Diving
Port Hardy ranks second to none for underwater adventure. Our local waters abound with brilliant soft corals, intense vertebrae life, and countless other marine species. Boasting 100+ visibility, our waters offer divers an underwater playground. Come dive with Pacific white-sided dolphins or frolic with playful wolf eels! Whether you're looking for that once in a lifetime technical dive or a relaxing recreational experience, local suppliers and charter operators can meet your needs year round.

Photo: Tom Handfield

Photo: Secret Spot Adventures Ltd.

Heritage & Culture
The region is rich with Native Culture. Local Native Artisans display their works in shops and galleries throughout the North Island and several invite you to watch a work in progress from the comfort of their workshops. Various aboriginal tours are available, offering insight into native history and culture. Port Hardy holds an annual festival celebrating First Nations Culture - Indian Summer Games - held in September.

Several galleries display a wonderful selection of local artist's wares - from pottery to original watercolors - a feast for the eyes!

The Port Hardy Museum is open year round and provides a glimpse into the past not to be missed.

Hiking
A network of publicly accessible logging roads, (please abide by the recommended safety guidelines), has opened up wilderness areas on the west coast and provides access to Winter Harbour, Cape Scott and Raft Cove Provincial Parks. Hiking routes vary from a 45-minute wheelchair accessible trail to an 8-hour trek to the tip of Cape Scott Provincial Park. The Tex Lyon Trail offers a rugged 5-hour trek along the coastline to Dillon Point.

Marble River Provincial Park features a wooded trail winding down to the Marble River. From Alpine terrain (Merry Widow Mountain), to lake trails (Georgie Lake Trail) and wide-open ocean vistas - you will find a trek suitable for everyone!

Photo: Tom Handfield

Eco - Adventure - The sky is the limit! Port Hardy is the gateway to many eco - adventures, including Kayaking - guided & self-guided, day tours, and two to seven day trips with or without mother ships are available.

Port Hardy is the launch point for spectacular paddling areas appealing to all skill levels. From Beaver Harbour and it's sheltered islands, and rugged Cape Scott with it's 23 kilometers of sandy beaches to the archipelago of islands stretching across to the mainland, the diversity of the area will amaze you. Come to Port Hardy and paddle the path of the Orca! Bring your surfboard or your boogie board and catch a wave in Raft Cove or San Josef Bay. Along the way stop at one of the many lakes for a canoe ride and enjoy the quiet solitude.

There are many caves and underground formations on the North Island. Little Huson Cave Park offers a great opportunity to view easily accessible caves Alternatively, for the more adventurous local guides are available to take you deep into the Artlish Caves. Local guides provide all gear and safety equipment needed for your adventure.

If white-water rafting is your passion days trips are available just a short distance from Port Hardy in the spectacular Nimpkish Valley.While in the Nimpkish Valley take in a day of windsurfing on beautiful Nimpkish Lake!

Port Hardy - Where the Highway Ends & Adventure Begins!

General Recreation - Port Hardy has a fully equipped recreation centre - ice arena, swimming pool, spa, sauna and weight room. Recreation programs run year round and both the pool and the arena are available to rent.

The ski season usually kicks off in December - depending on the amount of snowfall. The local ski hill - Mt. Cain is located a short distance from Port Hardy and offers two T-Bars and a rope tow. The hill is geared for family fun and accommodation is available - advance arrangements are a must.

Seven Hills Golf & Country is located a short distance from Port Hardy. The facilities include a nine-hole course, practice putting greens, driving range, pro-shop, a large Clubhouse, men's & ladies locker rooms and R.V. sites.

Our local gym features scheduled fitness classes, workshops, cardio/weight room and fully certified instructors on site.

There are five regulation ball fields in the Port Hardy area. Baseball leagues are very active and several tournaments are held during the summer months.

Many other recreation opportunities are available in Port Hardy including: Curling, Indoor Mini-Golf, Bowling, Darts, Badminton, Martial Arts, Tai Chi, Dancing.

Other Attractions