Located 1

All operators of powered recreational vessels born after April 1, 1993 must have their Pleasure Craft Operator Card.

All operators of powered recreational vessels under 4 meters in length (including personal water craft) must obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card regardless of age.

- Check the weather, channels 21B and Wx1, 2, 3 on VHF radio

- Check your fuel supply

- Wear your Canadian approved Personal Floatation Device and dress for the weather

- File a sail plan with someone you know. A sample is available at http://www.tc.gc.ca/BoatingSafety/menu.htm

Remember, Channel 16 is for emergency and calling purposes only. ;

- Visit one of the gyms for a “drop-in” workout.

- Enjoy a relaxing massage with one of the certified massage therapists.

- Drop in at the local museum. Most of the communities on the North Island have a museum featuring the local history. Check out Alert Bay and Telegraph Cove in particular.

- Pick up a copy of the North Island Gazette and check out the “Hot Spots” page for a list of upcoming events.

- Go for a swim at the pool in Port Hardy or Port McNeill, call first for times.

- Brush up on your golf at Cedar Park in Port McNeill, or Seven Hills which is off Hwy 19 between Port McNeill and Port Hardy, or the Port Alice Golf & Country Club.

- Drop in at one of the art studios. The North Island boasts many fine artists, and many of the studios are open to the public.;

Port McNeill’s museum contains a fine collection of old logging equipment, with archived photos and documents that trace the history of the industry and the community.

Port Hardy’s museum includes artifacts that follow the history of First Nations peoples, the Hudson’s Bay Company, and the town. Exhibits change regularly, with each theme tracing a different thread of history.

In Port Alice, the Heritage Centre is located above the fire hall. It continues to grow as artifacts are discovered. It’s a great place to learn about Port Alice’s history, and locally made arts and crafts are available for sale through the gift shop.

A short ferry ride from Port McNeill, Sointula has a long and colorful history. The museum is within walking distance of the ferry, and includes artifacts from the Finnish commune which settled the area a century ago. Three rooms of photos and documents, including a translation of the original Finnish newspaper, Aika, are available for all to see.

Looking for some culture? Try the U’mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay. The centre has a fine collection of carved masks used in potlatch celebrations, while exhibits trace the culture and history of first nations peoples. A well-stocked gift shop includes locally made jewelry, carvings, and textiles, beautiful mementos of an amazing experience.

For boaters exploring the Broughton Archipelago, Billy’s Museum at Echo Bay is a nautical treat.

Those who want to learn about the ecology of the ocean must visit the Whale Interpretive Centre in Telegraph Cove. The museum aims to teach the public about marine mammals and the threats which they face. A kid’s corner includes activities aimed at the younger set, while educational presentations and videos are perfect for all ages. Several articulated skeletons let you see what’s below the surface, and visitors occasionally help to put skeletons back together again. A great experience for the whole family!;

Two marinas, plus two campgrounds and two resorts, offer full services for visitors. Stroll the wooden boardwalk and read about Telegraph Cove’s history on plaques located outside the historic buildings perched on stilts above the high-tide mark.

Telegraph Cove is a major starting point for outdoor adventures, and whale watching is arguably the most popular. Guided whale and wildlife tours are available, reservations are recommended.

The Telegraph Cove Whale Interpretive Centre is a must-see for families. It includes exhibits on whales, an invertebrate aquarium, and a kid’s corner with activities for all ages. Admission is by donation, benefitting projects at the centre. Near Telegraph Cove, tune your radio to 88.5 FM and listen to the whales – an underwater microphone makes it possible to eavesdrop on their conversations, although what they are saying remains a mystery. ;

Others may be interested in the forest history of the community, perusing the log style museum, and arranging a forestry tour.

Gardeners will enjoy a stroll through Shephard’s Garden, more than three acres of wonderful plants, trees, and a food garden. From the garden there is a forest trail taking you to the Nimpkish River. See www.shepardsgarden.ca for further information.

Another attraction is the world’s largest burl, on display near the visitors’ centre. The burl weighs 24 tons and is estimated to be over 525 years old.

Golfers can get in some practice at the par 3 Cedar Park Golf, and there is also wildlife watching on land or by boat, kayaking, hiking, diving, and caving.;

The museum includes a remarkable three- room exhibit of daily life in Sointula’s early years, and is well worth the visit.

Sointula loves its artists, and is home to sculptors, artists, jewelers, musicians, and more highlighted each year during Artopia. Shoppers will love the selection of one-of-a-kind artwork. Unique fishnet rugs, soft and luxurious, are a local specialty.

For nature lovers, there are hiking trails aplenty. The 3-km Mateoja Heritage Trail is a rustic walk along rainforest trails, through an abandoned homestead to Big Lake. The 4-km Beautiful Bay Trail, a meandering trail over a ridge, has breathtaking views of the ocean. Whale lovers will be enthralled with the Bere Point Trail, which takes hikers near pebbled rubbing beaches popular with orcas. Bird watchers must see the tidal flats of Rough Bay, home to herons, gulls, eagles, and dozens of other bird species.

