Things to do in Alert Bay

1. A 45-minute ferry ride from Port McNeill, Yalis (aka Alert Bay on Cormorant Island) is the ancestral home of the ‘Namgis peoples of the Kwakwaka’wakw. View the potlatch collection at the U’mista Cultural Centre and sign up for a variety of traditional experiences at the Culture Shock Interactive Gallery – cedar bark weaving, storytelling, cultural ecotours and salmon barbeques included.  U’mista summer programs include culture, art and language.
2. The world’s tallest totem pole towers above the magnificent ‘Namgis Big House. Traditional dances by the T’sasala Cultural Group take place in the Big House on Thursday and Friday afternoons in July and August. 
3. Discover the island’s fascinating mix of First Nation and pioneer history at the Alert Bay Public Library and Museum by exploring its digitalized collection of 7,000 photographs.
4. Above town, the Gator Gardens Ecological Park features a cedar boardwalk over a unique marsh environment.
5. Hop on a whale watching tour with Seasmoke Whale Watching
6. Local events include Seafest, Musicfest, Artfest and Salmon Run (held on the same weekend in late July) and the Albert Bay 360 kayaking event on the BC Day long weekend in early August.