Near the waterfront, the ‘Namgis burial grounds pay tribute to first nations with numerous elaborately carved totem poles. The burial grounds are sacred, and visitors are asked to stay off the grounds; however, the totem poles are easily viewed and photographed from the sidewalk. Alert Bay is also the home to the world’s largest totem pole.

The U’mista Cultural Centre is a must-see. This museum contains a rich collection of first nations potlatch and other artifacts reclaimed from museums from around the world.

The big house, modeled on a traditional native residence and used for tradiational celebrations, is home to the T’sasala Cultural Group that performs traditional native dances. Performances are scheduled throughout the summer. Information is available at www.umista.ca or by calling 800.690.8222.

Other historic sites are scattered around the island. Christ Church, built in 1878, is worth a visit – be sure to see the window which shows a century of local history. The library/museum includes a number of native artifacts and over 6,000 historic photos.

Despite its small size, Cormorant Island has more than 10 km of hiking and biking trails, showcasing the beauty of the island. The Ecological Park is a particular favorite, with trails that twist through the forest and over an incredible marsh. The Big Tree Loop Trail interpretive path explains the local flora and fauna. Trail maps are available at the visitors info centre.

To access Alert Bay, take the scenic ferry ride from Port McNeill. The village has a range of services, including a pharmacy, ATM, grocery store, liquor store, salon,laundry and shower facilities, all within walking distance of the bay. Several restaurants downtown cater to locals and tourists alike, and many offer fresh-caught seafood. There are accommodations for every taste and budget, including hotels, B&Bs, cabins, and camping facilities. ;

Today, the U’mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay seeks to protect and share the cultural traditions of the Kwakwaka’wakw. See the incredible selection of artifacts created by local first nations over the years. Nearby in the Big House, traditional dances are held through the summer. Local art galleries sell authentic native art, renowned for its beauty and distinctive appearance.

Near Zeballos, the MV Uchuck plies the waters, taking supplies and visitors to various small villages along the coast. It’s a great way to explore the history of Nuu-chah-nulth peoples in the area. Along the way, be prepared for fantastic views and incredible wildlife-viewing opportunities.

Those who want to range further afield should take the ferry northbound from Port Hardy. It’s an unbelievable journey through the beautiful Inside Passage to the Central Coast. Native culture is alive and well, celebrated with visitors in Bella Bella and Klemtu. ;

Trails range in complexity from very easy to extremely challenging. Many seaside communities maintain gentle walks along the waterfront, suitable for young families and even wheelchair accessible. Beach lovers flock to Storey’s Beach near Port Hardy, a long, gentle stretch of sand which is perfect for beachcombing. The Tex Lyon Trail extends from Storey’s Beach. Watch for high tides, which can wash over portions of the trail and soak your hiking boots.

Port Hardy also offers the Quatse Trail that leads walkers through the Quatse Estuary, teeming with birds, and on to the Quatse River Hatchery and new salmon interpretive centre.

Alert Bay boasts a network of walking and bike trails that criss cross the island and include a boardwalk over bog in the Alert Bay Ecological Park.

Malcolm Island historical Mateoja Trail follows the history of Sointula’s pioneers while the Beautiful Bay trail follows the shoreline of the island where orcas are known to rub along the beaches.

Or try Sayward’s two-hour Cottonwood Loop.

Contact the closest Visitor Info Centre for details on local trails.

The trail to San Josef Bay in Cape Scott Provincial Park is longer, though still wheelchair accessible. The prize at the end is a protected sandy beach, perfect for a day of picnicking, sand castles and even surfing.

Extreme adventure runs the entire length of the Cape Scott Provincial Park with backcountry trails. For more details on those trails see page 31. Whatever your skill and ability, there’s a trail for you.;

As you explore the backwoods of the North Island, you are likely to encounter wild animals. To make the most of each photo opportunity, follow these ten steps for safe wildlife viewing.

1. When hiking in the woods, always stay in a group for safety.

2. Keep close watch over small children and pets. Wild animals may mistake them for an easy meal.

3. When hiking, do not go quietly. Make noise, talk, sing, whistle, wear a bell to avoid startling a wild animal into defending itself. This is particularly important in high winds or near loud water (from running rivers or ocean surf).

4. If you encounter a wild animal, stay back a respectful distance so that they do not feel threatened. If the animal leaves the area, do not chase it!

5. Do not feed the animals, not ever! Human food is only good for people, not for wild animals. It can make them sick or lead to more encounters with humans. There are heavy fines levied against anyone who feeds the bears or other animals.

