This small town in BC is home to unspoiled sandy beaches
Looking for a scenic coastal town to visit over the upcoming long weekend? You can’t do much better than Port Hardy, British Columbia, revered for its rugged wilderness trails, sandy beaches, and wealth of Indigenous history and culture.
In fact, the small town contains the oldest known site of human habitation on Vancouver Island – and visitors are welcome!
Port Hardy history
Situated near the BC Ferries Terminal, the historic Beaver Cove dates back over 8,000 years ago to circa 5850 BCE, according to Tourism Port Hardy.
The arrival of Europeans in the early 19th century lead to the creation of “Fort Rupert” – a trading post at Beaver Harbour that is now cared for by the residing Kwakiutl First Nations.
According to Tourism Port Hardy, the modern-day town was put on the map after a pivotal land deal was orchestrated by the Hardy Bay Land Co. in 1912.
Today, visitors can enjoy Port Hardy’s ‘unspoiled’ sandy beaches, ancient totem poles and petroglyphs, and surfing hotspots.
Recent Posts:
This island with clear waters has one of the prettiest towns in BC
10 beautiful lake towns to visit in BC this summer
View this post on Instagram
Outdoor adventures
Hiking opportunities are available for all skill levels, including gentler hikes like the Quatse Loop & Estuary Trail, Port Hardy Seawall, and a 45-minute hike to San Josef Bay & Cape Scott.
For those looking for something more challenging, there’s the Tex Lyon Trail, which takes approximately 8 hours to complete roundtrip. Hikers are rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of Queen Charlotte Strait upon arrival at Dillon Point.
Surfers can head to Raft Cove via a 45-minute hike, which takes them through old-growth forest and crossing streams to huge stretches of beaches known for their “rolling waves.”
Beachcombers can check out the town’s picturesque Storey’s Beach during low-tide, or kayak their way through Hardy Bay, Beaver Harbour, and the many isles and inlets in between.
So there you have it, BC! It’s time to put this coastal beauty on your map this summer.
Port Hardy
Where: North Vancouver Island, BC
