Excursion Alert bay living culture tour at Alert Bay

Visit Alert Bay and learn the sacred traditions of the Kwakwaka'wakw people have observed for generations. Arrive ashore and begin your visit at the Chief's burial ground. Local guides are on hand to explain how carvings here symbolize or commemorate ancestors, cultural beliefs that recount familiar legends, clan lineages, or notable events.

From the burial grounds, board buses that carry you through the reserve to the Big House and the world's tallest totem pole. Expect to be invited inside the Big House by current chief Mike Willie, who is available to narrate the stories, history and politics of the people of Alert Bay, as well as the significance of the Big House and its importance to the governance and cultural center of the 'Namgis. Dancers, drummers, weavers and carvers share their gifts during and after Mike's presentation.

After the Big House presentation, passengers can take a 15-minute to walk through the reserve down a slight hill to U'mista Cultural Centre, founded in 1980 as a groundbreaking project to house potlatch artifacts which were confiscated after potlatches were banned between 1885 and 1951. After the ban was lifted, the Kwakwaka'wakw people fought for decades for the return of their sacred regalia that had ended up in museums and private collections around the world.

After U'mista take a short oceanside walk along the boardwalk to Culture Shock, the Village of Alert Bay and the Government Wharf. A shuttle service will provide 'hop non, on off" transportation between the Big House and the Government Wharf.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Alert Bay, Chief's burial ground, Big House talk and cultural presentation, U'mista Cultural Centre

Note

Please note: This excursion involves mostly optional walking. Passengers wishing to limit walking should choose the shuttle bus. Guests are recommended to dress in warm layers and wear comfortable walking shoes.