Island Attractions

Sointula is located off the northeast tip of Vancouver Island about a 4 hour drive from Nanaimo, BC and 6 hours from Victoria, BC then just a 20 min ride on the ferry from Port McNeill, BC.

HIKING TRAILS

The popular 10km. Beautiful Bay Trail at Bere Point Regional Park winds along a ridge through stunning rainforest with periodic glimpses of the sea and coastal mountains. Beach exits and the tide give hikers the option of designing their own circuit route.

The 6.4km. Mateoja Heritage Trail begins on Third Street above the town site. This trail wanders through the site of an early 1900's homestead, a marshland, skirts a couple of ponds and continues onto Big Lake, the local swimming hole. Along this route there are numerous decks and benches ideal for picnics and birdwatchers. This trail is an educational trip though the ecosystems of Malcolm Island.

Both trails are rated as moderate hiking, although Beautiful Bay is more strenuous. Hikers need to allow for a return time. Plan on a half day to complete either or these journeys into our natural world.

FROM ONE END OF THE ISLAND TO THE OTHER

Malcolm Island is 24kms long and 3 kms at it's widest point.

A 28 km. gravel road runs down the spine of the island and connects Mitchell Bay to Pulteney Point. Mitchell Bay is a quiet community on the southeast point of Malcolm Island. Take the Mitchell Bay Road off Kaleva. Keep the powerlines on your right. You get a completely different view of Broughton Strait. There is a farm with a forge. The return road can take you past Big Lake and Bere Point, continuing on to Pulteney Point at the other end of the island .

Pulteney Point Lighthouse is still manned by a friendly lighthouse keeper. To get there, you must park at the turnaround by the gate, and take the short path to the beach. Then it is only a 10-15 minute walk to the lighthouse.

BERE POINT
Six kilometres of gravel road takes you to Bere Point, Mount Waddington Regional District Park and Campground. It offers twenty-one campsites, each nestled in the trees just off the beach, some with views across Queen Charlotte Strait to the snow-capped Coastal Mountains. Campsite reservations can be made through the Regional District http://www.rdmw.bc.ca There are picnic facilities for day use. There is a short trail to the point and the start of the Beautiful Bay Trail. Killer whale pods frequently visit the beach. Perched high above the point, is a newly built wildlife viewing platform.

ECCENTRICITIES OF SOINTULA

Things you only know if you live here. The ferry line-up is along First Street. The Co-op Store is closed all day Sunday. The 8:00 am ferry on Sunday leaves at 7:20 am. You can call to make an appointment to see the museum. Sointula’s folklore is rich with tales of local eccentrics. Some still live among us today.

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES

There are bicycles for rent and boats (both sail and power) for charter. If your interest is sport fishing or whale watching, our local skippers are experienced. The general area of Malcolm Island is becoming recognized as a world class sport fishing and diving area. The combination of cold, clear water and tidal currents offer an abundance of marine life for underwater exploration.