There’s no shortage of boat tours and excursions on the North Island during the spring and summer. After all, who wouldn’t want to spend the day soaking up the sun, feeling the coastal breeze on their skin, and smelling the salt air of the Pacific Ocean as they weave their way across the Queen Charlotte Strait? However, if you’re looking for an immersive Indigenous Cultural Experience, look no further than K’awat’si Tours to facilitate your exploration of B.C.’s coastal rainforests. K’awat’si offers a richly unique experience, blending a desire for adventure with a thirst for knowledge and cultural immersion.
Four Reasons You Should Book Today!
1. Take a Boat Ride into the Past: Visit a Historic Site in B.C.
Past and present merge on this four-hour tour across the Queen Charlotte Strait. Witness the magnificent natural marvel—the Nakwakto Rapids – that claimed a spot in the Guinness World Record Book for being the fastest navigable tidal rapids on Earth! Experienced divers have discovered and documented the stunning Nakwakto Goose-neck barnacles here, which aren’t found anywhere else on Earth! When you venture further down the strait to Blunden Harbour, you’ll learn about the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’wx Nations’ history on these waters and the deeply seeded roots of their ancestors. Upon arrival, the boat is tied to the man-made dock, and you will be led around the historic village site trails by your guide. There’s a rich but tumultuous history here that is seeped into the land and present everywhere you look. The burnt remains of the former big house poles are broken remnants of a community that was forced to relocate from their home and way of life by the Canadian government in 1964.
Note: This tour takes place on Gwa’sala- ‘Nakwaxda’wx Traditional Territory
2. Explore the Wild Within the Strait
Whales and porpoises and sea lions, oh my! Climb aboard and discover the wild within Queen Charlotte Strait and the winding waterways off the coast of the mainland. Your local Indigenous guide will take you on a four-hour adventure to the best spots to see marine mammals in their natural habitats. Did you know that Vancouver Island is known as the whale-watching capital of the world? Get ready to be amazed as you witness the graceful giants, such as humpback whales, gray whales, and killer whales! You’ll likely also be treated to the dulcet roar of stellar sea lions as they bask in the sun on the isolated rocks and small islands you’ll pass throughout your tour. In the skies and swimming along the ocean’s surface you’ll see marine
3. Support Local Indigenous Tourism + Communities
K’awat’si Tours not only takes you on a thrilling adventure through the diverse landscapes of the B.C. coastal rainforests and the rich cultural heritage of the region but also ensures that proceeds from the tour contribute directly to the development, empowerment, stewardship, and revitalization of the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations. Your experience is not just a memorable adventure but a meaningful contribution to the well-being of the local community and the preservation of their traditions for generations to come.
4. Receive an Exclusive Rate with Kwa'lilas Hotel
The last reason to book with K’awat’si Tours is that you will receive an exclusive rate when you book your stay with the Kwa’lilas Hotel, also owned and operated by the Gwa’sala- ‘Nakwaxda’wx Nations. Kwa’lilas is an Indigenous-owned luxury hotel located in the heart of Port Hardy, B.C. It’s a pillar of the community and offers exemplary service and fine dining at one of two on-site restaurants: Ha’me and Nax’id’. Not only is this a great place to stay to further immerse yourself in Indigenous culture, but it also has the added benefit of saving you money on your tour!
Book Your Trip Today!
Embarking on a journey with K’awat’si Tours is more than just a boat excursion; it’s a portal to a world where the past and present converge seamlessly, and the wonders of the North Island come to life before your eyes. Whether navigating the historical waters of Blunden Harbour or marvelling at the majestic whales and playful stellar sea lions, every moment is an opportunity for adventure, knowledge, and cultural immersion. Book your unforgettable journey with K’awat’si Tours now and become part of a narrative that goes beyond the waves.
If you want to learn more about all the North Island has to offer—including K’awat’si Tours and other Indigenous Tourism— make sure you check out Vancouver Island North Tourism
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