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)
