After
leaving Campbell River
and heading North to Port
Hardy and Bear Cove the highway narrows through the lush inland forests.
Seymour Narrows and Ripple Rock Rest Area are located 11 km (7 miles)
north of Campbell River. Ripple Rock was once below the water's surface
and caused over 20 shipwrecks. In 1958, it was finally blown up in one
of histories largest non-atomic blasts in history.
Continuing
north there are many good
fishing lakes such as Roberts Lake. The road to Sayward-Kelsey Bay
is located 64 km (40 miles) north of Campbell River which winds into the
Salmon Valley where the Salmon River emptied into Johnstone Strait at
Kelsey Bay.
Sayward
& Kelsey Bay:
First settled in 1890, this area is the centre of a rich logging and farming
industry. Kelsey Bay once served as the southern terminal for the BC Ferries
Inside Passage to Prince Rupert.
Travelling
further north along Highway 19, you will pass through grand
forests, stunning mountains and streams. Access to Schoen Lake, Schoen
Lake Provincial Park and Vancouver Island's largest watershed is via a
logging road 93 km (58 miles) north of Campbell River.
Schoen
Lake and Provincial Park:
Possibly one of the most scenic lakes on the island, Schoen Lake provides
excellent hiking, canoeing and wildlife viewing oppurtunities. Downhill
and nordic skiing is possible at the Mt.Cain Alpine Park.
Further
along Hwy 19 is Woss Junction, a small logging town with an antique steam
locomotive and, during the summer, a five-hour logging railway run through
the Nimpkish Valley. Other interesting spots include the Little Hustan
Cave Regional Park, Zabellos, a base for trips around the Nootka Sound,
and Fair Harbour.
Back to
Hwy 19 by Nimpkish Lake and on to Beaver Cove Turnoff where you may visit
Telegraph Cove.
Telegraph
Cove:
First established because of the telegraph line then later as a sawmill
community, Telegraph
Cove is located 187 km (116 miles) north of Campbell River and 15
km (9 miles) southeast of Highway 19. This picturesque village stands
on stilts in the water and now serves as a base for whale-watching tours
in the Johnstone Straits and Robson Bight. It has been a B.C. Ecological
reserve for the protection of orca habitat since 1982.
Other
stops further north include Port McNeill, Alert Bay on Cormorant Island
and Sointula on Malcolm Island.
Port
McNeill:
Primarily a logging town, Port McNeill is 194 km (120 miles) north of
Campbell River, east of Highway 19. The area provides excellent sports
fishing and whale
watching tours.
Alert
Bay-Sointula:
From Port McNeill car and passenger ferries run to Alert Bay on Cormorant
Island and to Sointula on Malcolm Island. Alert Bay, with a large native
population is a good place to shop for native arts and crafts, visit the
long house, cultural centre, tallest totem pole and view potlatch masks
on display. Sointula, once a Finnish cooperative community, is now a fishing
village.
Port
Alice:
58 km (36 miles) off of Hwy 19 is Port Alice on Neroutsos Inlet. This
is an excellent base from which to explore the inlets of Quatsino Sound.
The Sound and nearby lakes provide excellent angling opportunities.
Further still
along the last leg of the Island Highway to Port Hardy another side trip
is to Holberg Inlet and Coal Harbour which was an Air Base during WW II.
Port
Hardy:
The waters around Port Hardy provide excellent angling opportunities for
Chinook salmon, halibut and ling cod. Port Hardy is a scenic spot at the
northern end of the island.
Prince
Rupert Ferry:
The terminus for BC
Ferries traveling the 490 km (304 miles) through the Inside Passage
to Prince Rupert is located in Bear Cove. Reservations are necessary for
this 15 hour journey.
To
Cape Scott:
Cape Scott, at the extreme northwest end of Vancouver Island is accessed
via the Cape Scott Trail
or by kayak
from the Queen Charlotte Strait (from the east) or the Pacific (from the
west).
The
many remote areas of Vancouver Island are best accessed by roads such
as Hwy 28 to Gold River
and Tahsis, Hwy 4 from
Parksville through Port Alberni onto Ucluelet and Tofino and Hwy 18 which
is north of Duncan to Lake Cowichan, Bamfield and the West Coast Trail.
