Welcome to Alert Bay, a region famous
for it's diverse cultural heritage.
Evidence shows that there has been a community in this sheltered
bay on Cormorant Island for several thousand years. Natives used
it as a winter dwelling and it is still settled by members of
the ‘Namgis First Nation.
More recently, it has been a thriving
fishing community, but as with so many resource-based towns, the
emphasis is increasingly on tourism. Alert Bay, a town of about
1,000, offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the
rich cultural heritage of native and non-native residents. In
1911, the Dominion government established the first communications
system linking Alert Bay with Victoria and Vancouver. A wireless
station was built the following year.
The 'Namgis followed traditional
practices including the potlatch until 1922, when the government
banned it, the potlatch masks and regalia. Part of the collection
has since been returned and the U'Mista Cultural Centre displays
many of these items in a permanent collection called the Potlatch
Collection. The world's tallest totem pole is also here, towering
173 feet above the ground. It was carved in 1971 by a group of
Native artists headed by chief carver Jimmy Dick and features
14 figures, topped by an intricately carved sun design.
Along the main street may be seen
an ancient First Nations cemetery, a 19th century church, a busy
marina as well as pubs, restaurants and gift shops. Other
attractions offered by Alert Bay include the Alert Bay Ecological
Park and boardwalk trails through a cedar swamp, home to a variety
of bird and plant life. It is also possible to take charters for
fishing or whale watching.
Several excellent Bed and Breakfasts,
campsites, and hotels are available.
From painters to weavers to potters
to wood carvers, Alert Bay has an amazingly diverse assortment
of creative expression.
Alert Bay was made famous in part
by Emily Carr and her depictions of the unique First Nations history
of the reserve. The local museum will draw you into the past and
explain what industries, events and discoveries have shaped the
people and places of Alert Bay.
