Waterfront Accommodation
in Alert Bay, B.C.
2008 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.
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.
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.
Sample Itinerary
Day
1.
- Catch the 2:10 pm sailing from Port McNeill, arriving in Alert Bay by 2:45 pm.
- Check into Alert Bay Lodge
- Stretch your legs by walking west two kilometers into town along the ocean road. Along the way, you pass by the 'Namgis Burial Grounds.
- Shop at several stores featuring native art and visit the Tourist Info Booth. Inquire to if the T'sasala
- Cultural Group is giving dance performances at the Big House.
- Take dinner at the local pub, or at one of several restaurants in the Village.
Day 2.
- Morning whale watch tour. Stubbs Whale Watching departs Telegraph Cove and Mackay Whale Watching departs Port McNeill. The vessels used by these companies are approximately 55' in length and can accommodate approximately 47 passengers. We can also arrange for a zodiac to pick you up in Alert Bay for an exciting day of whale watching and wildlife viewing.
- Spend the afternoon visiting the U'Mista Cultural Centre, the Ecological Gardens, the Big Tree Trail and the T'sasala Cultural Group.
- In the evening, have dinner out, or ask our manager to prepare one of his special meals (notice required).
Day 3.
- Full day grizzly bear viewing with Tide Rip Tours 7:00 am pick up in Alert Bay; the boat returns at 4:00 pm.
- In the evening, enjoy a stroll east from Alert Bay Lodge along the ocean road into residential areas
- Enjoy a glass of wine on the sundeck as the sun sets.
Day 4.
- Relax with a leisurely breakfast and say farewell to your fellow guests.
- On the way to the ferry do some last minute shopping
Please feel free to contact us at reservations@alertbaylodge.com to help you make these arrangements.
2008 Calendar of Events.
Our
bed and breakfast services at Alert Bay Lodge are in high demand during many
of these popular events. Please book ahead!
 |
|
Breakfast with the Easter Bunny. Sunday, Ladies Auxiliary
to Legion Branch #198 Easter Egg Hunt, Alert Bay Lion's Club |
Sunday, April 8 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 19-21 |
| June Sports. Thursday-Sunday, 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 14-17 |
Tsasala
Cultural Group. Traditional native dance performances in the
Big House.Admission: $15 per adult, $6 per child under 12 years. Special
performance for groups of 25 or more. Contact Andrea Crammer at 250.974.5475,
Fax: 250. 974.9848, July 7-August 27, 2005 |
Thursdays & Saturdays July 5- August 25 1:15 PM-2:15 PM |
| Artopia Art Show In Sointula on Malcolm Island. | July 8-10 |
24th Annual Alert Bay Seafest. 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. 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 22-21 |
| 5th Annual Alert Bay Music Fest. Local and out of town musicians feature their talent in the field behind the Community Hall beginning at 12:00 pm. Advance Tickets $10 per adult and $5 per child under 12. Prices at the door are $15 and may change without notice. Contact Norine Charlie at 250.974.5024 or email: info@alertbay.ca |
Sunday 12:00 PM - ? |
| Christmas
Bazar. Craft, food, jewely, carving and "you name it tables." |
Saturday December 1 |
Please contact us if you need more information regarding our accommodation in Alert Bay. Request a reservation .