The following BC Adventure members would like to serve you:
Airport Inn: A home away from home, we’re near BC Ferries, fishing, wildlife viewing, scuba diving, hiking, & golfing. For business or pleasure, we’ll ensure a pleasant stay, and that you’ll be back! There’s comfortable rooms, great food, licensed liquor store, & the API... more
BC Golf Guide: Everything about golf is in the BC Golf Guide. From the Rockies to Vancouver & Whistler … Vancouver Island & the Thompson / Okanagan region … you’ll find golf news & course listings, course videos, review & features, golf stay and play packages & so much more... more
Bear Cove Cottage Fishing Resort: Our hilltop cottage resort offers views over the Pacific Ocean and the background sounds of nature, and the surrounding marine activity, will capture your attention. The saltwater and salmon fishing’s great, there’s lots of additional recreational activities,... more
Blackfish Lodge: Steelhead, salmon, trout, and halibut - experience superb flyfishing, spinning, and legendary saltwater salmon and bottom fish angling – plus stunning wilderness, abundant wildlife, & warm hospitality. Ask about exclusive lodge use for groups of 4 – 6. more
Clayoquot Ventures Guide Service: Tofino BC’s most recommended Full Service Fishing Outfitter. Consistent action for Chinook & Halibut. Fantastic opportunities for light tackle & flyfishing for Coho. Pristine lakes & rivers for Steelhead, Cutthroat, and Rainbows. Lodging options. Fly and T... more
Coastwide Sports Fishing: Enjoy pure / unique hard-core fishing with comfortable home-style accommodations, and a home-cooked dinner! Owner operated, we offer fully guided salmon & bottom fishing charters on Vancouver Island with the main part of our season in the Port Hardy area. more
Codfather Charters: We’re certain you will be fully satisfied with your Codfather Charters fishing experience, on the waters off Port Hardy on Vancouver Island. Having 25 years of experience means that you’re sure to enjoy some of the very best Salmon and Halibut fishing BC has... more
Dent Island Lodge: Our saltwater & freshwater fishing vacation resort, wilderness retreat, & yachting destination is located on BC’s west coast, north of Campbell River; the heart of the most magnificent salmon fishing area in the world. There’s guided salmon fishing, Jetboat t... more
Destiny River Adventures: We offer thrilling whitewater rafting, serene scenic river floats, & snorkeling with thousands of returning salmon. Our focus on the wilderness, wildlife, personal discovery, & attention to detail will create an unforgettable experience & memories! more
Farewell Harbour Resort: From our boats, the shore, or inland to the streams … there’s fly-fishing of your choice with ocean casting for much sought Coho, in the kelp for the feisty Black Bass, or the streams for Cutthroat Trout. We also offer eco-tours, whale watching, kayaking & mo... more
Golf Vancouver Island: Proudly offering complete Vancouver Island golf packages and vacations including tee times at 11 destination golf courses, accommodation, airfares, ferry reservations, après golf activities such as fishing, whale-watching and spa Our four distinct regions on V... more
Island Adventure Centre: Join us for orca whale watching, grizzly adventures, salmon saltwater fishing, wildlife & tidal rapids tours, kayak trips, rentals, and lake rentals … The Island Adventure Centre has it all we’re easy to get to but hard to leave. There’s always more to do & s... more
Mothership Adventures: Join us for a luxury, multiday, sea kayaking experience using the elegant mothership, “Columbia III” as our travelling home. We’ll kayak through pristine, coastal wilderness, paddling glacier-fed waters amongst lushly forested islands while observing abundant ... more
Pacific Coastal Airlines: Enjoy scheduled service from Vancouver's South Terminal to Anahim Lake, Bella Bella, Bella Coola, Campbell River, Comox, Cranbrook, Kamloops, Klemtu, Masset, Port Hardy (float & amphibious aircraft to coastal communities), Powell River, Trail, Victoria, & Will... more
Quarterdeck Inn and Marina Resort: Close to downtown & tourism services in Port Hardy, our full service 3 ½ Star hotel features a marina & pub-style restaurant. We have a water taxi and can also arrange wilderness experiences including whale watching Eco-Tours, salmon fishing, storm watching,... more
Sea Kayak Adventures: For 20 years we've offered sea kayak wilderness vacations for active outdoor-minded travelers -- a combination of fun, challenge and excitement. Join us to seek beautiful places to get away from it all, and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters. more
Sea Otter Charters: We may be new, but our roots go deep in British Columbia’s fishing industry. As the only first nations sport fishing guide in the Port Hardy area, our family has a tradition of guiding that goes back to the early 1900’s. We’ll go the extra mile to help you c... more
Seasmoke Whale Watching: There’s no other whale watching tours quite like ours! Sail with the Whales and Motor Cruise in Johnstone Strait, a pristine area with some of the world’s best whale watching. Feel alive and in the wild with all things natural on our unique and awe-inspiring... more
Spirit of the West Adventures: We offer sea kayaking tours to the Johnstone Strait & the largest pods of killer whales on the BC coast – Desolation Sound, Quadra Island, & Campbell River - & guided excursions to explore ancient native villages. Set a course for a one of a kind wilderness a... more
Starfish Charters: The Salmon & Halibut fishing in Port Hardy, near the coast island wilderness, rivals all the best west coast locations. Our vessels have a capacity of 6 to 8 people so come fish, have fun & enjoy the wildlife including bears on the beaches, Orca, sea lions, &... more
Steep Island Lodge: We are the perfect starting point to set off on a days sports fishing, enjoy the streams on Vancouver Island and the mainland, go sightseeing or eco-touring, golf , kayak, and dive -- all with friendly personable and attentive service and luxurious accommodati... more
Stubbs-Island Whale Watching: Cruise the protected waters of Johnstone Strait & Blackfish Archipelago on the NE coast of Vancouver Island, one of the most accessible & predictable location to see Orca (killer) Whales in the world. We are dedicated to responsible wildlife viewing with educ... more
Telegraph Cove Resorts: There's no other experience like it. We boast some of the most consistent saltwater sportfishing on the BC coast, along with spectacular scenery and sheltered waters. You'll love our cozy cabins in the cove, our camping in the forest and our RV campground. more
Campbell
River to Port Hardy (Hwy 19)
After
leaving 
Further
along Hwy 19 is Woss Junction, a small logging town with an antique steam
locomotive and, during the summer, a five-hour logging railway run through
the Nimpkish Valley. Other interesting spots include the Little Hustan
Cave Regional Park, Zabellos, a base for trips around the Nootka Sound,
and Fair Harbour.
Prince
Rupert Ferry:
