Port Hardy’s main boat launch at the municipal wharf seems always to be busy, some boats can wait more than an hour to use the launch. It was so busy here that it was becoming dangerous with trucks and trailers lining both sides of the road, something had to be done. There was no room for expansion at the main launch, so the Bear Cove Recreation site was chosen as the spot to create a new launch area.
Bear Cove Recreation Site was redeveloped to create not one new boat launch but two of them, along with a rest area with toilets and an undercover picnic area. A new floating wharf system was also added.
Bear Cove now offers eleven 9-meter finger floats in addition to 90 meters feet of linear moorage for day use by transient users. Water and power have been brought to the new pavilion and float system with eleven taps for boaters and water service to the two fish cleaning stations and boat wash. A new pavilion provides cover for wet weather and interpretive signs teach visitors about the incredible sea life of the cove. Divers now have first dips at a dive platform that was added to give them access to the cove year-round.
This new facility has many opportunities for added tourism, things like food outlets and whale and bear tour companies, and overnight accommodations. There is room for many other types of businesses here as well. There is more interest in housing here as well and l am sure we will see this grow alongside other developments.
This is such a pretty spot, with nature all around you, it’s a great place to have a picnic.