Getting to Port Hardy on Vancouver Island
Our tours depart from Port Hardy, which is located on the northeastern end of Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Listed below is information on how to get to Port Hardy to join your grizzly bear tour, as well as accommodations in the area. The lodge itself is located in the Great Bear Rainforest on the mainland coast of British Columbia. Your tour includes your seaplane flight from Port Hardy to Great Bear Lodge.
Please do not hesitate to contact our office to assist you further in your travel planning.
From Vancouver
Vancouver Island becomes more rugged and forested the further north you travel. Many of our guests choose to fly from Vancouver directly to Port Hardy, while others enjoy the scenic drive. Rental cars are available in Port Hardy and Vancouver.
Pacific Coastal Airlines offers direct flights from Vancouver to Port Hardy, typically one in the morning and one in the early evening.
Website: Pacific Coastal Airlines
Phone Number: 800-663-2872 (toll-free) or (604) 273-8666
Vancouver Island is accessed by ferry service from the mainland. The most direct route is via the town of Nanaimo. Ferry service is from the Horseshoe Bay terminal located in a northwestern suburb of Vancouver and from the Tsawwassen terminal south of Vancouver. The drive from Nanaimo to Port Hardy is approximately 5 hours at a leisurely pace. The ferries can be busy during holiday periods, so we recommend that you reserve in advance if you are driving to Vancouver Island. Port Hardy is also the departure point for ferries to Prince Rupert, Queen Charlotte Islands and Bella Coola.
Website: BC Ferries
Phone Number: 888-223-3779 (toll-free) or (250) 386-3431
Vehicle Reservations: 888-724-5223 (toll-free) or (604) 444-2890
From Seattle
If you are driving up from the United States, crossing the border into Canada requires no special procedures but proof of citizenship is now required. Travel time from Seattle to Port Hardy is approximately 12 - 14 hours.
Accommodations
Port Hardy:
Quarterdeck Inn & Marina Resort: Hotel located on the fishing boat marina at Port Hardy. 1-877-902-0459 (toll-free) or (250) 902-0455.
Bear Cove Cottages: Self-contained cottages overlooking Queen Charlotte Strait. (250) 949-7939
Dolphin House B&B: Friendly B&B on the waterfront at Coal Harbour, located 20 minutes outside of Port Hardy. (250) 949-7576
Ecoscape Cabins: Environmentally friendly cabins with modern conveniences. (250) 949-8524
Vancouver Island:
Crown Isle Resort: Located in Courtenay, three hours south of Port Hardy. Combine accommodation with a game of golf.
Oyster Bay Resort: Located in Campbell River, two and a half hours south of Port Hardy. Chalets located across from the beach.
Other activities on northern Vancouver Island
Sea Kayak Adventures: If you are feeling adventurous, Sea Kayak Adventures offer kayaking trips from northern Vancouver Island.
Stubbs Island Whale Watching: Whale-watching tours departing from Telegraph Cove, 50 minutes drive south of Port Hardy.
Mackay Whale Watching: Whale-watching tours departing from Port McNeill, 30 minutes drive south of Port Hardy.
U'mista Cultural Centre: Extensive potlatch and totem collection houses in a museum whose purpose it is to ensure the survival of all aspects of the cultural heritage of the KwakwakaŹ¼wakw.
If you need more information about how to get to Port Hardy, please don't hesitate to contact us.