Vancouver Island North boasts rich and colourful culture & history. Its various museums and cultural and interpretive centres chronicle a saga of human habitation dating back at thousands of years. Alert Bay’s priceless U’mista Cultural Centre is internationally renowned for its collection of potlatch artifacts. The community museums in Port Hardy, Port McNeill, Port Alice, Sointula, Quatsino and Alert Bay all do their vital part in keeping the history and traditions of the region alive with displays, rotating exhibits and extensive archives.
Vancouver Island North exerts a magnetic pull on easygoing adventurers seeking authentic tours and experiences in a spectacularly panoramic natural setting. The variety of things to do here is remarkably diverse, especially when exploring the outdoors by land, sea and, when floatplanes and flightseeing trips are factored in, air as well.
History and culture are alive in Sointula on Malcolm Island. Visit the local museum to learn about the island’s unique history. Or get a present-tense taste of idealism in action by visiting BC’s longest running cooperative general store, formed as the Sointula Co-operative Store Association in 1909. There is also a vibrant arts scene thanks to the many artists and musicians who call Malcolm Island home. Discover this wealth of original talent while browsing through shops, galleries and studios. The Sointula Resource Centre Society’s visitor information staff can point the way.
**Travel by ferry required.
Travel to Alert Bay from Sointula without paying an additional far by asking for a Turn Around Pass when you board the ferry in Sointula – you will be instructed to show the pass at the toll booth and be directed into the line for the immediate next sailing to Alert Bay.
See the next generation of Kwakwaka’wakw share their culture to educate the world about their ancient songs, dances, teachings and values. Witness traditional dances that connect their culture to the land, sky, and sea. The T’sasala Cultural Group holds performances in the ‘Namgis gukwdzi (big house). During the T’sasala Cultural Group performances is the only time that the Big House in Alert Bay is open to the public.
- Hike the Beautiful Bay trail, the Mateoja Heritage Trail or to Pulteney Point Lighthouse, maps available at Visitor Centres
- Borrow a bike and cruise Kaleva Road, the bikes are free to borrow, just sign one out at the Sointula Resource Centre.
- Walk the network of trails in the Alert Bay Ecological Park and 20 km of trails throughout the Island, pick up a map and a brochure at the Alert that identifies the plants found in the park
- Self-guided tour of Memorial and other Totem Poles in Alert Bay, including the world’s tallest totem pole, brochure available at the Alert Bay Visitor Centre