Sointula, BC

Know the town

About Sointula

Sointula is the village on Malcolm Island, a quiet, rural island off the coast near Port McNeill. It was founded in the early 1900s by Finnish settlers hoping to build a utopian, cooperative community, and its name means “place of harmony” in Finnish. That heritage still shapes the island’s character today, a little different from anywhere else in the North Island.

Finnish roots

The original utopian experiment did not last long, but many of the settlers stayed, building a community of fishermen, farmers and craftspeople. The Sointula Museum tells the story of those early years, and Finnish names, traditions and the cooperative spirit remain part of island life.

Whales at Bere Point

On the island’s north side, Bere Point Regional Park is a special place to watch for orcas. Killer whales in this area are known to rub their bodies on smooth pebble beaches, and on lucky days they can be seen close to shore. The park has a small campground and forest trails along the coast.

Island life

Sointula’s village stretches along the waterfront, with a harbour full of fishing boats, a few shops and cafés, and local artists’ studios. Quiet roads and trails make the island ideal for cycling and walking, and the pace is unhurried in every season.

Getting here

BC Ferries runs from Port McNeill to Sointula, a crossing of about twenty-five minutes, on the same route that serves Alert Bay. The island has only a few shops, so bring what you need.

Malcolm Island’s businesses we’ve verified are just below; island happenings show up on the regional calendar.

For council, permits, garbage and recycling, parks bookings and other local services, visit Regional District of Mount Waddington.