Boaters can rent either power or sail boats, and guides can take you to the best fishing and nature viewing locations. The marina has a full range of services, including public laundry and shower facilities.

Try the country life for a day – drive oxen, forge your own souvenirs, dip candles, and learn about the challenges of the past.

For a taste of real island life, why not visit a real lighthouse? Pulteney Point is a manned lighthouse, a rarity in this age of automation. Following a short drive, it’s a 15-minute walk along the beach.

The local Co-op, established in 1909, is the longest continually-operating co-operative in Canada. ;

Near the waterfront, the ‘Namgis burial grounds pay tribute to first nations with numerous elaborately carved totem poles. The burial grounds are sacred, and visitors are asked to stay off the grounds; however, the totem poles are easily viewed and photographed from the sidewalk. Alert Bay is also the home to the world’s largest totem pole.

The U’mista Cultural Centre is a must-see. This museum contains a rich collection of first nations potlatch and other artifacts reclaimed from museums from around the world.

The big house, modeled on a traditional native residence and used for tradiational celebrations, is home to the T’sasala Cultural Group that performs traditional native dances. Performances are scheduled throughout the summer. Information is available at www.umista.ca or by calling 800.690.8222.

Other historic sites are scattered around the island. Christ Church, built in 1878, is worth a visit – be sure to see the window which shows a century of local history. The library/museum includes a number of native artifacts and over 6,000 historic photos.

Despite its small size, Cormorant Island has more than 10 km of hiking and biking trails, showcasing the beauty of the island. The Ecological Park is a particular favorite, with trails that twist through the forest and over an incredible marsh. The Big Tree Loop Trail interpretive path explains the local flora and fauna. Trail maps are available at the visitors info centre.

To access Alert Bay, take the scenic ferry ride from Port McNeill. The village has a range of services, including a pharmacy, ATM, grocery store, liquor store, salon,laundry and shower facilities, all within walking distance of the bay. Several restaurants downtown cater to locals and tourists alike, and many offer fresh-caught seafood. There are accommodations for every taste and budget, including hotels, B&Bs, cabins, and camping facilities. ;

Golfers will love the Port Alice Golf and Country Club, a lively 9-hole par three on the mountainside. Don’t tee off on the third hole until you’ve climbed the tower to make sure that the green is clear!

Nearby, Alice and Victoria Lakes are great freshwater fishing spots, while Quatsino Sound has prime saltwater fishing. The sound has many sheltered inlets and bays, perfect for the avid boater or kayaker to explore. For experienced boaters with a taste for a challenge, the inlet leads to the wild West Coast and Brooks Peninsula. Those who make the journey are rewarded by some of the wildest, most rugged terrain in the world.

Cavers will love exploring the nearby Devil’s Bath, Disappearing River, and Eternal Fountain. The area is home to unique limestone formations, part of a karst system which honeycombs the North Island.

Marble River Provincial Park is a popular destination offering camping, picnicking, hiking trails and the best steelhead fishing around.

Mountain bikers will love the Rumble Mountain Rage, a grueling mountain bike race that takes place every spring.

Families are encouraged to tour a fish hatchery and learn about the life cycle of salmon and its importance to the local economy. Located at Neroutsos and Marble River, both hatcheries are dedicated to preserving future salmon runs.

This lovely village includes full tourist facilities, a hospital, library, boat launch, and recreational complex complete with weight room, curling ice, hockey rink, and swimming pool (in summer only). The nearby seawalk was built with money raised locally, and this beautiful wheelchair-accessible trail leads along shores to a lovely picnic spot. Bring a lunch and enjoy the view!;

Hardy Bay is a bustling harbour with all amenities. There is plenty of moorage, and a boatyard for those important repairs. Laundry and shower facilities are a boon for boaters. Enjoy a great meal along the harbour front, and watch the boats and float planes come and go.

Its proximity to the ocean offers adventure on both land and ocean. Charter a boat and guide, for fine halibut and salmon fishing. Whale-watching tours take you to view orcas, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and more. North Island waters offer some of the finest cold-water diving in the world, and guided tours are available.

Got a need for speed? Stock car races are held at Tri-Port Speedway several times each summer.

Land-lubbers love hiking in the Port Hardy area. Miles of trails and abandoned logging trails let you get away from it all. There is a lovely walk along the seawall and the Quatse Trail leads to the estuary where there are excellent birdwatching opportunities.

The Quatse River Fish Hatchery is dedicated to preserving salmon runs for future generations, and offers tours for the whole family. A new educational facility is scheduled to open in 2009, offering tours and all-new activities for families to do and see.

Port Hardy has an amazing museum which celebrates the history of the area. From 8000-year-old stone tools to early European homesteading equipment, there’s plenty to see. Exhibits that celebrate the history of the North Island are changed regularly.

Totem poles at the mall, Rotary Park, the airport, BC Ferry Terminal, and Chamber of Commerce showcase the work of many fine native artists. First nations have lived in this area for thousands of years, and developed a rich and intricate culture. Art is a large part of that culture, and is celebrated everywhere. Seek out unique artwork, and bring a taste of the coast home with you!