Port Hardy

Port Hardy
District municipality
District of Port Hardy
Harbour of Port Hardy
Port Hardy
Coordinates: 50°43′21″N 127°29′34″W / 50.72250°N 127.49278°W / 50.72250; -127.49278Coordinates: 50°43′21″N 127°29′34″W / 50.72250°N 127.49278°W / 50.72250; -127.49278
Country	Canada
Province	British Columbia
Region	North-Island
Regional District	Mount Waddington
Founded	1966
Government
• Mayor	Hank Bood
Area
• Total	38.73 km2 (14.95 sq mi)
Elevation	23 m (75 ft)
Population (2011)
• Total	4,008
• Density	100/km2 (270/sq mi)
Time zone	PST (UTC−8)
Postal code	V0N
Area code(s)	250, 778
Climate	Cfb
Website	http://porthardy.ca/

Port Hardy is a district municipality in British Columbia, Canada located on the northwestern end of Vancouver Island. Port Hardy has a population of 4,008 at last census (2011). It is the gateway to Cape Scott Provincial Park, the North Coast Trail and the BC Marine Trail, located on the northernmost tip of Vancouver Island. The community has access to spectacular wilderness adventures, such as kayaking, caving, world-class scuba diving, nature viewing, surfing, unique saltwater rapids, fishing and camping.

Port Hardy's twin city is Numata, Japan.

Port Hardy was named after Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy who served as the captain of H.M.S. Victory.

Once a year, Port Hardy holds a celebration in Rotary Park to acknowledge its natural resource based economy. The three syllables, fi, lo and mi, stand for "fishing, logging and mining". The celebration includes festivities in the park such as activities for children, fundraising concessions, entertainment, beer gardens, bake sales, craft sales, and fireworks. A dance for each age group and a parade are also held on Filomi Days weekend- typically the third weekend in July.

Port Hardy's economy relies greatly on tourism. Ferries to Prince Rupert, another popular tourist destination in British Columbia, depart every other day during peak season. Tourist traffic in the summer is immense, and hotels and restaurants usually find themselves with no room to accommodate all travellers.

Deer, black bears, bald eagles, squirrels, seals, salmon and many other species of birds and mammals are often spotted along the Quatse Loop Nature Trail or at Storey's Beach which is a short drive from town. Humpback whales can occasionally been seen surfacing in the bay. Port Hardy has many wildlife charters, fishing charters and places to camp during tourist season.