, Telegraph Cove, BC, CA, V0N 3J0

    The seasonal Telegraph Cove Resort offer a range of accommodations surrounded by the breathtaking natural beauty of Telegraph Cove. Choose from the many Historic Homes, modern Dockside Suites, the Telegraph Cove Lodge, or campground!