If you 're cruising through Johnstone Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound on your way north, and you need a doctor, call into Alert Bay (a 'Namgis First Nation town), Cormorant Island and find Dr. John Jensen 's surgery near the grocery store. He is a South African and ex ocean sailor who sailed in here and settled down when his wife died and he didn’t fancy single-handing. He saw me straight away, made a diagnosis and gave me an injection and some some pills, and wouldn’t take a cent in payment. He doesn’t, from out of state and foreign visitors. Compare that with the A & E at the two local hospitals, who charge about $1000 for treatment. Most of the medical centres around here charge about $75 - $90 for a consultation, which is fair enough, but the one in Port McNeill couldn’t give me an appointment for a week.

However, Port McNeill is better and more convenient for stores, fuel and laundry before you head on out and up the BC coast. The harbour staff are very friendly and helpful.