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Waterfront Accommodation
in Alert Bay, B.C.
2010 Activities, Tours and Events in Alert Bay, BC
Activities
At Alert Bay Lodge, one of the most
common complaints we hear is that our guests haven't set aside enough time to
take advantage of the many self-guided and guided opportunities on the Island.
After all, Cormorant Island is only 3 1/2 miles long - how much can there really
be to do? Well, as we discuss below, and as you'll see in the sample itinerary,
Alert Bay is sound testament to the fact that great things can come in small
packages!
Self-guided Experiences
The best way to experience Alert
Bay is on foot, either by walking the 13-km (8-mi) shoreline, hiking the Big
Tree Interpretive Trail and the boardwalk into the Ecological Gardens. A guidebook
available from the Visitor Info Centre in downtown Alert Bay contains information
on each of Big Tree's 15 interpretive stops, as well as descriptions of the
rest of the island's trails.
The Ecological Park is located at the top of the island next to the Big Tree Trail
system. While this swampy, eerie bog is nicknamed “Gator Gardens”
it doesn't harbour alligators; rather, its moss draped pines and buyouts lend
a strong resemblance to the Florida Everglades. Boardwalk, chip and dirt trails
interweave throughout the first growth timber, ghostly, gnarled trees, and a plethora
of bird and plant life.
Alert Bay is an island community
rich in First Nations culture. The 'Namgis First Nations Burial Ground is near
the centre of the Village and the world tallest totem pole stands 173 feet next
to the Big House. A carving studio, the origin of world-class native art, is
located in the basement of the Island’s former residential school.
The U'Mista Cultural Centre houses a remarkable collection of historical artifacts
depicting the Potlatch Ceremony of the Kwakw a k a 'wakw people as well their
historic and contemporary artwork. The Centre is located at 1 Front Street,
about three kilometers along the ocean shore road from Alert Bay Lodge. Tours
of the Big House, including demonstrations of native dancing, can be arranged
through the U'Mista Cultural Centre.
Several shops
in the Village sell native art including the Tourist Information Centre, located
in the Village at 116 Fir Street. The Alert Bay Library Museum, next door at
118 Fir Street, displays old photographs of native and settler populations dating
back to the 1890s.
Like a better
idea of what's in store for you at these and other unique attractions on Cormorant
Isand? Check out our Virtual
Tours.
Tours
In addition to it's many cultural attractions, Alert
Bay offers great access to a pristine marine environment. When you book accommodation
at Alert Bay Lodge, we can organize the following tours for you:
- Whale watching.
Tours range from three to five hours and depart Alert Bay, Telegraph Cove
and Port McNeill.
- Wildlife
viewing. Grizzly and black bear tour, by boat and on land.
- Kayak Tours.
Let us whisk you away by zodiac into the heart of the Plumper Islands for
an exciting overnight kayak trip. Multi-day tours are also available.
As well,
we can organize you to fish for salmon or halibut or tour the island’s
ancient villages in the company of an experienced First Nation skipper and guide.
A full day tour (12-14 hours) costs $500 and a half-day (6 hours) is $300. Prices
include fishing gear and lunch. 40’ former trawler with an onboard washroom.
Eight person capacity.
We also recommend the services of Vancouver
Island Kayak. This company offers a wide selection of kayak tours of Vancouver
Island and has a particularly good selection of day and overnight kayak trips
of Johnstone Strait. Call 1.800.255.5057.
2010
Calendar of Events.
New
- Please see the PDF put out by the
organizers of the 'Alert Bay 360' - a self-propelled boat race around Cormorant
Island on July 24, 2010.
Our
bed and breakfast services at Alert Bay Lodge are in high demand during these
popular events, especially from the night of July 22 to the night of July 25.
During this period, the 360 Kayak Race, Seafest and Music Fest are take place
in Alert Bay. Please book your accommdoation at Alert Bay Lodge well ahead!
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Breakfast with the Easter Bunny. Sunday, Ladies Auxiliary
to Legion Branch #198
Easter
Egg Hunt, Alert Bay Lion's Club |
Sunday,
April 4, 2010
8:30 am-11:30 am
1:00
pm - 2:00 pm
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| May Day Celebration.
Saturday-Monday, Street Parade, Crowning of May Queen, races, slow pitch
tournament |
Saturday
- Monday
May
22-24 |
| 51st Annual June Sports.
The ‘Namgis First Nation Soccer Tournament is an annual sporting event
held on Fathers' Day week-end. Be part of this community celebration and
enjoy the Pageant and crowning of the Salmon Prince & Princess, which
celebrates culture, and crowns 2 youth to acknowledge their high achievement
in culture, including language, song, and dance. The sports day races are
for all ages, and the yearly themed parade which winds its way from the
Village to the sports field is located beside the Big House. Hosted by the
‘Namgis First Nation.First Nation Soccer Tournament, Pageant, Parade,
Crowning of Salmon Prince & Princess, Kids races, adult races, etc.
‘Namgis First Nation Phone: 250.974.5556 |
Thursday
- Sunday
June
17-20 |
Tsasala
Cultural Group. Traditional native dance performances in the
Big House.Admission: $15 per adult, $8 per child under 12 years. Special
performance for groups of 25 or more. Contact Andrea Crammer at 250.974.5475,
Fax: 250. 974.9848, email: maxinux@island.net |
Thursdays
& Saturdays
July
1- August 22,
1:15 pm 12:15 pm |
| Artopia Art Show In Sointula
on Malcolm Island. |
July 10-11 |
28th
Annual Alert Bay Seafest and 360 Kayak Race. Family feud, adult/youth/child
lip sync's, Shacked up, Seafest Cabaret, craft/food/jewellery/carving,
you name it tables, Strong Man/Women Contest, T'sasala Cultural Group,
Opening ceremonies, crowning of Mr. & Mrs. Seafest, Baby Contest,
Fishing Derby, Shop Rite Shopping Spree, Golden Girls Crochet Contest,
Fantasy Sea Land Parade, Kids Zone, Canoe races, etc Over $12,000 in prizes
available for the kayak race.. Contact Norine Charlie, Manager Visitor
Info Centre & Seafest Committee Member, at 250.974.5024 Fax: 250.974.5026
or email info@alertbay.ca
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Friday-Saturday
July 23, 10:00 am to 10:00 pm July 24. |
| 8th
Annual Alert Bay Music Fest. Local and out of town musicians
feature their talent in Golden Jubilee Park. Advance Tickets $15 per adult
and $8 per child under 12. Prices at the door are $20 and $10 and may
change without notice. Contact Norine Charlie at 250.974.5024 or email:
info@alertbay.ca |
Sunday
July 25, 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
12:00
pm - 10.00 pm |
Christmas
Bazar. Craft, food, jewely, carving and "you name
it tables."
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Saturday
December
5, 2009 |
Please contact us if you need more information regarding
our accommodation in Alert Bay. Request a reservation
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