Located on the northwest tip of Vancouver Island lies the small town of Port Hardy, whose industry consists of copper mining, fishing and logging.

The waters here are bountiful for salmon and halibut fishing, and killer whale pods and schools of dolphins and porpoises are frequently seen. Watch seals and sea lions frolic offshore, but keep your eyes on the beach as you might find old native trade beads or a glass float that has been swept ashore from a Japanese fishing net.

The region is also well-known for local First Nations Kwakwaka'wakw art. The studios offer amazing handcrafted masks, totem poles and bowls. For carvings of a different sort, search out the unique chainsaw carvings that are displayed throughout the town.

For hikers, a trek into Cape Scott Provincial Park, lying at the northern point of the island, reveals rainforests of red and yellow cedar, fir, hemlock, pine and more than 14 miles of beaches.