6. Food should be carefully stored while camping; while fishing, store your catch safely away. Don’t ever try to take your food back, should a bear desire it.

7. If confronted by a wild animal, pick up children, make yourself large, back away slowly and leave the area.

8. Do not try to rescue young animals, no matter where you find them. All animals can and will defend their young vigorously, and you could be badly hurt.

9. If you are attacked by a wild animal, fight back using whatever means available to you.

10. Pepper spray, sold as a bear deterrent, is strictly experimental, and is not effective in all situations. The safest encounter (for both you and the animal) is an encounter that is avoided.

Follow these ten easy tips for safe and enjoyable wildlife viewing on North Vancouver Island!;

Port McNeill’s museum contains a fine collection of old logging equipment, with archived photos and documents that trace the history of the industry and the community.

Port Hardy’s museum includes artifacts that follow the history of First Nations peoples, the Hudson’s Bay Company, and the town. Exhibits change regularly, with each theme tracing a different thread of history.

In Port Alice, the Heritage Centre is located above the fire hall. It continues to grow as artifacts are discovered. It’s a great place to learn about Port Alice’s history, and locally made arts and crafts are available for sale through the gift shop.

A short ferry ride from Port McNeill, Sointula has a long and colorful history. The museum is within walking distance of the ferry, and includes artifacts from the Finnish commune which settled the area a century ago. Three rooms of photos and documents, including a translation of the original Finnish newspaper, Aika, are available for all to see.

Looking for some culture? Try the U’mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay. The centre has a fine collection of carved masks used in potlatch celebrations, while exhibits trace the culture and history of first nations peoples. A well-stocked gift shop includes locally made jewelry, carvings, and textiles, beautiful mementos of an amazing experience.

For boaters exploring the Broughton Archipelago, Billy’s Museum at Echo Bay is a nautical treat.

Those who want to learn about the ecology of the ocean must visit the Whale Interpretive Centre in Telegraph Cove. The museum aims to teach the public about marine mammals and the threats which they face. A kid’s corner includes activities aimed at the younger set, while educational presentations and videos are perfect for all ages. Several articulated skeletons let you see what’s below the surface, and visitors occasionally help to put skeletons back together again. A great experience for the whole family!;

During the Cariboo Gold Rush, Clinton was a busy junction on the wagon road leading to the gold fields of the north. The location of the settlement made it an ideal resting place for travellers and miners en route. Originally known as 47 Mile House, proprietors boasted of a well-stocked saloon, great food, friendly hosts and seven rooms. Today the proprietors in this town can add to the list of accommodations, but everything else remains the same.

In the Spring of 1861 George and Robert Watson began to build a new log structure which became the famous Clinton Hotel. Across the road from the Hotel there was a toll booth which was built in 1863 and used until 1868 to pay Gustavus Wright, the road builder, for his work.

In 1867 the land was sold to Joe Smith, Mary Smith and Tom Marshall. That winter, Mrs. Mary Smith and some friends were sitting around lamenting the long Cariboo winter. In an effort to liven things up they came up with the idea of hosting a weeklong Ball in January 1868.

That first event was a series of dances and dinners that were by invitation only, held in the hotel’s billiard room. Guests traveled from San Francisco, Vancouver, and even as far away as Boston by train, stagecoach and horse-drawn sled. Gowns were ordered from New York and even Paris as it just wouldn’t do to wear the same gown two evenings in a row.

In 1894, tickets for the Ball cost $5 per person, and that included two nights of bed and breakfast. This also included room and board for two horses.

Now recognized as the longest continuously running event of its kind in Canada, 2007 marked the 140th Annual Ball in Clinton. If you find yourself in the area next year during the Victoria Day weekend, plan to attend the Ball.

For nearly 100 years the Clinton Hotel was the landmark on the Cariboo Wagon Road (now Hwy. 97). It burned down at approximately 3:45 am on May 15, 1958.;

The building was a school itself until 1925, then a courthouse until 1955 where Judge Matthew Begbie (the infamous Hanging Judge) held court. The new courthouse was built next door and the brick building was taken over by the Museum Society in 1956.;

The BCRA-CRA approved Rodeo is always held the weekend after the May long weekend. Action begins at 1 pm each day and there is a concession and adult refreshment garden at the rodeo grounds. The local 4H Club puts on a steak dinner at the rodeo grounds on Saturday after the rodeo, and the Rodeo Dance begins at 8 pm Saturday night. Sunday morning there is a slack rodeo at 9 am and a pancake breakfast. This is the busiest weekend of the year for many Clinton residents and a great family event.;