Ronning’s Garden & San Josef Bay Hiking Tour
The hike to Ronning’s Garden is an easy 15 minutes each way on an old and lush road. The trail to San Josef Bay is a moderate hiking tour down to the beach that is approximately 45 minutes on a beautiful and well-maintained trail. Guests will hike for a total of two hours on this day trip.
Tour Highlights
Ronning’s Garden consists of an old homestead on five acres in the middle of the forest. It boasts many specimens that include huge rhododendrons and some of the largest (and oldest) monkey puzzle trees in British Columbia. The homestead was started in 1910 and is now maintained by Ron & Julia Moe. After a 45-60 minute stop at the garden we will journey on to San Josef Bay.
Without a doubt, one of the most amazing things to see at San Josef Bay are the sea stacks. The sea stacks at San Josef Bay are some of the only ocean-eroded stacks on Vancouver Island, and are certainly the most extreme. Water surging through the sandy passages at high tide has slowly eroded the softer rock, leaving behind only the harder formations. In some spots, this effect has left behind the sea stacks, a remarkable feature, but one found fairly commonly around the world.
Scenic Drive & Wildlife Viewing
The San Josef Bay hiking tour begins with a comfortable drive in our climate-controlled 12-passenger van. During the drive always make sure to keep your eyes peeled as there is a good chance of seeing black bears and other wildlife. Upon leaving Port Hardy we will be travelling on active logging roads and will pass through the historic logging town of Holberg. We will make a quick stop at the Scarlet Ibis Pub in Holberg where guests will have access to washrooms and the pre-ordered boxed lunches will be picked up.
History & Horticulture
The area is loaded with local history and is on the traditional lands of the Tlatlasikwala First Nations. There was also attempts of a Danish settlement from 1887 to 1910 that were unsuccessful due to the remote and harsh climate. Your tour guides will have information on local flora, fauna, and history.
Swimming & Beach Activities
The beach at San Josef Bay is expansive and tranquil, and offers guests a variety of west-coast activities. This beach is the perfect place for exploring the enchanting sea-stacks, beach combing, enjoying water sports, building a sandcastle, or just relaxing on the sand with a book. The photo opportunities are endless.
We will provide everyone on the bus with a lifejacket. When the weather is appropriate we will have a beach fire, and would love to take groups on beach combing walks and help with water sports. There is a rustic outhouse at the trail head and the beach.
Tour Schedule
8:30am – departure from Port Hardy
10:00am- 11:00am – tour Ronning's Garden
11:15am – 12:00pm – hike to San Josef Bay
12:00pm - 2:00pm - Individual time to explore, participate in guided walks of the area with guides, lunch and chillaxing
2:00-3:00pm – hike back to the van.
4:30pm - arrival back at Cove Adventure Tours office in Port Hardy.
