Nalaxstala – Port McNeill, British Columbia
Journey through our traditional territories from Port McNeill on Northern Vancouver Island,the gateway to abundant wildlife, majestic mountains, sparkling clear waterways, and ancient forests. Kwakwaka’wakw Territry encompasses Northern Vancouver Island and the adjoining mainland and islands around Johnstone Strait, Queen Charlotte Strait, and Knight Inlet.
We guide your journey through ancient places in a sustainable and respectful manner that honours the values of First Nations people who live here, and have lived here, for millenia.
Let us connect you in a culturally sensitive way to destinations in the Broughton Archipelago and surrounding areas for grizzly bear viewing, whale watching, and Indigenous-led cultural tours.
Port McNeill Departures
Our office us located at 1514 Broughton Blvd. in Port McNeil, right across the street from the entrance to the North Island Marina where we moor our boats and is our main departure point. We can also arrange pickups in Alert Bay and Alder Bay.
Office phone hours: 8am to 2pm
Alert Bay Pick-up Location
We pickup at the Municipal Dock just below the RCMP office in Alert Bay.
Alder Bay Pick-up Location
We pickup at the dock in Alder Bay.
Travelling to Port McNeill From Victoria
Travel north on Highway 19, approximately 5 hrs. People with more time can travel the more scenic Oceanside Route (19A). Rent a car at Budget Car Rentals (world wide toll free1-800-268-8900).
Drive the inland island highway #19 to Port McNeill. If you want an RV to rent, try Courtenay Car Rentals 1-800-663-0194.
Island Link offers a convenient daily bus service connecting Victoria and Port Hardy, making stops at various locations along the route.
From Vancouver
Take BC Ferries 1-888-223-3779 to 2 hours to Nanaimo from Tsawassen or Horseshoe Bay (sometimes you can spot killer whales from the ferry). Drive Nanaimo to Port McNeill in 4 hours.
From Seattle
Drive north to either Port Angeles on Highway 99 (take the M.V. Coho (Blackball Transport to Victoria) or Vancouver on Highway I -5 then take BC Ferries to Nanaimo from Tsawwassen or Horseshoe Bay. Once in Victoria or Nanaimo, you can drive north to Port McNeill as described above.
Alternatively, there are scheduled flights from Seattle-Tacoma Airport to Campbell River and Port McNeill, with NW Seaplanes.
Port McNeill and Northern Vancouver Island Accommodations
Black Bear Resort (Port McNeill)
Haida Way Motor Inn (Port McNeill)
Dalewood Inn (Port McNeill)
McNeill Inn (Port McNeill)
Ocean Comfort B&B (Port McNeill)
Alder Bay Resort (a short drive south of Port McNeill)
Cluxewe Resort (a short drive north Port McNeill)
The Seine Boat Inn (Alert Bay)
Ocean View Cabins (Alert Bay)
Ecoscape Cabins (Port Hardy)
Quarterdeck Inn (Port Hardy)
Additional Activities in Port McNeill and Northern Vancouver Island
Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures (Port McNeill)
Alder Bay Kayak (a short drive south of Port McNeill)
U’mista Cultural Centre (Alert Bay)
Coastal Rainforest Safaris (Port Hardy)
k’awat’si Tours (Port Hardy)
Quatse Salmon Stewardship Centre (Port Hardy)
Copper Maker Gallery (Port Hardy)
Cove Adventure Tours (Port Hardy)
That’s a Wrap ~ 2025 Lodge Season
Today we set out on our final journey of our inaugural season; a day filled with reflection, gratitude, and quiet joy. Each trip is more than a tour; it is a chance to witness the living heartbeat of our homelands; whales breaking the surface, grizzlies at the river, eagles soaring above the rainforest. To share these moments is a gift, and to end the season feels both bittersweet and humbling.
This year carried a new depth through our partnership with Sointula Lodge; together we created an experience where guests could not only see our territory but feel it. Out on the water, awe and wonder; back at the lodge, comfort and warmth. The rooms offered rest, the meals became memories, and the stories shared around the table carried the spirit of connection. The feedback we received was heartfelt, with guests telling us they felt seen, welcomed, and cared for; to us, that is the greatest measure of success.
We will carry with us the moments of laughter, the tears of joy, the quiet silences in the presence of wildlife, and the deep pride of sharing who we are as Musg̱a̱makw Dzawada̱`enux̱w and Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw people.
To our guests, our partners, and our crew; gilakas’la, thank you. You are now part of our story, and it is your support that allows us to continue walking with respect and responsibility for this land and these waters. This is Reconciliation in motion.
That is the close of our 2025 Lodge Experience; a season filled with travel~truth~beauty, and connection. #traveltruthbeauty #sointulalodge #seawolfadventures 📸 @kkufaas and @westcoastlife
The Great Bear Rainforest can be very rainforesty:) #rain #rainforests #seawolfadventures #traveltruthbeauty
Do we need to say anything more?! #seawolfadventures #traveltruthbeauty #swa #gonorthisland #explorebc #indigenousbc #explorecanada #whales #bbcwildlifepotd @sointulalodge @seawolfadventures
Gentle giants of the sea; no matter how many times we encounter them, the experience never loses its magic! #seawolfadventures #traveltruthbeauty #humpbackwhales #gwayam #gentlegiants #indigenousbc
What a whale day in the inlet today! #seawolfadventures #traveltruthbeauty #whales #tidriptours #backlitphotography
Grizzly bear viewing at heart! Safariing for these beings is what we do; and what we do is who we are!
T̕łuba̱kwila video found on my iPhone:) Nothing is better than traditional style bbq salmon! #salmon #salmonislife #traditionalstyle
What does luxury mean to you?
For some, it is a five-star lodge. For us, it is the opportunity to access our own territories; to welcome you into the rivers, estuaries, and forests that have sustained our people for generations. Luxury is not about volume; it is about time, space, and connection: with wildlife, with wilderness, and with Kwakwaka’wakw culture.
This September, Sea Wolf Adventures launches its inaugural all inclusive lodge season. Premium accommodations at @sointulalodge; rare wildlife encounters; and the privilege of experiencing our territories in an intimate way.
Do you need a last minute booking? Now is your chance to be part of our inaugural season! Click the link the bio for more details! Give our Lodge number a call! #traveltruthbeauty #seawolfadventures #indigenousbc #gonorthisland #explorebc #explorecanada
Little ones of the Great Bear Rainforest; learning the land that raised their ancestors.
Hatsawi are here, happy and playful! They have their babies in our territory, which makes it very special! #seawolfadventures #traveltruthbeauty #dolphins
Motherhood! Where would we be without the mother grizzlies? Shot with my RED Gemini. #shotonred #redgemini #traveltruthbeauty #canonlens #r3d music by @garrettwilliemusic
Today was the most amazing day! #seawolfadventures #traveltruthbeauty #heal #healingjourney
