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Alert Bay / Sointula
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Alert Bay
Alert Bay is on the sheltered south side of Cormorant Island, just off shore from Port McNeil along the shores of Vancouver Island's Inside Passage. This area is known for its bird watching, whale watching, and hiking opportunities.
The 'Namgis peoples of northern Vancouver Island, along with many non natives live in Alert Bay, their is about 1300 people here on this tiny Island.
The world's largest totem pole can be found here along with an old first nations residential school that had operated here for many years. The native graveyard is filled with totem poles and a few have toppled over allowing them to return to the earth.Alert Bay is a quaint little place filled with locally owned shops and restaurants where you can buy local art or eat some great meals at.
Come stay for a few days at one of the islands great little b&bs or other places of accommodation and hike around the island.
Drop into the Alert Bay Visitor Centre, its just a short walk along the boardwalk from the ferry dock. They willprovide you with information brochures. Ask for the Alert Bay Visitor's Information package, an essential guide to the island. The Visitor Centre is open weekdays year round and on weekends during the summer months.
Sointula
Sointula is a small village on Malcolm Island located off the northern east tip of Vancouver Island. Along with Cormorant Island (Alert Bay), Malcolm Island is part of a diverse group of islands which make up the Northern Gulf Islands. These Islands are steeped in history.
Sointula is the only village on Malcolm Island. Proud of its deep Finnish heritage, this island is void of big city amenities. The community is connected to Vancouver Island via marine travel in the form of boats, kayaks and the BC Ferries. The services available on the island are limited. The community centre includes a general store, museum and gas station. Bring money with you as there are atm machines here.
Sointula on Malcolm Island is a vacation destination suited for individuals looking to find peace and quiet along with some incredible vistas of the sea. There are many hiking and biking trails here. Along the sea shores you can see all kinds of sea life to photography. Arrive with your own water craft and there are limitless kayaking, boating and sailing opportunities throughout the region including the Broughton Archipelago.
The island has some of the nicest sandy beaches and these beaches are beautiful and so untouched that you spend the day with out seeing another soul. Some beaches are easy to access while others are reached via a hike along a forested trail.
Sointula has a marina. The marina is visited by pleasure boats like yachts and sailboats and working boats like fishing vessels and water taxis. There are guided tours available for wildlife viewing and island exploration. You may see eagles, whales, porpoises, sea lions, seals, mink and deer.
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