Hey loves! So last week the kids and I were able to tag along with my husband, Paul, on his work trip to Vancouver Island. One of the little towns that we visited was Port Hardy, located on the Northeastern end of the island.
DAY 1
It took us 4 hours to drive to Port Hardy from Nanaimo where we were visiting with family so of course the first thing we did when we got there was seek out a place to eat! We were quite surprised to find that there weren’t any chain restaurants than that of A&W. We’ve been to many small towns on the island before as Paul finds himself travelling to service patient machines in such places and most of the time if not always there is a Mcdonalds or a Tim Hortons but that was not the case with Port Hardy! So we whipped out our phones and google gave us a local cafe named “Captain Hardy’s.” Perfect for families, in the heart of Port Hardy, with the usual kid favourites on the menu. I highly recommend the fish and chips if you are ever in the area!
Port Hardy Beach
After lunch the weather wasn’t so great but that didn’t stop us from making our way to the beach! There was a large “Welcome to Port Hardy” sign at the beach a great opportunity for pictures! The visitor center is conveniently located right beside, along with a great playground for the kiddies!
The best part of the beach is that similar to Stanley Park in downtown Vancouver, there is a mini seawall along the water that we took advantage of.
DAY 2
Cafes in Port Hardy
Shops in Port Hardy close fairly early so we weren’t able to check out the unique boutiques and coffee shops on day 1. Luckily Paul finished work early the next day and we were able to stop at The Book Nook and Cafe Guido.
Cafe Guido
The Book Nook located downstairs from Cafe Guido.
We decided to first head downstairs to look around at all the cool things The Book Nook had to offer before we ordered anything as we were afraid the kids might spill whatever we ordered for them in the shop. (My blogger mamas know what’s up :p) Aside from books The book Nook offered handmade soaps, cute coffee mugs, and other various souvenirs.
Back up to Cafe Guido we all enjoyed a cup of something warm! Hot chocolate for the girls which they offered two flavour choices, white or milk chocolate, and lattes for the hubby and I.
Afterwards there was dinner at A&W as per the kiddies request and we headed back to our hotel to relax and prepare for travel the next day.
DAY 3
The World’s Heaviest and Largest Burl
On our way out of town we had to see Port Mcneil’s attraction! The World’s Heaviest Burl and the World’s Largest Burl. A Burl is an abnormal knotlike growth that grows on the trunk of a tree. These things were massive and such a wonder! Paul being a woodworker as a hobby loved this!
World’s Heaviest Burl found on a 350 year old Spruce tree. Weighs 22 Tons!
And that concludes our short trip to Port Hardy, BC! We would love to return during the summer months and take a trip to Cape Scott Provincial Park as we hear it is absolutely stunning! If you are ever in Port Hardy let me know if you went to see any of the shops, restaurants, or attractions that we visited!
Until our next adventure,
Yours Always,
Beth Love xo
With this blog I strive to cultivate and foster a community that encourages and empowers women from all walks of life. I am a stay at home to my three beautiful daughters and I am married to my high school sweetheart and together we have built a life we love. You can usually find me with a book in one hand and a Starbucks coffee in the other. I hope that this blog brings you comfort in knowing that you aren’t alone in whatever it is you’re growing through as a mother, a wife, a woman.
