Port Hardy Diving Runs Better With Good Logistics
Port Hardy is our base for accessing some of the most serious cold-water recreational diving on Vancouver Island. But a good North Island dive trip involves more than finding somewhere to sleep.
You need somewhere practical for your vehicle and dive gear, a food plan that works around boat departures, somewhere to dry out after a long day on the water, and a realistic plan for breakfast, dinner and supplies.
We have put this page together specifically for divers travelling to Port Hardy. It is not a generic tourism list.
Where To Eat In Port Hardy
A long day diving Browning Pass creates an appetite. Port Hardy has more food choices than many first-time visitors expect, but hours can vary and North Island businesses do not always operate on big-city schedules. Check current hours before counting on a particular restaurant after a late boat day.
Pubs & Casual Drinks
Good options for a relaxed meal, drinks and sitting down with the crew after diving.
Nax'id Pub
Located at the Kwa'lilas Hotel. A convenient pub option for drinks and a sit-down meal after a North Island dive day.
The Sporty Bar & Grill
Long-running Port Hardy sports bar and grill with classic pub-style food and a casual atmosphere.
19 Deep Public House
Located at Hotel 19 on Market Street and a useful downtown option for drinks and dinner.
Breakfast, Coffee & Early Food
Boat days can start early. Know where breakfast and coffee are coming from before you wake up.
Cafe Guido
A well-known local stop for coffee, baked goods and lighter food in Port Hardy.
Kwa'lilas Cafe
Located at Kwa'lilas Hotel and useful for travellers looking for coffee and breakfast options before starting the day.
A&W Breakfast
A familiar quick breakfast option at Thunderbird Mall when you need food without making the morning complicated.
Featured Dinner Options
Two particularly convenient choices for divers staying along Hardy Bay.
Oceanside Cantina
Located directly beside the Quarterdeck Inn on Hardy Bay Road. This makes Oceanside Cantina an especially convenient dinner choice for divers staying at the Quarterdeck or finishing a day around the marina.
Lyons Den - Glen Lyon Inn
The Glen Lyon Inn has an on-site waterfront restaurant and pub, commonly associated with the Lyons Den name. It is particularly convenient for divers staying at the Glen Lyon who do not want another drive after diving.
Dinner & Local Food
Sushi, pizza, Indian food, seafood, Chinese food and other useful choices around town.
Sushi Harbour
Japanese and Asian food on Market Street with sushi and other dinner options.
Karai Sushi
Port Hardy sushi and Japanese food with Korean-style selections available as well.
Macy's Place
Local takeout-style food with seafood, burgers, fries and straightforward options for a hungry dive crew.
Mo's Restaurant
A Port Hardy pizza favourite serving old-fashioned pan pizza along with other takeout-style food.
Tandoori Junction
Indian food located at the Airport Inn on Byng Road, with curries, tandoori dishes and other hearty dinner choices.
China King
Cantonese-style Chinese food at Thunderbird Mall and another useful takeout or dinner option in town.
Fast Food & Quick Stops
Sometimes you just want something fast, familiar and easy before or after the boat.
A&W
Burgers, breakfast and familiar quick-service food at Thunderbird Mall.
McDonald's
Familiar fast food, coffee and quick meals on Granville Street.
Subway
Sandwiches and a useful grab-and-go option at Thunderbird Mall.
Groceries & Dive-Day Supplies
Buying breakfast, boat lunches, snacks and drinks before the dive day starts is usually easier than trying to improvise in the morning.
Save-On-Foods
The main full-service grocery option at Thunderbird Mall on Granville Street. Long-time visitors may still think of this location by its former Overwaitea name. It is a practical stop for breakfast supplies, sandwiches, snacks, drinks and anything you want on the boat the next day.
Prepare Before You Drive North
UB Diving is a full-service dive shop in Courtenay, British Columbia. Before heading north, divers can deal with equipment service, regulator problems, drysuit issues, cylinders, gas, Nitrox, CCR support, rentals and last-minute gear while they are still in the Comox Valley.
Port Hardy is not where you want to discover that your drysuit seal leaks, your regulator needs service, your light battery is dead or you forgot an important piece of cold-water equipment.
Arrive in Port Hardy ready to dive.
A Better Port Hardy Dive Trip Starts Before The Boat Leaves
Browning Pass and the waters around God's Pocket are remote North Island diving. The better organized you are on shore, the more time and attention you can put into the reason you came here in the first place: diving.
Choose accommodation that works for your group. Know where breakfast is coming from. Buy your boat food. Have a dinner plan. Make sure the dive equipment works. Then get some sleep.
We will worry about the diving.
Dive Port Hardy With UB Diving
UB Diving operates serious Vancouver Island cold-water diving from our full-service dive shop in Courtenay and aboard Good Vibrations in Port Hardy.
We support divers heading for Browning Pass and God's Pocket with trip planning, dive charters, equipment service, gas fills, Nitrox, Trimix, CCR support, rentals, training and the practical experience that comes from actually operating here.
