Port Hardy on Vancouver Island

Port Hardy is one of North America’s top destination locations for sports fishing. From the full-service marina which serves this waterfront community, anglers from around the world enjoy world class fishing for salmon, halibut, red snapper, rock cod, sea bass and other species.

Port Hardy is located at the northern tip of Vancouver Island and is the end point for Highway 19, which stretches the length of Vancouver Island. As the largest community in the area and a transportation hub for northern Vancouver Island, Port Hardy can be reached by road, air, boat and B.C. Ferries.

Port Hardy is also a commercial and recreational centre for the north island, offering a variety of services, amenities, and facilities. As a guest of Chad’s Coastwide Sports Fishing, you will be staying in one of the following Port Hardy accommodation options or in the company’s townhouse.

Accommodation choices in Port Hardy include:

• Glen Lyon Inn & Suites, an oceanfront hotel near the Port Hardy marina;
• Quarterdeck Inn & Marina Resort, another Port Hardy hotel which offers ocean views; or
• Bear Cove Cottages, a hilltop forest retreat 10 minutes from Port Hardy which offers kitchen-equipped cottages.

Port Hardy also offers a range of restaurants. As a Chad’s Coastwide Sports Fishing client, your meals are included in your package. Dining and evening entertainment options include two lounges, two pubs, a coffee house, two steak & seafood restaurants, one steak house, three Chinese food restaurants, plus options for burgers, pizza, pasta, fish and chips, family dining, and more.

For most visitors, the ocean and surrounding wilderness are Port Hardy’s main attractions. If you want to supplement your fishing charter with land-based exploration, you can discover the wildest of west coast wilderness at Cape Scott Provincial Park; capture striking wildlife photos at Hardy Bay and the Quatse River Estuary; or explore God’s Pocket Provincial Park or the Marble River Provincial Park.

Another popular option in the Port Hardy area is whale watching. Formal tours are available but you may also spot whales and dolphins as part of your fishing charter.

When planning your trip, you may want to allow an extra day or two to explore Port Hardy. Within walking distance of downtown Port Hardy is the Port Hardy harbour, where you’ll see fishing boats, recreational power and sail boats, and float planes. A seawall winds along the shore to Carrot Park, past the war memorial, and to Tsulquate Park and Kinsmen Park and pavilion. Another pleasant walk is along Port Hardy’s Market Street to the Fisherman's Wharf, where you’ll find both commercial and sports fishing boats.

The history and culture of the area can be seen in any of Port Hardy’s native art shops and galleries, by visiting the Port Hardy museum, or visiting Fort Rupert, a historic Kwakiutl Village adjacent to Port Hardy.

Port Hardy also has a golf course and is a centre for kayaking, diving, hiking and wildlife viewing. From Port Hardy, you can extend your west coast adventure by taking a B.C. Ferries cruise up the inside passage.

Your Port Hardy adventure awaits. Review our charters and start by booking your Chad's Coastwide Sports Fishing charter.