Alert Bay,B.C. is on Cormorant Island across from the community of Port McNeill, B.C located on Vancouver Island. The island is a 3 mile long - 1/2 mile wide marine paradise.The island is rich in First Nation culture and history ranging from the midden shells marking the shorelines around the island to the family of Totem Poles massaging the sky to taking a step back in First Nation time at the U'Mista Cultural Centre. On one of our visits to Alert Bay, BC, we enjoyed chatting with a First Nation carver in a hut opposite the beach, down the street from the village centre. Such skill, beautiful work!

A serene west coast island environment, a must see destination for First Nation Art including Totem Poles and traditional Ceremonial Masks. Alert Bay, B.C., was once a key trading post servicing the First Nations people and merchant mariners. Today, Cormorant Island, is home to a growing tourism industry celebrating First Nation culture, art, the environment, adventure eco-activities, wildlife viewing and marine exploration. Many arrive to the marine playground for Whale Watching Tours, Kayaking, chartered boat tours, Scuba Diving and Fishing. Alert Bay is a trip in time for the historical buff and wilderness seeker, both in mind and soul.

There are some unique opportunities to explore on Cormorant Island. The seawalk is great for marine activity as you stroll along a boardwalk along the shoreline visiting some unique shops, cafes and restaurants operating out restored coastline mariner homes. Then there is the beautiful boardwalk trail and dirt paths exploring the local Ecological Park. An ideal hike for Bird Watching enthusiasts and a great opportunity to rediscover the sights and sounds of nature.

One of the most popular places to experience the First Nation people's cultural past, present and future is at the U'Mista Cultural Centre where carved masks, art, clothing, paintings, etc are proudly on display. First Nations dancing by the T'sasala Cultural Group can be seen in the Big House during the summer months of July and August. Please keep in mind that this is the only time which you could see the inside of the Traditional Big House as it is closed to viewing.

Alert Bay B.C. is known to many as the " Home of the Killer Whale". Cormorant Island's location is a factor as it neighbours the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve for Killer Whales. This prime island destination is popular for viewing many beautifully carved Totem Poles and discovering the stories and cultural history of this wonderfully peaceful getaway island of the Namgis First Nations people. The worlds tallest Totem Pole is standing at 173 feet is located on Cormorant Island too. Bet you did not know that.