Port McNeill, BC – North Island Marina

North Island Marina is among our favorite marinas on the coast. With an array of services on site, capable and attentive staff, and nearby shopping, this is a pleasant, efficient, and welcome break from the wilderness.

North Island Marina and Port McNeill make the reprovisioning process easy. Leave your propane tanks on the dock and an attendant will pick them up, fill them, and return them. Need fuel? They’ll run a line to where you’re moored. The marina office can recommend divers and mechanics to address any boat issues. A laundromat is at the top of the dock (change available at the marina office). An auto parts store, with some marine parts, is also at the top of the dock. More extensive marine supplies are available a short walk away at Shop-Rite. A Marketplace IGA grocery store and BC Liquor Store are a 10-minute walk away. The IGA will drive large orders to the docks, or you can push the cart and leave it at the designated area at the top of the dock. A courtesy van is available to shuttle crew to the airport in Port Hardy or run errands.

Reservations recommended in summer. Boat watch available; many cruisers leave their boats at North Island Marina for days or weeks while they fly out and attend to other matters.

Lat/Lon: {50.59142352867194,-127.09081111094497}

Facilities/Services:

Anchorage/Holding: None
Mooring Ball: No
Dock: Yes
Protection: Good
Public/Private: Private
Fee: No
Fuel Available: Yes
Potable Water: Yes
Electric: 30A / 50A
Garbage: Yes
Pumpout: No
Maintenance: Yes
Groceries: Yes
Laundry: Yes
Liquor: Yes
Transportation: Yes
Cell Service: Average
WiFI: Yes
Notes:

Seaplane and Port Hardy airport

Slowboat Tips and Activities

If you’re in Port McNeill for an extended period of time, we like taking the ferry to Alert Bay (and the U’Mista Cultural Centre) and Sointula.

Entry/Exit Hazards

North Island Marina is the westernmost set of docks behind the breakwater in Port McNeill.

Photo Gallery

History

Port McNeill was originally a base camp for loggers, and became a settlement in 1936. The town was named after Captain William Henry McNeill of the Hudson’s Bay Company. [Source]

Wildlife

Whale watching is popular in the area.

Last update of this page: Apr 14, 2019

Last in-person visit by Slowboat team: August 27, 2018