By Indigenous Tourism British Columbia
West Coast Expeditions North Island near Port Hardy The road from Comox, in the traditional lands of the K’omoks First Nation, to Vancouver Island’s northernmost tip and the town of Port Hardy, on the traditional lands of the Kwakiutl First Nation, invites you to soak up Indigenous creative expression and the spectacular landscape and wildlife of the Great Bear Rainforest.
Embark on the journey North to immerse in traditional practices, experience the lands and waters that have been the root of sustenance and ceremony for millennia, and quietly observe wildlife from a place of deep mutual respect.
BEFORE PLANNING YOUR VISIT, NOT ALL BUSINESSES AND EXPERIENCES ARE OPEN YEAR-ROUND. CHECK IN FOR OPEN DATES AND CURRENT HOURS.
Direct flights are available from Vancouver International Airport to Comox Airport year-round. Harbour Air also provides a service from Vancouver Harbour from May to September. By ferry, you can arrive directly in the region from Powell River or by driving north from the Vancouver-Nanaimo ferry services (Hullo and BC Ferries).
The IslandLinkBus service connects directly to the Comox Valley from Victoria and Nanaimo, and as of 2024 has extended its service as far north as Port Hardy.
Remember to review road conditions on this legendary highway. Here is a selection of some of our favourite stops and Indigenous experiences along this route:
Land of Plenty
Your journey begins in the Comox Valley—a swift immersion in the traditional lands of the K’ómoks First Nation. Situated between the expansive waters of the Strait of Georgia, the K’ómoks Estuary, and the rain shadow of the Strathcona mountains, it has been fittingly called “the Land of Plenty” in Ayajuthem (a Coast Salish dialect) for thousands of years.
I-Hos-Gallery Totem House Design A visit to what was once the village site of the K’omoks First Nation will now be where you are warmly welcomed into the formline-decorated I-Hos Gallery and Totem Design House. Indigenous artwork tells their stories—that of wolf, moon, thunderbird, salmon, and other symbols—made with exceptional craftsmanship in silver jewellery, carving, masks, cowhide drums, and other mediums. Give yourself ample time to roam and marvel at the intersection of traditional practice and contemporary artistic expression.
Where to stay in the Comox Valley
Open year-round, a stay at the family-friendly Puntledge RV Park & Campground means you can soak up all the activities the river has to offer—from tubing and swimming in summer to fishing for salmon in the fall.
Keep to the Coastline
As you continue north, swap the Inland Highway 19 for the slower pace of the Old Island Highway as it winds from Comox to Campbell River through farmland and along the oceanfront. Enjoy sweeping coastal views across the traditional waters of the Homalco, K’omoks, We Wai Kai, We Wai Kum, Kwiakah, and Klahoose First Nations.
Campbell River is a fantastic launch point for those curious to explore the southern edges of the otherworldly Great Bear Rainforest.
Homalco Tours Homalco Tours Navigate the waters of the Discovery Islands and Bute Inlet with ancestral knowledge and the millennia-old hosting traditions of the Homalco and Klahoose First Nations with Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours. Here, waterfalls cascade from towering coastal cliffs, marine mammals are spotted by guides who lead with deep respect, and stories of culture tied to the landscape are generously shared to inspire an intimate connection with these lands and waters.
A mere ten-minute ferry from Campbell River feels like you’ve been catapulted into the remote edges of our island groups. On Quadra Island, remnants of ancient storytelling and communication practices can be found in nearly one hundred Petroglyphs—carved boulders depicting spirit figures and other symbols. As you wander the shoreline trails keep an eye out for other hidden signals of our living history like the Clam Gardens, one of which has been dated to about 3500 years old.
Celebrate Indigenous-owned independent stores in Campbell River whether you want to treat yourself during your visit or find a keepsake that transports you back here once home. Ravensong Soap and Candle, Standing Spruce Apothecary, and West Coast Wildflowers operate with sustainable practices forged from millennia-long customs of living respectfully with the world around us. Find soaps, authentic plant medicines, luxurious skincare, teas, apparel, cards, and more.
A day of salty air and adventure for most of us sparks a series of yawns. Continuing the day’s theme, our proprietors can’t help but inspire people to be outside as much as possible—even when asleep.
