The coastal community of Port McNeill and Northern Vancouver Island both offer an abundance of activities.
Port McNeill is one of Vancouver Island's 'best kept' secrets and is the gateway to the Broughton Archipelago, a nest of maze-like islands grouped together creating inlets, coves, and bays. Port McNeill and Northern Vancouver Island offer an abundance of adventure and leisure activities to suit a variety of tastes. Ask our helpful staff for information for activities and tour options.
Artists and Galleries:
Northern Vancouver Island has produced some world-class famous artists who have gleaned their inspiration from their beautiful and inspirational surroundings. A visit to various artists' galleries or showrooms is a must during your stay in Port McNeill.
- Henschel Fine Arts
The art of internationally renowned landscape artist Gordon Henschel. His gallery is open by appointment only during the summer months.
- Rolf Hicker Fine Art Photography
Find a large selection of images by award winning photographer Rolf Hicker.
- Just Art
Featuring authentic native American artworks by local First Nations artists.
- Fine Art Photography - Orca Gallery Port McNeill
Find a selection of Fine Art Photography in Port McNeill's Orca Gallery by photographer Rolf Hicker.
- Whales and Dolphins - Information and Photos
A large selection of outstanding whale and dolphin photography. Find lots of information about marine mammals.
Wildlife, Nature and Photography Tours:
From Queen Charlotte Strait to Johnstone Strait, the waters surrounding Port McNeill are some of the best in the world to experience sights of Killer Whales, Humpback Whales, dolphins, and many other marine mammals. While black bears are common on Vancouver Island, day trips to the mainland bring you to grizzly bear territory. Whatever your preference or where-ever you choose to go, there is an abundance of wildlife in this region.
Check out this story about whale watching in BC.
- Stubbs Island Whale Watching - Telegraph Cove
Setting the standard for responsible wildlife viewing since 1980.
- Mackay Whale Watching
Whale watching tours departing from Port mcNeill.
- Seasmoke Whale Watching
Sailing with orca whales from Alert Bay.
- Tide Rip Grizzly Tours
Wildlife viewing tours from Telegraph Cove. See grizzly bears in their natural habitat in Knight Inlet.
- Ecosummer Expeditions
Large selection of sea kayaking adventures around the globe, famous for there kayaking with Orcas.
- Photography Workshops - Rolf Hicker
Northern Vancouver Island is a photography paradise - join local photographer Rolf Hicker on a photography tour to a few of his favourite haunts departing from Port McNeill!.
- North Island Daytrippers - Hiking Trips
Explore the West Coast on Northern Vancouver Island with North Island Daytrippers on hiking trip. Offering an opportunity to experience the solitude and ruggedness of these remote areas.
- Air Adventure Tours
Pacific Eagle Aviation of Port McNeill, British Columbia, Canada, is an air-charter service that can provide passenger and freight transport, and whale watching.
- Sun Fun Divers
Diving the pristine waters of Northern Vancouver Island.
- Kingfisher Adventures
Kingfisher Adventures offers Sea Kayaking off Northern Vancouver Island, including trips into the Broughton Archipelago and Johnstone Strait.
Fishing Charters:
As well as superb wilderness scenery, Northern Vancouver Island is also known for its legendary fishing in the many surrounding rivers and inlets. To get the edge on the fish, there are fishing charters and guides available who can take you to the best fishing locations in the area.
- Timberland Fishing Charters
For local knowledge contact Timberland Fishing Charters for a day of fishing surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Northern Vancouver Island.
- Online Charters
Offering fishing charters.
- Leisure Suit Charters
- Northland Fly Speciality
- Island Angler
Island Angler - Vancouver Island Fishing Guide is published 6 times yearly. This tabloid magazine has informed and involved anglers world-wide since 1989, promoting and protecting our unique West Coast fisheries - trophy Pacific Salmon or giant Halibut in the salt water plus Steelhead, Trout and Smallmouth Bass in lakes and rivers. Whether you like fly fishing, spin casting or trolling Vancouver Island is a four season sport fishing paradise.
Outdoor Activities - Independent:
- Biking
Northern Vancouver Island offers some great biking trails and is a great way to explore this beautiful region!
- Bird Watching
Northern Vancouver Island is a mecca for bird watching with a large variety of bird species both resident and migratory such as Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons, Canada Geese, Great Horned Owls, Red-Tailed Hawkes, just to name a few.
- Canoeing
By driving a short distance on some of the back roads you will come across some stunning lakes, which are easily accessed by vehicle, and perfect for launching a canoe.
- Caving
Northern Vancouver Island has the highest concentration of caves in Canada. Guided caving tours are available for varying degrees of difficulty, from beginners to advanced.
- Hiking
Discover the remote and beautiful wilderness areas of Northern Vancouver Island by hiking some of the many trails in the area.
Culture and History:
Take a step back in time with a visit to the local museums which preserve valuable cultural and heritage artifacts from the region.
- The Port McNeill Heritage Museum
Preserving the history of Port McNeill and the surrounding area, the Port McNeill Heritage Museum is situated in Shelley Crescent.
- U'Mista Cultural Society
The U'Mista Cultural Society is situated in Alert Bay and houses historical First Nations artifacts.
We are happy to offer you advice and co-ordinate tours with the various tour operators.