Property at a Glance: Alert Bay Resort
Mist-veiled mountains rise in the distance across the waters surrounding Alert Bay; here, orca whales swim year round. From the porch of your private cabin at Alert Bay Resort, you might even hear the gentle giants sounding their call in the distance. The resort sits on the edge of Cormorant Island and extends into a wooded area, where nature trails wend through forests inhabited by brown bears and other wildlife.
- Optional fishing excursion: Board a 34-foot yacht for a four- to six-hour sea cruise. Look out for orca whales, and use the onboard fishing gear to cast out for wild salmon and perch.
- Optional breakfast and ferry ride: includes ferry transportation for two from Vancouver Island to Alert Bay, along with daily housemade breakfast
- Private cabins: Whip up a meal in your cabin’s full kitchen, and cozy up by a crackling fireplace on chilly nights.
- Wildlife watching: Hike the shoreline and woodlands to spot eagles swooping down to catch fish, or rent a kayak and watch sea lions poking their heads above the water.
- Stay connected with free WiFi throughout the property.
Alert Bay, British Columbia: Tribal History and Preserved Wilderness
Set on an island studded with giant rocks and old-growth trees, the tiny village of Alert Bay seems like an unspoiled wilderness. The village owes this, in part, to the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw First Nations tribes that first occupied this stretch of shoreline hundreds of years ago and still make up much of its population. Remnants of their early culture can be found throughout Cormorant Island, from the world’s tallest totem pole to the U’mista Cultural Centre, which houses an extensive collection of tribal masks and other artifacts.
When you’re ready to explore the natural landscape, grab a copy of the Big Tree Interpretive Trail brochure, which maps out the area’s best hiking routes. The trail leads to Alert Bay Ecological Park, where you can see bald eagles and other marine birds in their natural habitat. Orca whales are some of the most popular sea life in the waters surrounding Alert Bay—take a whale-watching tour to glimpse them as they swim in pods.
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