The Quarterdeck Inn

Get a Quote
Get a Quote

Hotel overview

The quarterdeck is a full service hotel located right on the marina in Port Hardy and from here you have easy access to a range of activities and the Inside Passage ferry. The rooms have all standard amenities such a fridge and coffee making facilities, along with complimentary Wi-Fi, and most have views overlooking the marina. The resort pub and restaurant is open all day and offers casual, traditional fare often featuring local, fresh fish. There is a 24-hour reception, guest lounge area, and a local shuttle to the ferry terminal can be arranged for a small charge.

Holiday ideas

All Holidays in Canada
Holiday

Mountains, Wine & Wildlife

Canada

Bears, wines & turquoise lakes in Canada’s great outdoors.

14 days
Wildlife & Nature Foodie + 1 more + 2 more
from £3,990 pp
Holiday

Canada Fall Colours Road Trip

Canada

Autumn colours, scenic drives and coastal charm in eastern Canada.

14 days
Romantic Wildlife & Nature + 1 more + 2 more
from £2,995 pp
Holiday

Cities of Eastern Canada

Canada

A journey through Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal and Québec City.

10 days
Classic Culture & History + 1 more + 2 more
from £3,495 pp
Holiday

West Coast Wildlife Explorer

Canada

Spot grizzly bears, orcas, and explore Canada's rugged west coast.

12 days
Wildlife & Nature Adventure + 1 more + 2 more
from £6,490 pp
Holiday

Canada Family Holiday

Canada

Bears, rafting, and family adventures through Canada.

13 days
Family Wildlife & Nature + 2 more + 3 more
from £3,790 pp
Holiday

Alaskan Cruise & Rocky Mountaineer

Canada

Two epic journeys, one unforgettable holiday by rail and sea.

15 days
Wildlife & Nature Luxury + 2 more + 3 more
from £6,995 pp

Quirky excursions

View all excursions in Canada
Excursion

Kayaking on Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island is a paradise for kayaking enthusiasts, offering an incredible mix of pristine waters, diverse ecosystems, and breathtaking scenery. Whether paddling along sheltered coastal inlets, navigating the calm waters of a harbour, or exploring secluded islands, kayaking is one of the best ways to connect with the island’s natural beauty. With an abundance of guided tours and self-guided opportunities, there’s something for everyone, from beginners to experienced paddlers. Kayaking trips often take you through serene waters filled with marine life such as sea stars, crabs, and seals, while overhead, eagles and seabirds soar. Many routes include opportunities to admire the towering rainforest, rocky coastlines, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and ocean. Some excursions might include a stop on one of the region’s islands, where you can explore lush forest trails or relax on a quiet beach. Along the way, expert guides often share fascinating insights about the island’s ecology, cultural history, and the unique wildlife that thrives both above and below the water. Whether you’re paddling through the lively waters of a harbour, gliding past the rugged shores of Clayoquot Sound, or venturing into the tranquil Chain Islets, kayaking on Vancouver Island is a memorable experience for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

Excursion

Northern Vancouver Island - Ideas for Free Time

Much of this area’s appeal lies in its wilderness and dramatic coastline, offering excellent seasonal whale and bear watching, where you’re also likely to spot other wildlife and marine birdlife. Trips depart from Telegraph Cove to view whales in the Johnstone Strait and bears along the shores of Knight Inlet. Enhance your experience with a visit to the Whale Interpretive Centre in Telegraph Cove, where you can learn about the biology and threats facing these mammals, as well as marvel at various skeletons that give you a true sense of their enormous size. For those who love the outdoors, there are numerous hiking trails from Telegraph Cove, Port Hardy, and Port McNeill, along with plenty of opportunities for beachcombing for those seeking a more relaxed activity. Each of the three towns has a community museum with extensive archives, displays, and rotating exhibitions that tell the fascinating story of the area, helping to keep its history alive. Alert Bay, the oldest community on northern Vancouver Island, is located on Cormorant Island just off the coast. Once a thriving fishing hub, it is now dotted with colourful heritage buildings and boasts a bustling waterfront. This town is one of the few places where Indigenous peoples have preserved their traditions alongside the lifestyle of the trading pioneers who settled here. A short ferry ride from Port McNeill takes you to Alert Bay, where you can spend a day exploring the U’mista Cultural Centre—Canada’s longest-running First Nations museum—wandering amongst the totems, and soaking up the natural beauty of this remote and unique spot.  

Excursion

Whale Watching around Vancouver Island

The waters around Vancouver Island provide excellent feeding grounds for a variety of whale species, making this a brilliant place to go whale-watching. Pods of orca are commonly sighted on both sides of the island; however, grey and humpback whales can also be seen off the western coast. The main points of departure for whale-watching are Victoria, Tofino, Ucluelet, Campbell River, and Telegraph Cove, making it easily accessible no matter what your route might be around Vancouver Island. All of these trips are accompanied by expert guides who will provide commentary and help you spot these magnificent creatures, as well as other marine wildlife such as porpoises, sea lions, seals, and an array of seabirds. The length of the trip varies depending on where you depart from, but you will normally be out on the water for around three hours. These excursions take place on either a covered boat or a speedier Zodiac, and in some cases, you have a choice between the two. Your specialist will discuss which is more suitable for you. Please note that Zodiacs are not recommended for those with back problems and pregnant ladies.  

Excursion

Full Day Bear Viewing Safari

This small group excursion departs from Port McNeill and heads through the Broughton Archipelago and in to fiords of the mainland in search of grizzly bears. The scenic journey over to the inlets is complemented with a continental breakfast, tea and coffee along with some spectacular scenery – a great way to start the day. Once in Thompson Sound (Xakwikan) you are taken further up the river by a small truck and find a comfortable seating spot by the water’s edge to wait for the grizzlies. Your guide will share traditional First Nation’s stories and you will enjoy lunch here. On the return journey you will look for ancient pictographs and other sites of cultural importance, whilst all the time keeping an eye out for other wildlife such as dolphins an eagles.  

Ready to
pack your bags?

Speak to one of our travel specialists today.

Get a Quote 01242 253 073

Open Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm

Image

We'd love to keep in touch.

Sign up to get our latest team news, travel tips and holiday inspiration straight to your inbox.

© 2025 Holiday Architects ltd. All Rights Reserved.