We offer a variety of deluxe rooms such as this one which includes an private ensuite with a shower.

Calder preparing for the journey.

One of the best things about being the Hostel Dog is that I get to meet all sorts of interesting people. Why travel the world when the world comes to you?

One such interesting person goes by the name of Calder the Kayaker. While I like chasing rocks and staying on the dry side of the shore, Calder likes chasing the waves from the seat of – yes you guessed it – a kayak! After making his way westward across Canada, Calder caught wind of the adventure to be had on the seas of the West Coast. He came to Port Hardy with the intention of doing a solo kayak trip from Bella Bella to Prince Rupert – not just a doggy paddle away, let me tell you!

Calder needed to save up enough biscuits to buy a kayak, so he worked odd jobs around town and stayed at our hostel, while getting to know the locals. Calder and I got along great, because we both like to hunt for treasure. Mine of course is rocks, but Calder knew that Port Hardy has many hidden gems. I got to show him all my favourite spots in town. I introduced him to the coffee shop where he later hosted a poetry slam, attended by many locals – even some who took a ferry from the local islands just to be there. I showed him where the radio station was; I take credit for his cool-as-a-sea cucumber interview promoting the event. He got the idea from me to help out with a local youth group (I am a rather friendly and helpful Hostel Dog, you know).

Preparing food

Calder liked Port Hardy so much that he stayed for two months, instead of his plan of two weeks. My humans and their friends were so sad to see Calder go that they threw him a going-away party out at my favourite beach (my idea too). They barbecued kabobs, corn on the cob, and salmon all over an open fire, with of course a cake that they made, shaped like a kayak in honour of his trip, for dessert!

I was very sad to see him go too, but it was quite interesting watching Calder get ready for his trip. For a week he pored over maps and collected equipment, drying all sorts of fruit and vegetables in the hostel kitchen for ready-made nutrition. (Why didn’t he just take kibble?)

In the end, we saw him off, knowing that he’d gotten a taste of the wild North Vancouver Island and the warmth of the culture here. His experiences I know will stay with him. Personally I think he was barking mad to leave, as there are so many amazing things to experience here – but that’s another tail.

This is my blog. Now to some of you this may seem a little ordinary, but for me this is quite extra ordinary as I am a dog. Which can cause some problems when it comes to blogging, as my paws tend to get in the way of the keyboard. Not to mention trying to maintain my focus. SQUIRRELL!!!!

Now how, you may ask yourself, would a dog come to find himself blogging? Well, my humans own a hostel. It is a very exciting place to be for a dog like me. See, I like adventure and I like people. Combine that with a hostel and it sure beats chasing my own tail.

Rob and Anne, my humans, are always welcoming new people into the hostel and I’m running out of dogs in Port Hardy to share the stories with. So instead of sharing over kibbles and bits, I’m sharing stories over bits and bytes.

Well, I hear some more guests arriving, and I need to help Rob and Anne welcome them. Hopefully we can take them to Storey’s beach, but that’s another tail.

The Hostel Dog – Luke.

2-5 Person, Private Room
Starting at $65
(Bedding included)

Double, Bottom bunk.

In our Main Hostel, we offer this Double futon style, bottom-bunk for $25/night. This price includes bedding.

Be sure to set aside some time to take in all that Port Hardy has to offer. You don’t have to venture far to experience the breathe taking scenery, the spectacular wildlife, or the pacific charm.

The North Coast Trail is a 43.1km extension to the original Cape Scott trail.  The total hiking distance is approximately 59.5km.  The minimum recommended one way hiking time is 5 days; although, it is more commonly completed in 6 to 8 days.  Hiking times are estimated for the average hiker in good physical condition in optimal weather conditions.

This is a very challenging route and is not recommended for inexperienced hikers. Many sections require hikers to climb over or along fallen trees, to cross through deep mud, and to use fixed ropes to climb up and over steep sections.  It is not recommended for those with a fear of heights.  Consider hiking sections of the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail or the Cape Scott trail to Nels Bight prior to attempting a trip to the North Coast Trail.

The North Coast Trail is not recommended for dogs.  There are many steep headland sections on the trail with extensive rope work.  These sections are not suitable for domestic animals.

The trail is located in a wilderness area with minimal supplies or equipment of any kind.  It is not regularly patrolled, so hikers should be completely self sufficient.  It is strongly recommended that ALL hikers carry a satellite phone or VHF radio in case of emergency.  Cell phones do not work in the park, and assistance may be days away in case of an accident.

The trail runs along the northern end of Vancouver Island spanning Cape Scott Provincial Park.  It can be traversed east to west from Shushartie Bay to the eastern end of Nissen Bight or in reverse from west to east.  The trail becomes progressively easier in the east to west direction.  Access to the Shushartie Bay trailhead is by boat or floatplane only.  There are currently no docking facilities.  Two water taxi services are run from Port Hardy during the summer season.  Access to the western portion of the trail is from the San Josef parking lot at the Cape Scott trailhead.  Shuttle service to the parking lot can also be arranged in Port Hardy.

The trail offers visitors a glimpse into wild, west coast ecosystems.  The rugged trail passes through old and second growth Sitka spruce, hemlock and cedar forests, upland bogs, riparian areas, across sand, gravel and cobble beaches, and past sea stacks, rocky headlands, and tidal pools.  The park is home to bald eagles, black bears, cougars, wolves, river and sea otters, mink, and an array of marine mammals.  Sighting and encounters are common in the park, so visitors should use precaution.

Cape Scott Provincial Park is rich with First Nations history.  Many signs of their historic presence are evident in the park.  Please respect all cultural sites and leave them in an undisturbed state.  Do not touch or remove any cultural items.

Storey’s Beach is a great place to spend a day taking in nature. Local businesses are available to rent kayaks, beachcombers love to find unique treasures here, and locals favour this site for picnics and much more!

In our Main Hostel, we offer a single, top-bunk for $24/night. This price includes bedding.

We offer both a men’s dorm and a women’s dorm which typically sleep 6 people. Beds are available at $26/person per night. This price includes bedding.