DAYTRIPS & OVERNIGHTERS—EXPLORING INDIGENOUS TOURISM

Kwa’lilas Hotel

Exploring Indigenous Tourism on Vancouver Island

Yadan with Imas, masks from U’mista Cultural Centre

First Nations’ history and culture runs deep and rich here in the Pacific Northwest, and on Vancouver Island we are fortunate to have many thriving indigenous tourism experiences to partake in. From hotels and nature-based tours to museums and galleries, these cultural assets can both delight your senses and deepen your understanding of life on the west coast.

Close to home you can find exhibits from the Qualicum First Nations including the story of The Pentlatch People, a “sleeping language” project at the Qualicum Beach Museum. A quick trip up-Island, the I-Hos Gallery—on the site of the original K’ómoks Village and winners of the 2013 retail award from Aboriginal Tourism BC—has a significant collection of traditional and contemporary Northwest Coast artwork for sale including masks, prints and jewelry.

If you venture a little farther along the Island highway and take the ferry from Campbell River to Quadra Island you can visit the Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre, where a priceless and historic collection of original Kwakwaka’wakw artifacts is preserved and displayed. Nearly one hundred carved boulders at thirteen different sites have been located on Quadra Island, and the centre is pleased to have seven of them on site. These stone carvings, known as petroglyphs, are estimated to have been carved over 2500 years ago. Please note that the main lodge and dining room of popular Tsa Kwa Luten (Cape Mudge Resort) are now closed for the season but will re-open—along with a newly expanded RV park—in May 2022. For an overnight stay we highly recommend a road trip to the North Island including a visit to the U’mista Cultural Centre near the village of Alert Bay on Cormorant Island, which can be accessed via a short BC Ferries ride from the nearby the town of Port McNeill. U’mista (Canada’s longest running First Nations museum and cultural centre) houses an extensive collection of repatriated ceremonial Potlatch regalia including many stunning masks. The Cenre’s goal is to preserve the cultural artifacts of the Kwakwaka'wakw people for generations to come. The island is also home to the World’s Tallest Totem Pole and historical features including the 'Namgis Traditional Big House and original burial grounds.

Big house near Alert Bay (photo by Owen Lloyd)

There are several accommodation options available in Alert Bay and Port McNeill, but if you are open to an additional half hour’s drive north to Port Hardy, the First Nations owned and operated Kwa’lilas Hotel, provides luxurious accommodations that feature a curated selection of indigenous art. The property has also partnered with local operators to offer eco-adventure and wildlife tours, and cultural experiences including cedar weaving.

Haida whale representation

While Tofino and Ucluelet can certainly be accomplished as a day trip from Fairwinds, we highly recommend an overnight stay… there is just so much to see and do! Take the scenic trip along Highway 4 to immerse yourself in the natural and cultural heritage that lives here on the real west coast. There are many places to stay including Indigenous Tourism of BC member properties: Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort, and Wya Point Resort. In town, the landmark Eagle Aerie Gallery housed in a traditional Northwest Coast longhouse with a carved and painted cedar plank exterior and doors of beaten copper, has been welcoming fans of renowned artist Roy Henry Vickers since 1986. And the gallery at House of Himwitsa features the work of a wide variety of First Nations’ artists, from carved masks and jewelry to woven baskets.

If the wilderness is calling your name, sign up for a tour with a local guiding company and see the west coast through eyes that know it well. Moses Martin and his family have been operating Clayoquot Wild: Wildlife & Custom Tours since 1995, taking guests to explore, learn, and to listen to stories of this ancient land and its peoples.

Nuyumbalees petroglyph

A trip to take in the rich heritage and natural beauty of our island home awaits. For more information on exploring indigenous tourism opportunities on Vancouver Island and throughout the province, please visit the Indigenous Tourism BC website (www.indigenousbc.ca).

Before you Travel

Due to the changing landscape of the ongoing pandemic, always check to ensure that the properties listed here will be open when you plan to visit. Learn and be guided by the COVID-19 protocols that have been put in place. These communities are necessarily protective of their residents and are working to keep everyone safe.