Falling Toward Port Hardy - Roberts Rules of Travel

After spending the night in Nanaimo, we continued our Vancouver Island journey. We love visiting waterfalls. Consequently, falling toward Port Hardy seemed like a great idea. As a result, I targeted Englishman River Falls and Elk Falls. Both are BC provincial parks.

Road Trip – Falling Toward Port Hardy

Friday morning, I drank my espresso (a must!) in downtown Nanaimo. I like trying local coffee shops. So, this time, I chose Perkins Coffe Company. We then began our road trip toward the north end of Vancouver Island. I was not sure what to expect. However,we liked driving the divided, easy southern portion of highway. Drives like a freeway.

Englishman River Falls

We took our first detour off BC-19. Englishman River Falls is a peaceful, wooded park with easy hiking. So, Dinah and I hiked several of the short trails.

I love old growth trees. However, much of Vancouver Island is logged. This park has numerous old growth trees. I am amazed at their size.

Falling Toward Port Hardy - Old Growth Trees — Old Growth Trees

Waterfalls mean mountain streams. Englishman River Falls is no different. I found one spot with numerous cairns.

Falling Toward Port Hardy - Cairns at Englishmen River Falls — Cairns at Englishmen River Falls

Elk Falls

Because of hiking, our breakfast quickly disappeared. We were ready for lunch. Dinah and I stopped for lunch at the Spice Hut in Campbell River. We can’t turn down Indian food. After calorie intake, we were ready for another hike.

Elk Falls is unique because of a relatively new suspension bridge. The Campbell River Rotary Club sponsored the bridge. The bridge is stable. But, if you fear heights, you may not want to cross it.

Falling Toward Port Hardy - Elk Falls Suspension Bridge — Elk Falls Suspension Bridge

Elk River produces hydroelectric power. As such, the water flumes made for an interesting shot.

Falling Toward Port Hardy - Elk River Water Flumes — Elk River Water Flumes

Falling Toward Port Hardy – Two Lanes and No Cell Coverage

Leaving Campbell River meant a two-lane road and no cell coverage. So, I resorted to old school navigation.

Arriving at Port Hardy

Port Hardy is a small town. We stayed at a First Nations hotel, Kwa’lilas. We like to vacation until we drop. In contrast to our sentiment, tiredness took over. So, we ate dinner at the hotel and got some sleep!

Falling Toward Port Hardy - Totem Pole — Port Hardy Totem Pole

Remoteness Defined – Port Alice

Port Alice intrigued me. It is 52 km from Port Hardy. The main highway turn-off sign promised a lot of activities. So, we decided to try it. Asphalt pavement, instead of gravel, tilted the decision to a go. However, it is a very quiet town with little to do. I took some nice photos. And then, we headed back to the main road.

Falling Toward Port Hardy - Port Alice — Port Alice

I did manage to find an old boat to contrast with the inlet.

I snapped this photo on the road back from Port Alice.

Heading South Toward Civilization

We made our way south. Falling Toward Port Hardy become falling south. Again, breakfast seem to disappear quickly. Consequently, I could not wait to get into cell coverage and begin the restaurant search. We settled on the Ideal Cafe in Campbell River. Nothing exotic for me, this time. I had scrambled eggs, bacon, hash browns, and toast.

We ended our day in Courtenay, staying at the Old House Hotel and Spa. We walked about 10 blocks on an 80 degree afternoon to downtown Courtenay. As a result, I treated myself to an Hoyne ESB beer. Dinner followed at Billy D’s Pub.

Tomorrow, we need to be at the Sydney ferry dock to catch the 5:55 pm ferry back to Anacortes, Washington.