Beaver Harbour (British Columbia) facts for kids

Beaver Harbour is a natural harbour or bay found on the northern part of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. It is located to the east of the town of Port Hardy. A place called Beaver Harbour Provincial Park used to be on the west side of the bay. However, in 1970, it was given to local authorities to manage.

The Story Behind the Name

Beaver Harbour has had a few different names over time. Each name tells a bit about its history.

Early Spanish Names

In the past, Spanish explorers visited this area. Two commanders, Galiano and Valdez, gave the harbour a Spanish name. They called it Puerto de Guemes. This name honored the Viceroy of Mexico at that time.

British Explorers and New Names

Later, British explorers also came to the harbour. In 1850, a man named Mr. Dillon from the Royal Navy drew a map. On his map, he called the harbour "Daedalus Harbour." He named it after a British ship called HMS Daedalus. Just one year later, in 1851, a new name appeared on a map made by Lieutenant Mansell. This was the first time the name "Beaver Harbour" was used.

The Famous Beaver Steamship

The name Beaver Harbour, like nearby Beaver Cove, comes from a very important ship. This ship was called the Beaver. It was the first steam-powered ship to sail along the Pacific Northwest Coast. The Beaver worked for the Hudson's Bay Company for many years. It helped transport goods and people. Sadly, the ship was wrecked in 1888 at Prospect Point in Stanley Park, Vancouver.