Day 5: Exploring Northern Vancouver Island
After an incredible day filled with sightings of bears, whales, dolphins, and wolves, we decided to explore the northern part of Vancouver Island. The weather was quite mixed—ranging from mist, sunshine, and heavy rain to cloudy skies—making for an unpredictable yet exciting day.
Port Hardy
Our day began with a morning coffee and some fresh croissants before we set off for Port Hardy, one of the northernmost towns accessible by car on the island. The drive from Telegraph Cove was only about 60 kilometers. Upon arrival, we parked at Carrot Park and enjoyed a short seaside walk before returning to the main street. There, we found a cozy little coffee shop where we indulged in a hot cheese toast and another cup of coffee.
Once refreshed, we headed back to the car and stopped by the only gas station in town to fill up the tank, which was our first refuel of the trip. From Port Hardy, we began our drive back toward Telegraph Cove but decided to take a scenic detour to Port Alice.
Carrot Park is a charming spot in Port Hardy, known for its beautiful waterfront views and peaceful atmosphere. It provided the perfect setting for a quick stroll before continuing our northern exploration.
Port Alice
The drive to Port Alice was an adventure in itself. The winding BC-30 highway, often referred to as a “roller coaster road,” took us past picturesque landscapes, including Sara Lake and the Marble River Recreation Site, which offers camping facilities. Further along, we passed Alice Lake before arriving at the small, remote community of Port Alice, located on the scenic Neroutsos Inlet.
Once in Port Alice, we took a short break and decided to have lunch at the only burger restaurant in town, which was quaintly located inside a supermarket. Since it was a Sunday, most other shops and restaurants were closed, adding to the charm of this quiet, laid-back town.
After our enjoyable and somewhat amusing lunch break in the supermarket, we made our way back to Telegraph Cove, arriving in the late afternoon.
The plan was to hike the Blinkhorn Trail, but the heavy rain from the night before and intermittent showers throughout the day led us to cancel the hike. Instead, we opted for a relaxing afternoon in the comfort of Telegraph Cove, enjoying the serene surroundings.