Read unbiased opinions about Alert Bay Lodge and vacations at TripAdvisor.

Click to see distances and driving times in British Columbia


 


Waterfront Accommodation in Alert Bay, B.C.

2010 Activities, Tours and Events in Alert Bay, BC

 

 


Welcome to Alert Bay

Welcome to Alert Bay

Welcome to Alert Bay

Welcome to Alert Bay

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!

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

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

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."                                                                                             

Saturday

December 5, 2009



Please contact us if you need more information regarding our accommodation in Alert Bay. Request a reservation .