Alert Bay
Alert Bay is located on Cormorant Island, just off of the East coast of Northern Vancouver
Island on the beautiful Inside Passage of British Columbia. Alert Bay has a history dating back
to the beginning of the century and offers excellent photography subjects such as the 'Namgls
Burial Grounds, Traditional Big House, Christ Anglican Church, St. George's Chapel etc. It was
originally a native settlement and the heritage is still strong today with many historic sites and an
abundance of powerful art displayed on totems and paintings.
Alert Bay is home to the tallest totem pole in the world. Standing 173 feet tall, the Totem Pole
is comprised to two pieces 163 and 10 feet. The figures on the pole represent the various tribes
of the Kwakwaka'wakw. For more information, a booklet on Totem Poles is available in the
Infocentre.
The U'Mista cultural centre houses one of the finest mask and Potlatch collections on the Island
and a gift shop offers locally produced jewelry, carvings, silk-screened prints and other items.
U'mista further serves as an educational centre, where courses are offered in the Kwak'wala
language, traditional singing and dancing.
The Alert Bay Library-Museum hosts an archival collection of over 6,700 photographs of Alert
Bay and area dating back to the mid 1800's, some of which are organized into historical exhibits
on St. George's Hospital and on Alert Bay's various churches, as well as paintings and carvings
by such renowned Kwawaka'wakw artists as Charlie James, Henry Speck and Mungo Martin.
Alert Bay is an excellent sports fishing, deep sea diving, and kayaking destination. Anglers may
explore a variety of areas by boat or fish right off the docks, where trophy size Tyee are
frequently caught. Stroll along the unique boardwalk Ecological Park passing through giant
cedars or visit the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve to view magnificent Orca's. Experience the
excitement of seeing these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. This world renowned
pristine area is regarded as the best place in the world to view the largest population of resident
orcas in the wild.
Shopping centres, gift shops and a variety of restaurants are conveniently located in the
downtown area of the village. The overnight visitor may choose from hotels, cabins, bed &
breakfast, a hostel or campgrounds.
Moorage, mechanical services and a paved airstrip are all available to accommodate air and
marine travellers. The Alert Bay Boat Harbour is sheltered by a rock breakwater, and has a total
berthage of 3,487 feet. The Harbour is walking distance to the centre of town.
To reach Alert Bay by vehicle, drive north on Highway 19 to Port McNeill connecting to a ferry
or seaplane. Ferry schedules can be found on the
BC Ferries website.
Scheduled bus services depart daily from all points on Vancouver Island to Port McNeill where
a connection can be made to the ferry. Schedules and fares can be found on the Laidlaw
Coach Lines website.
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