North Island Tri-Port

Port Alice

A picturesque community located on northern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Situated on the banks of Neroutsos Inlet and surrounded by lush forests and plentiful lakes, Port Alice is known as ”the Gateway to the Wild West Coast”. The community is rich with a unique history and continues to transition from a once booming forestry town to a small and friendly, but vibrant rural community that both residents and visitors enjoy. Port Alice and surrounding regions are the traditional lands of the Quatsino First Nations. Representing five tribes from the Quatsino Sound area the T’łasḵ̓inux̱w, X̱uyala̱s, G̱usg̱imukw, Gop̓inux̱w and Qwat'sinux̱w.

Port Hardy

Located on the very northern tip of Vancouver Island, Port Hardy offers all the natural ingredients for the perfect wilderness adventure. From backcountry camping and hiking to wildlife viewing, cold-water diving and world-class fishing, Port Hardy is a haven for adventurists. First Nations history is rich and abundant within the community, discover the indigenous culture and visit local heritage sites. Experience Port Hardy's contemporary culture, explore local galleries, visit museums and interpretive centres, come enjoy the small-town essence of Port Hardy with a touch of west coast roots. Home to the Kwagu’ł, Gwa’Sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw (who were involuntarily relocated to Port Hardy due to colonial logging efforts), and Quatsino First Nations, Port Hardy and the surrounding areas are rich in tradition and deep-rooted in culture. Totems and big houses stand tall and weathered throughout Port Hardy and the neighbouring community of Fort Rupert, telling of the indigenous history that began over 8,000 years ago.

Port McNeill

Known as the gateway to the gloriously scenic islands, protected spaces and mazy waterways of the Broughton Archipelago, Port McNeill is a grade-A stepping stone to outdoor adventure. Vancouver Island North’s second-largest community proudly co-exists with the rich natural resources of land and sea. Its location (two hours drive time from Campbell River, four from the ferry terminals in Nanaimo) and close proximity to the east coast’s finest island gems make it a regional centre for ecotourism – wildlife viewing, whale watching, grizzly bear safaris, diving, sea kayaking and fresh and saltwater fishing included. Port McNeill and it's surrounding regions is the traditional lands of the ‘Na̱mg̱is and Kwagu’ł tribes of the Kwakwa̱ka̱'wakw first nations. Kwakwa̱ka̱'wakw art is a distinctive variant of Northwest Coast art in its style, forms, and cultural functions. You can see evidence of the thriving Kwakwa̱ka̱'wakw arts in culture throughout the landscape of Port McNeill.