Traveller's guide: Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Getting there
The gateway for British Columbia is Vancouver, with plenty of direct daily flights from the UK. To reach Port Hardy you first need to cross to Vancouver Island, then drive or take a bus almost the length of the island. If time is an issue, you can fly from Vancouver to Port Hardy instead. From Prince Rupert you can fly or take a long bus trip back to Vancouver.

The BC Ferries Inside Passage service operates from 18 May to 30 September between Port Hardy and Prince Rupert (001 250 386 3431; www.bcferries.com). One-way tickets cost C$141 (£71) for adults and C$78 (£39) for children. Reservations are essential.

Visiting there
Museum of Northern BC, 100 First Avenue West, Prince Rupert (001 250 624 3207; www.museumofnorthernbc.com). Opens Monday to Saturday 9am-8pm, until 5pm Sunday; admission C$5 (£2.50) adults, C$1 (50p) children.

Eating & drinking there
Cow Bay Café, 205 Cow Bay Road, Prince Rupert (001 250 627 1212). Serving lunch and dinner daily, mains range from C$8 (£4) to C$25 (£12.50).

More information
Tourism BC: www.hellobc.com
Canadian Tourism Commission: www.canada.travel