Guide to Alert Bay

Welcome to Alert Bay—on the traditional territory of the ʼNa̱mǥis First Nation of the Kwakw̓aka̱ʼwakw (Kwak̓wala-speaking peoples). Explore living culture, powerful history, and ocean wildlife. Please visit with care and respect.

Kwak̓wala greeting

g̱ilakas'la — “thank you / welcome” (approx. “gee-LAH-kuss-lah”). Hear the pronunciation on FirstVoices (dialects may vary).

• Ask before photographing people or ceremonies.
• Observe signs and boundaries—especially at sacred sites.
• Pack in / pack out to keep beaches and trails pristine.

Cultural Experiences

U’mista Cultural Centre

Learn about the Kwakw̓aka̱ʼwakw potlatch ceremony and the powerful story of cultural resilience.

Phone: 250-974-5403 or 1-800-690-8222
Website: umista.ca · Email: [email protected]

World’s Tallest Totem Pole

173 ft (52.7 m), honouring many Kwakw̓aka̱ʼwakw nations—symbolizing shared heritage and unity. ≈ 5-minute drive from Gordie’s Suites.

ʼNa̱mǥis Big House

Beside the Tallest Totem. In summer (July–Aug), look for Tʼsasała Cultural Group performances on Saturdays. Tʼsasała info · U’mista website

ʼNa̱mǥis Original Burial Grounds & Totem Poles

View many striking totem poles from the roadside. Please respect: no entry into the burial grounds. ≈ 2-minute walk from Gordie’s Suites.

Outdoors & Nature

Alert Bay Ecological Park (Gator Gardens)

Peaceful trails through a unique bog ecosystem with birdwatching and rare flora. Visitor Centre: 250-974-5024

Whale Watching (Seasonal)

Approx. mid-June onward — the “Home of the Killer Whale.” You may also see humpbacks and other marine mammals.

Seasmoke Whale Watching · Phone: 250-974-5225 · Website: seasmokewhalewatching.com · Email: [email protected]

Beachcombing

Explore rocky beaches around the island. Wear sturdy shoes and leave nature as you found it.

Around Town

Alert Bay Library-Museum

Local settler-era history, archival photos, and public computers.
Phone: 250-974-5721 · Website: alertbay.bc.libraries.coop · Email: [email protected]

Culture Shock Gallery & Café

Contemporary and traditional ʼNa̱mǥis art by local Indigenous artists. Coffee and smoothies, too.
Phone: 250-974-2484 · Website: cultureshocklife.com · Email: [email protected]

Alert Bay Visitor Centre

Your first stop for maps, orientation, and current info. Phone: 250-974-5024 · Email: [email protected] · Website: alertbay.ca

Local Dining (Call ahead—hours can change)

Nimpkish Restaurant (in Nimpkish Hotel)

Phone: 250-974-3534 · Website: thenimpkishhotel.com

Orca Restaurant (in Orca Inn)

Phone: 250-228-4959 · Facebook: View page

Alert Bay Lodge — Candid Chefs

Phone: 250-974-2410 or (905) 708-8994 · Website: alertbaylodge.com · Email: [email protected]

Alert Bay Pizza (formerly Bayside Grill)

Phone: 250-974-8332 or 250-974-4188 · Website: alertbaypizza.ca

Shop Rite Deli (quick bites & groceries)

Phone: 250-974-2777 · Email: [email protected]