Docking Adventures in Port Hardy: A Boater’s Experience

Arriving in Port Hardy

July 23, 2025 — Port Hardy, British Columbia

We usually avoid docks if we can, but this time we had no choice. Captain Paul needed to be dropped off, and when we loaded all his gear for Rivers Inlet, it was quite the task—especially with Punga riding so low in the water.

So, we decided to tie up in Port Hardy. The docks here are first come, first serve. There are three main floats—A, B, and C. B and C are for smaller boats and allow rafting. We chose Dock A, located just outside the secondary breakwall. It’s also the only one open to the public.

Fortunately, there was just enough room for Tangaroa’s 78 feet. Unfortunately, the power was limited to 30 amps and there was no water. We didn’t need shore power, but the lack of fresh water was inconvenient. And with public access, the dock stayed busy well into the night. People wandered up and down, drinking, laughing, and occasionally making things a little too lively.

Dockside Adventures (and a Few Collisions)

At the end of Dock A is a family fishing area—a surprisingly great spot for kids. Every evening, we watched people pulling ten- to fifteen-pound salmon out of the water right next to our boat. Most of the regulars were local fishermen with aluminum boats.

During our four nights tied up, we were actually hit twice. Luckily, Tangaroa’s aluminum hull shrugged it off. Fiberglass wouldn’t have been so lucky.

The first time, a small boat bumped us hard enough to wake us from a nap. When I stepped out to ask what happened, the operator simply said, “Oh, just a little nudge,” and never apologized. The second time, a 40-foot aluminum landing craft clipped us—but this skipper was far more apologetic.

We were tied on the north side of Seagate Pier, which made things tricky. Boats coming in were being pushed by the tide and waves, and keeping control wasn’t easy for anyone.

Exploring Port Hardy

Despite the dock drama, Port Hardy turned out to be a lovely town. Save-On-Foods was excellent for provisioning—fresh produce, friendly staff, and good prices. We stopped at Cafe Guido for lattes and browsed the nearby shops, which were full of Vancouver Island and West Coast gear.

Our son drove up from Victoria to visit, and it was a real treat to see him. We had some great dinners together—one at Nax’id’ Pub, and another at a local food truck. Hardy Buoys had fantastic frozen fish and candied salmon, so we stocked up the freezer before heading north.

I even squeezed in a little self-care at Northern Bliss Spa, where I got a gel pedicure before we set off again.

History and Highlights

One of the highlights was hiking to the nearby World War II Dakota 576 crash site, a fascinating and somber part of local history. (You can read more about that in our separate blog post.)

Port Hardy also has a strong natural presence—massive tides, bald eagles overhead, and a constant feeling of being right on the edge of the wild.

Practical Notes for Boaters

While docked, we were right beside a large fish farm vessel called Aqua-Tramo. Garbage and cardboard disposal were easy, and the fuel dock was conveniently close. We took on 400 gallons at $1.65 per liter, planning to fill up completely in Prince Rupert where fuel was cheaper at $1.55.

If you’re bringing in a large vessel, add extra fenders—especially on the side facing open water. Dock A at Seagate can get rough when the tide and swell pick up.

At night, it’s worth keeping your hatches locked and lights low. The dock is public access, and while most people were friendly, there were a few intoxicated visitors wandering around.

Our daughter, who’s 18, felt a little uneasy at times.

Final Thoughts

All in all, Port Hardy was a great stop. Friendly locals, easy provisioning, and a chance to reconnect with family made it memorable. Sure, we got bumped a couple of times—but that’s boating life.

It’s a place full of character, convenience, and charm, even if it comes with a little chaos after dark.

Written by Janis Carmena, who lives aboard the 78’ aluminum trawler Tangaroa with her husband, Blaine. Together, they’re exploring the Pacific Northwest and beyond on their ongoing adventure—the Great Siberian Sushi Run. Their journey blends boat life, exploration, and the never-ending process of keeping an old aluminum yacht running strong.

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If you enjoyed this story, check out our next post in the series.

Your Turn

Have you ever had a memorable stop at Port Hardy—or any wild docking experience on your travels?

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