Port McNeill, BC

Know the town

About Port McNeill

Port McNeill is a small harbour town on Broughton Strait, in the middle of the North Island. Long a forestry hub, it is now also a base for travellers heading to the nearby islands, the whale-watching waters of Johnstone Strait and the remote inlets of the Broughton Archipelago.

Ferries to the islands

Port McNeill is the ferry terminal for two of the North Island’s most interesting communities: Alert Bay on Cormorant Island, a centre of Kwakwaka’wakw culture, and Sointula on Malcolm Island, with its Finnish heritage. A single BC Ferries route links all three, making Port McNeill a natural starting point for an island day trip.

Forestry town

Forestry has shaped Port McNeill since its early days, and the town proudly displays what it says is the world’s largest burl, a huge knobbly growth from a spruce tree. Logging and related trades remain an important part of the local economy.

On the water

The harbour and marina are busy with fishing boats, pleasure craft and tour operators. From here, boats head out to the Broughton Archipelago, a maze of islands and channels popular with kayakers, and to Johnstone Strait for whale watching. Fishing charters and wildlife tours are a big part of the summer season.

Getting here

Port McNeill sits just off Highway 19, about two hours north of Campbell River and forty minutes south of Port Hardy. Telegraph Cove is a short drive east.

Browse Port McNeill’s checked local businesses next, or see the North Island calendar.

For council, permits, garbage and recycling, parks bookings and other local services, visit Town of Port McNeill.