The North Island may feel like a remote destination, but it’s certainly not a challenge to get here. With a fully paved highway leading you North, to daily flights and multiple ferry options, you have your pick of ways to travel! Read on below to learn about getting around in Vancouver Island North.
Highway 19 connects the communities of Vancouver Island North with Campbell River, Nanaimo, Victoria and many towns between. The stretch of Highway 19 that extends from Campbell River to Port Hardy has been named the North Island Route. This section of paved, double lane highway is particularly scenic, offering views of jagged mountain peaks, expansive forest and frequent wildlife sightings. The highway is well maintained and motorhome friendly.
Approximate driving distances and times:
- Victoria to Port Hardy, 500 km, 6 hours
- Victoria to Port McNeill, 450 km, 5 ½ hours
- Nanaimo to Port Hardy, 390 km, 4 ½ hours
- Nanaimo to Port McNeill, 340 km, 4 hours
Road Conditions | www.drivebc.com | 1-800-550-4997
Thinking about making the trip in an electric vehicle?
You’ll find charging stations in Port Hardy, Port Alice, Port McNeill, Telegraph Cove, Sointula, Alert Bay, Coal Harbour, and Woss.
Find a location on the Sun Country Trip Planner.
Use Plug In BC’s PlugShare Map.
Pacific Coastal Airlines operate daily scheduled flights between the Port Hardy Airport (YZT) and Vancouver Airport’s South Terminal (YVR) with approximately 1 hour flying time.
Pacific Coastal Airlines | www.pacificcoastal.com | 1-800-663-2872
Port Hardy / Prince Rupert
The Inside Passage is a spectacular voyage providing scenic transportation between Port Hardy and Prince Rupert (on the northern BC coast). This scenic day trip takes 15 hours. Cabins are available on board the M. V. Northern Expedition, BC Ferries newest vessel. This route operates from mid-May to the end of September and reservations are a must.
Port Hardy / Mid and North Coast
During the fall, winter and spring months, the Inside Passage operates as an overnight sailing with stops along the way. Sailing time is 20 – 22 hours.
The Discovery Coast Passage is a summer-only route between Port Hardy and ports on BC’s mid-coast, with several stops along the way. The voyage takes 20 – 33 hours from Port Hardy to Bella Coola depending on the route. Cabins are not available, however, there are showers and reclining seats. Reservations are highly recommended.
Port McNeill / Alert Bay / Sointula
One ferry shares its services between the Port McNeill to Alert Bay (45 minute crossing) and the Port McNeill to Sointula (25 minute crossing) routes with multiple trips scheduled each day.
Vancouver Island / Vancouver
BC Ferries provides regular vehicle and passenger ferry service between Vancouver and Vancouver Island. Major routes are Horseshoe Bay in Vancouver to Departure Bay in Nanaimo; Tsawwassen, south of Richmond (Vancouver), to Duke Point, south of Nanaimo; and, Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay in Saanich (north of Victoria).
BC Ferries | www.bcferries.com | 1-888-BC FERRY (1-888-223-3779)
Waivin’ Flags Taxi has been approved by the Passenger Transportation Board to serve the region with three scheduled trips each week.
Waivin’ Flags Taxi | www.waivinflagstaxi.com | 1-250-230-8294
Arriving on your own boat? The journey to Vancouver Island’s northern reaches offers a serene escape from the bustling mainland, allowing boaters to immerse themselves in the untamed wilderness and discover hidden coves, picturesque fishing villages, and tranquil anchorages. With every passing nautical mile, the anticipation builds, knowing that one is approaching a destination that promises endless outdoor activities, rich cultural heritage, and an unforgettable boating experience.
Visit Ahoy BC’s website for information on marinas in the area, to chart your course, find moorage, nearby amenities, and more.
Highway 19 connects the communities of Vancouver Island North with Campbell River, Nanaimo, Victoria and many towns between. The stretch of Highway 19 that extends from Campbell River to Port Hardy has been named the North Island Route. This section of paved, double lane highway is particularly scenic, offering views of jagged mountain peaks, expansive forest and frequent wildlife sightings. The highway is well maintained and motorhome friendly.
Approximate driving distances and times:
- Victoria to Port Hardy, 500 km, 6 hours
- Victoria to Port McNeill, 450 km, 5 ½ hours
- Nanaimo to Port Hardy, 390 km, 4 ½ hours
- Nanaimo to Port McNeill, 340 km, 4 hours
Road Conditions | www.drivebc.com | 1-800-550-4997
Thinking about making the trip in an electric vehicle?
You’ll find charging stations in Port Hardy, Port Alice, Port McNeill, Telegraph Cove, Sointula, Alert Bay, Coal Harbour, and Woss.
Find a location on the Sun Country Trip Planner.
Use Plug In BC’s PlugShare Map.
Pacific Coastal Airlines operate daily scheduled flights between the Port Hardy Airport (YZT) and Vancouver Airport’s South Terminal (YVR) with approximately 1 hour flying time.
Pacific Coastal Airlines | www.pacificcoastal.com | 1-800-663-2872
Port Hardy / Prince Rupert
The Inside Passage is a spectacular voyage providing scenic transportation between Port Hardy and Prince Rupert (on the northern BC coast). This scenic day trip takes 15 hours. Cabins are available on board the M. V. Northern Expedition, BC Ferries newest vessel. This route operates from mid-May to the end of September and reservations are a must.
Port Hardy / Mid and North Coast
During the fall, winter and spring months, the Inside Passage operates as an overnight sailing with stops along the way. Sailing time is 20 – 22 hours.
The Discovery Coast Passage is a summer-only route between Port Hardy and ports on BC’s mid-coast, with several stops along the way. The voyage takes 20 – 33 hours from Port Hardy to Bella Coola depending on the route. Cabins are not available, however, there are showers and reclining seats. Reservations are highly recommended.
Port McNeill / Alert Bay / Sointula
One ferry shares its services between the Port McNeill to Alert Bay (45 minute crossing) and the Port McNeill to Sointula (25 minute crossing) routes with multiple trips scheduled each day.
Vancouver Island / Vancouver
BC Ferries provides regular vehicle and passenger ferry service between Vancouver and Vancouver Island. Major routes are Horseshoe Bay in Vancouver to Departure Bay in Nanaimo; Tsawwassen, south of Richmond (Vancouver), to Duke Point, south of Nanaimo; and, Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay in Saanich (north of Victoria).
BC Ferries | www.bcferries.com | 1-888-BC FERRY (1-888-223-3779)
Waivin’ Flags Taxi has been approved by the Passenger Transportation Board to serve the region with three scheduled trips each week.
Waivin’ Flags Taxi | www.waivinflagstaxi.com | 1-250-230-8294
Arriving on your own boat? The journey to Vancouver Island’s northern reaches offers a serene escape from the bustling mainland, allowing boaters to immerse themselves in the untamed wilderness and discover hidden coves, picturesque fishing villages, and tranquil anchorages. With every passing nautical mile, the anticipation builds, knowing that one is approaching a destination that promises endless outdoor activities, rich cultural heritage, and an unforgettable boating experience.
Visit Ahoy BC’s website for information on marinas in the area, to chart your course, find moorage, nearby amenities, and more.