Built From Experience. Rooted in Place.
About North Island Nomad
North Island Nomad was created to offer a better way to experience Northern Vancouver Island — one that combines freedom, comfort, and genuine local knowledge. We believe adventure should feel simple, well-supported, and connected to place.
Our Story
From Alder Bay to the Backroads
For more than three decades, Alder Bay has welcomed guests to Northern Vancouver Island — anglers, families, travelers, and explorers drawn to the wild beauty of the coast.
Over time, we noticed a pattern: Guests wanted to go farther than the highway, but didn’t have the right vehicle, local knowledge, or confidence to explore the backroads safely.
North Island Nomad grew out of that need.
Our Team
Tim McGrady
Tim has spent over 30 years exploring the BC coast and remote wilderness, traveling thousands of kilometres by small boat and overland routes from Alaska to southern Mexico. A co-founder of Farewell Harbour Lodge, Tim is deeply connected to Northern Vancouver Island through decades of wildlife guiding, expedition leadership, and conservation work. His passion is helping people experience wild places responsibly—far beyond the usual routes.
Ryne Brockway
Ryne is co-owner and General Manager of Alder Bay RV Park & Marina. With a background spanning wilderness resort operations, logistics, and heavy-duty transportation, Ryne brings a practical, systems-driven approach to building experiences in remote environments. He helped grow Farewell Harbour Lodge into a nationally recognized destination and is focused on creating a long-term legacy at Alder Bay rooted in access, stewardship, and adventure.
Marc Gerrard
Marc is Business Services Manager at Alder Bay. He plays a key role in development, operations, and guest experience—bridging logistics, planning, and execution. Marc’s love of travel, the outdoors, and Northern Vancouver Island informs his work, helping make overland exploration approachable, comfortable, and well supported.
By pairing waterfront accommodation with capable overland vehicles, we created a seamless way for guests to explore the Island properly
Without hauling gear or overcomplicating the experience.
Access Without Impact
Northern Vancouver Island is vast, remote, and incredibly special. We believe in:
Providing access without overdevelopment
Encouraging exploration with respect
Supporting responsible, low-impact travel
Vast spaces without the crowds found elsewhere on the coast
Our goal isn’t volume — it’s quality experiences, done well.
Simple, Thoughtful, and Guest-Focused
Everything we offer is designed around a few core principles:
Clarity over complexity — no confusing gear lists or logistics
Freedom over structure — self-guided, not scripted
Comfort matters — adventure doesn’t mean roughing it
Local knowledge — real insight, not generic routes
We set you up properly, then get out of the way.
The Alder Bay Connection
A Natural Starting Point
North Island Nomad is proudly based at Alder Bay, a private waterfront destination on Northern Vancouver Island.
Alder Bay provides:
A comfortable basecamp
Easy access to backroads and remote areas
On-site support and amenities
A place to return to at the end of the day
It’s the perfect balance between wild and welcoming.
Stewardship & Responsibility
Exploring with Respect. We provide clear travel guidelines and expectations so guests can explore responsibly and confidently.
We operate with a deep respect for:
The land and wildlife
Local communities
Active forestry and working landscapes
The traditional territories of the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations, and their longstanding stewardship of these lands and waters.
Local. Approachable. Here to Help.
Behind North Island Nomad is a small, experienced team based at Alder Bay. And when your adventure begins, we’ll be close by if you need us.
We’re here to:
Answer questions
Help you plan
Make sure your experience runs smoothly