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 You won't have time to be bored.
There are tennis courts and a bowling alley on the island, as well as a horseshoe pitch and a playground located at one of three picnic areas. An extensive bike and walking trail system has been developed to allow for a closer view of the natural habitat. A stroll along the boardwalk of the Alert Bay Ecological Park offers a virtual treasure trove of sights and sounds.
Pick up a walking tour map to learn more about our history and our unique architecture. You can tour the local museum and cultural centre, pore over historical photographs at the archives, and visit the galleries and shops of local artists.
Looking for more outdoor pursuits? The Broughton Archipelago area is well-known for excellent deep-sea diving, kayaking, whale-watching, and some of the best salt-water fishing around. The world-renowned Robson Bight Ecological Reserve, a favoured rubbing beach for killer whales, is just 30 minutes away by boat.
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Museums & Galleries |
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Alert Bay Library & Museum |
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Archive collection of over 6,000 photographs. See their website for details regarding hours, location and some sample photographs. |
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Tel: 250-974-572 E-mail: abplb@island.net |
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U'mista Cultural Centre and Big House
Tel:
250-974-5403 E-mail: info@umista.ca
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Sporting Activities |
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Walking: There are extensive walking trails for nature lovers with points of interest along the way. Try the "Big Tree" loop behind the campground. |
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Bicycling: Ride your bike from one end of town to the other, stopping along the way for a picnic. For more of a challenge, ride your bike along the network of biking trails that cover the island. |
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Tennis: Spend a few hours playing tennis at the tennis courts adjacent to the Community Hall. |
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Recreational Facilities |
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Bowling Alley - 6 lanes; Tel: 250-974-5752 |
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Community Hall; Tel: 250-974-2649 |
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Tennis Courts - adjacent to Community Hall |
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Horseshoe Pitch - at the Alert Bay Campground |
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Fishing
Fish off the Government Wharf and/or other docks with a rod and reel. Make sure you have your fishing licence handy! Recreational fishing licences are available for purchase in Alert Bay. |
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Breakwater View
For an interesting experience, take a walk down to the rock breakwater (the boat harbour) and watch the fishermen at work. Learn the difference between a seiner, gill-netter, troller and watch them mend their nets. |
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Bird Waching
Know your glaucous-winged gull from your herring gull? Is that an immature bald eagle or an adult golden eagle? And then there’s all those cormorants and other sea birds to contend with. A walk down to the breakwater or along the beaches can add new species to your birding life list, or set you on a brand new hobby. |
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Ferry Ride
Take a 70-minute scenic ferry ride to Malcolm Island (via Port McNeill) and visit Sointula. Originally established by Finnish settlers in hopes of creating an utopian community, Sointula is now home to fishermen, loggers, artists and craftspeople. If you are a fan of unique architecture you'll enjoy walking along First Street. And there is a series of new walking trails that eventually will crisscross the island. Bring your bike and your camera. |
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Beach Comb
Take a walk on our beaches and look for lost "treasures" washed ashore by Pacific currents. Watch for eagle feathers, periwinkles and driftwood polished smooth by gentle ocean waves. At low tide check the tidal pools for interesting sea life - watch for starfish, crabs and other coastal critters |
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Picnicking
Plan a picnic or outdoor barbecue in the picnic area located near the Alert Bay Campsite. Watch for ravens, soaring eagles and dragonflies. There are other picnic areas located along Fir Street towards the far end of town, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of Johnstone Strait. Be sure to bring your binoculars - that just could be a killer whale out there! |
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Cruise Ship Viewing
If you visit Alert Bay during the summer months you’ll probably see cruise ships passing by. In fact, during the 6 months of the cruise ship season over 300 ships will steam by on their way to and from Alaska. These cruise ships are an impressive sight. And they’re big enough that - well - you won’t be able to miss them. | |
