Welcome | GilaKas’la

Kwa'lilas Hotel

Port Hardy’s premier destination hotel offers a curated selection of authentic local Indigenous arts, history, and culture.

Kwa’lilas is a Kwak̓wala word meaning a place to sleep. A group of Elders chose this word in hopes that travellers and guests would find a peaceful rest after a day of exploration on Northern Vancouver Island.


Our History goes back over 12,000 years when our old people lived off the land and waters of our old countries. Travelling by sea between our villages allowed families to practice our culture through feasts and potlatching ceremonies. We also travelled to surrounding villages for trading and harvesting.

Luxury Rooms.

Experience the culture and history of the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw People that are prominently displayed throughout the hotel and in our gallery.

Local Food.

Indulge your senses at our on-site pub & restaurant while enjoying a selection of craft cocktails, west-coast inspired cuisine, and indigenous flavours.

Quality Service.

Immerse yourself in all the beauty Vancouver Island North has to offer while staying in North Island’s only premier indigenous-owned 4 star Hotel.

Suites

Our guest rooms combine modern, chic design with local indigenous artistic expressions for a unique and comfortable stay.

Conference Centre & Events

Our Hotel features a total of over 4,255 square feet of meeting and event rooms including a large ballroom with an over-height ceiling plus four additional meeting rooms that can accommodate anything from small, intimate gatherings to large events on the North Island.

You will find many expressions of our culture throughout the Kwa’lilas Hotel, including masks and designs by local indigenous artists. This is our way of sharing our history, culture, and legends. We open our hearts and welcome you to experience the North Island through the eyes of our artists. In 2015, a community of elders was brought together to curate a selection of local, Aboriginal art and design for the Kwa’lilas Hotel.  

Gift shop & Gallery

Drinks & Food

Enjoy the hospitality at our restaurant & pub where local, Indigenous-inspired West Coast cuisine is served daily. Hidden away in Port Hardy on the Northern tip of  Vancouver Island, Nax’id’ Pub is a wonderful place to relax and unwind while enjoying an amazing selection of cocktails, local brews, and freshly made dishes. If you’re looking for a more elevated dining experience that is rooted in Indigenous tradition and culinary excellence, then Ha’me’ Restaurant is for you. 

Stay On The North Island

Whether you're looking to explore the natural beauty of Vancouver Island or immerse yourself in indigenous culture and history, our hotel provides the perfect base for your adventure.

Important Notice

Due to a planned power outage affecting North Island communities on Sunday, May 25, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Kwa’lilas Hotel will remain open but will be impacted by the outage. Nax’id’ Pub and Ha’me’ Restaurant will both be CLOSED.
 
Guest services will be limited, and there will be no access to power during the outage window.
We appreciate your understanding and patience as BC Hydro completes necessary maintenance in our region. For more details, visit bchydro.com/outages.