North Coast Trail: Getting to Port Hardy

Glen Lion Motel in Port Hardy overlooking bay

Thursday morning.  Brian wants to purchase a couple of things he needs, such as gaiters.  I  stay at home to do some of my own last-minute items: take some pertinent information from various blogs and tide charts, and consolidated them into a set of written notes (printed out and put into a zip lock bag).

In the early afternoon we load our gear into the van, and head out for Port Hardy at about 2pm, a 300-km drive.   We stop in Campbell River to have a bite to eat.

Beyond Campbell River there is a vista of mountains, trees and oceans, glimpsed from the highway.  It is sunny with a few clouds, around 20 degrees C.  In other words, beautiful.

Port Hardy Bay

We had arranged to meet George, the manager of the North Coast Trail Water Taxi upon arrival around 7pm.  We want to ask some questions and pay the fees to get that over with to save some time in the morning.  This turns out to be a good thing to do.

We check in to the Glen Lion Hotel, apparently the best accommodation in Port Hardy according to Trip Advisor.  We happily discover that we can leave the van in their parking lot for the 8 days for free.  I am not sure if this is a usual arrangement, or if there was some other reason-- but in any case, it was a pleasant surprise.  I feel more secure having it in the hotel lot rather than the marina parking area.

Brian and I check into the room and lo and behold, we have an ocean view (maybe all the rooms do?).  We eat supper at the hotel restaurant, also overlooking the bay.  There is still an hour of light.

View of the bay from the Glen Lion Restaurant

______________________________________________
Anything mentioned in this blog that is of a "health or medical nature" is the opinion and/or experience of the blogger and not an endorsement or a cure. Please see your trusted health professional.