| Hardwicke Island | |
| Image Map Size: | 280px |
| Image Map Caption: | Location of Hardwicke Island (centre left) |
| Location: | Johnstone Strait |
| Coordinates: | 50.442°N -125.846°W |
| Archipelago: | Discovery Islands |
| Area Km2: | 78 |
| Country: | Canada |
| Country Admin Divisions Title: | Province |
| Country Admin Divisions: | British Columbia |
| Country Admin Divisions Title 1: | Regional district |
| Country Admin Divisions 1: | Strathcona |
Hardwicke Island is an island in British Columbia, Canada, measuring approximately .[1]
Hardwicke Island lies directly off the coast of the village of Sayward and to the west of its neighbour West Thurlow Island. Hardwicke Island is located within Electoral Area C of the Strathcona Regional District.
Hardwicke Island is closely connected to the Bendickson, a Norwegian family who began logging operations on the island beginning in 1918, and who continued thereafter to live on or visit the island while growing fruit and vegetables there.[2] Today, the island is base to the Hardwicke Transportation company which provides water taxi and small freight shipping services around the region.[3]
The island was named after Philip Yorke, 3rd Earl of Hardwicke, a patron of the master's mate on HMS Discovery during the 18th century Vancouver Expedition.[4] The island is part of the Discovery Islands archipelago, named after the Discovery Passage, explored by Captain George Vancouver on the Discovery and so-named (the passage) by Captain Henry Kellett in 1847, to honour Captain Vancouver.[5]