Living Traditions at the Island’s Edge
Pack your tastiest snacks for a 2-hour scenic drive to Port McNeill. Stop for a refreshing swim at the unique rock formations of Little Huson Caves or enjoy a beach pause at Woss Lake en route. Port McNeill is also the gateway to Alert Bay on Cormorant Island, a 45-minute ferry away from Port McNeill.
What to Explore in Port McNeill
Sea Wolf Adventures blends an awe-inspiring boat ride through the Great Bear Rainforest with traditional teachings and stories about the lands and waters of Musgamakw Dzawada’enuxw Territory. Guests often see migrating whales, soaring eagles, sea otters, and grizzly bears and can’t help but go home in wonderment.
For a deeper connection and added comfort, guests can join a 4-day/3-night retreat with Sointula Lodge, offering warm hospitality, cultural storytelling, and an immersive exploration of the territory.
Where to Stay in Port McNeill
Cluxewe Resort offers RV sites, camping, and waterfront cottages. Take a walk along the beach, enjoy effortless birdwatching, stoke one of the provided fire pits, and watch for dorsal fins piercing the ocean’s surface on the ancestral land of the Kwakiutl First Nation.
U’mista Cultural Centre Culture Shock Gallery Alert Bay is home to the renowned U’mista Cultural Centre. A twenty-minute walk along the waterfront from the ferry terminal, through the village of Yalis of the ‘Namgis people, will place you at its eye-catching white building. Here you’ll find a collection of regalia, ceremonial objects, and the particularly distinguished Potlach Collection. Bear witness to stories that foster an understanding of this complicated history vital to conscious travel through Indigenous BC. If you’re visiting in the summer, there is also an incredible chance to see masks in motion. The T’sasala Cultural Group share traditional dances with visitors at the ceremonial Big House.
The Culture Shock Gallery immerses visitors in cultural education and artistic expression through its interpretive gallery space. Find unique Indigenous artworks that blend traditional and contemporary West Coast and ‘Namgis creative practices. Watch a series of independent Indigenous films from local filmmakers and connect with the community with a delicious coffee on the deck.
Gordie’s Restaurant & Lounge treats visitors to stunning waterfront views and seasonal seafood prepared by local Indigenous people. Their suites and cottage invite you to extend your stay in the alluring, emotive setting of Alert Bay.
The Cabins at Alert Bay are a series of fourteen private cabins tucked away on a forested property to the east of the island. A ‘Namgis Nation-owned business since 2021 it supports the revitalization and independence of the Nation.
Nature as Muse in our Northernmost Fringes
From Port McNeill, travel on to the northernmost tip of Vancouver Island and the town of Port Hardy—home of the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations. Here, a host of tucked-away Indigenous experiences celebrates nature as muse and creates wonderment in visitors.
Wildlife tours with Coastal Rainforest Safaris head into the Great Bear Rainforest and offer a particularly unique Puffins and Seabird tour into an internationally recognized Important Bird Area for birdwatching enthusiasts. Learn how everything is connected in our ecosystems and the way that has fostered a millennia-long reciprocal relationship that guides Indigenous stewardship practices and in turn Indigenous tourism.
Where to Stay and Eat
The Kwa’lilas Hotel blends luxury with warm Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw hospitality. Enjoy Indigenous-inspired West Coast cuisine at the Nax’id’ Pub, experience authentic Indigenous culture and creative expressions through masks and other artwork, and stay in modern, light-filled rooms and suites.
A Diversion to the West Coast
For the adventurous traveller, allow gravel roads to draw you deep into the heart of Vancouver Island’s North. Home of the Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’ and Chek’tles7et’h’ First Nations, Kyuquot’s incredible ecosystems are protected by 9 Provincial Parks and ecological reserves. Accessible by direct flight, boat, or water taxi, stay in this alluring region to feel like you’re sleeping at the edge of the world and see the star-studded night sky (with occasional Aurora Borealis sightings!).
Kyquot is a kayaker and fishing enthusiast’s dream with its inlets, small islands, and pristine waterways. Strike the balance of Indigenous culture, ecological stewardship, and wildlife watching with storied journeys by kayak and boat through West Coast Expeditions and their Indigenous tourism partners.
BEFORE PLANNING YOUR VISIT, NOT ALL BUSINESS AND EXPERIENCES ARE OPEN YEAR-ROUND. CHECK IN FOR OPEN DATES AND CURRENT HOURS.
