Alert Bay on Cormorant Island, formerly a thriving fishing village on the BC coast, is the oldest community on northern Vancouver Island. Heritage buildings and old village houses on the waterfront still speak of the early days, where a fish saltery was located in 1870. The waterfront boardwalks, ferry dock and marinas bustle with life, but most vivid today is the living culture of the ‘Namgis First Nation of the Kwakwaka’wakw.
Alert Bay is internationally renowned as a centre for First Nation culture
The vibrant blending of First Nation and pioneer cultures is a remarkable example of cultures living side by side in harmony, set in an unparalleled Northern Pacific wilderness environment.
The village’s elegant and acclaimed U’mista Cultural Centre, incorporated in 1974, is Canada’s longest-running First Nations museum and cultural centre. U’mista showcases the famed Potlatch Collection of ceremonial regalia which was taken by Canadian authorities in 1922 during the potlatch ban era and finally returned in 1980.
Self-led Walking Tour
A themed walking tour stretches across the island and includes a seaside stand of memorial poles and the magnificent traditional Big House. Stops along the way include the Alert Bay Library-Museum (with 6,500 historic photographs dating back to the mid 1800’s), main street gift shops featuring First Nations arts and crafts, and the world’s tallest totem pole. Traditional dance performances by the T’sasala Cultural Group are held in July and August in the Namgis Big House. Pick up a walking map from the Visitor information Centre.
Alert Bay is internationally renowned as a centre for First Nation culture
The vibrant blending of First Nation and pioneer cultures is a remarkable example of cultures living side by side in harmony, set in an unparalleled Northern Pacific wilderness environment.
The village’s elegant and acclaimed U’mista Cultural Centre, incorporated in 1974, is Canada’s longest-running First Nations museum and cultural centre. U’mista showcases the famed Potlatch Collection of ceremonial regalia which was taken by Canadian authorities in 1922 during the potlatch ban era and finally returned in 1980.
Self-led Walking Tour
A themed walking tour stretches across the island and includes a seaside stand of memorial poles and the magnificent traditional Big House. Stops along the way include the Alert Bay Library-Museum (with 6,500 historic photographs dating back to the mid 1800’s), main street gift shops featuring First Nations arts and crafts, and the world’s tallest totem pole. Traditional dance performances by the T’sasala Cultural Group are held in July and August in the Namgis Big House. Pick up a walking map from the Visitor information Centre.
Island Events & Things to Do
June Sports
Fathers Day Weekend (June)
First Nations Soccer Tournament and Family Events
Kayak 360: BC Day weekend (July/Aug)
Annual Kayak Race around Cormorant Island
U'mista Museum and Cultural Centre
a primary destination, open year round.
May long weekend to Labour Day: Daily 9-5pm
The rest of the year: Weekdays 9-5pm
Ask about their free summer programs!
T'sasala Cultural Performance:
Traditional Native Dance Performances
in the 'Namgis Big House
Saturdays at 1pm, July & Aug
Visitor Information Centre:
Director Norine Smith is helpful with information on all things local. 9-5pm (most days)
Walking, Hiking, Biking:
20 km of Beach, Boardwalk, Marsh and Forest Trails
Culture Shock Interactive Gallery:
Coffee and Gifts
Fathers Day Weekend (June)
First Nations Soccer Tournament and Family Events
Kayak 360: BC Day weekend (July/Aug)
Annual Kayak Race around Cormorant Island
U'mista Museum and Cultural Centre
a primary destination, open year round.
May long weekend to Labour Day: Daily 9-5pm
The rest of the year: Weekdays 9-5pm
Ask about their free summer programs!
T'sasala Cultural Performance:
Traditional Native Dance Performances
in the 'Namgis Big House
Saturdays at 1pm, July & Aug
Visitor Information Centre:
Director Norine Smith is helpful with information on all things local. 9-5pm (most days)
Walking, Hiking, Biking:
20 km of Beach, Boardwalk, Marsh and Forest Trails
Culture Shock Interactive Gallery:
Coffee and Gifts
Wildlife Tours
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Sea Wolf Adventures
Half, Full and Multi-day Grizzly tours up Thompson/Bond Sound, Knight Inlet/Glendale Cove with Whale/Wildlife sightings through the Broughton Archipelago All tours include a large First Nations cultural component. Private tours available. |
SeaSmoke Whale Watching
3 hr. Whale Watching/Wildlife Tour in Blackfish Sound, Queen Charlotte & Johnstone Straits June 15 - Sept 30 Departing from Alert Bay |
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