We at Hemlock House use our years of experience in the coastal wilderness of B.C. to create an experience that unites the sublime beauty of the environment, the people who make their homes within it, and our own passion for adventure to provide the guest with memories that will last for a lifetime of recollection. It is our hope that each guest will leave the Hemlock House with a deeper appreciation of the natural world and its gifts, and that this will spread the urge to preserve and protect the world’s remaining wild places.
Come join us this summer in spectacular Blackfish Sound where over 200 resident Orca come to feed, socialize and play!. We are located on a small island off the North Coast of Vancouver Island. This is a sea kayaking haven that offers the chance to witness and experience the interdependent web of nature in one of the most biologically diverse corners of the vast BC Coast. Hemlock House is a Ocean front Coastal Heritage building with 3 double occupancy rooms. Hemlock house is newly renovated, decorated with local First Nations art, surrounded by expansive decks with spectacular views. Discover a world where life is lived at natures pace.
Day 1: You will be met in Alert Bay by a Hemlock House host/guide and transported by boat to the pristine beauty of Swanson Island where you will enjoy a warm West Coast Welcome. Once you've had time to settle in, relax and enjoy your new surroundings you will be served a feast of fresh seafood with organic vegetables prepared with our homegrown fresh herbs The evening will be spent familiarizing yourselves with our facilities, taking in the inspiring views from our decks or private beach, retreating to our lounge and exploring our collection of local books.
Day 2: After a delicious breakfast you will be taken on a breathtaking kayak excursion to explore the vibrant waters and landscapes of Blackfish Sound We are perfectly positioned to enjoy the maze of islands of the Broughton Archipelago and the teeming waters of Johnstone Strait and Blackfish Sound. We will also have opportunity to visit Village Island and the abandoned Swakwaka'wakw village of Mamalilacula where well-know guardian and interpreter Tom Sewid will take us on a journey through time recounting the local legends, stories and history.
Day 3: Sleep in, or awaken early for a sunrise paddle. Enjoy your cup of coffee on the deck and take in the ocean-front view. This morning you will set out by kayak across Blackfish Sound to adjacent Hanson Island. We will travel by foot through the rainforest to an Interpretive Centre known as the 'Earth Embassy' where you'll learn about the sustainable traditional practices used by the Kwakwakwa in harvesting lumber, bark and medicines. This journey is evidence of these simple, yet amazing practices that were essential to the survival of local first nations people. Along the way you will enjoy breathtaking views of both Blackfish Sound, Johnstone Strait and the Coastal Mountain Range with an experienced Hemlock House guide.
Day 4: This is our final day at the Hemlock House and after sharing another beautiful meal together before being transported by boat back to Alert Bay. Here you will have the opportunity to see aboriginal artists at work, to walk the beach and experience the fascinating U'mista Cultural Centre and Walking Tour.
U'mista Cultural Centre works towards fulfilling the mandate of ensuring the survival of all aspects of the cultural heritage of the Kwakwaka'wakw. The focus of the permanent collection is the infamous "Potlatch Collection", a stunning collection of ancient masks only recently reclaimed by the people. The other permanent exhibits on display include description of the traditional ethno biology of the Kwakwaka'wakw and origin stories of the Kwakwaka'wakw villages, as well as, historical and contemporary Kwakwaka'wakw pieces. Admission to the U'mista Cultural Centre and a donation to the Village Island Guardian Program is included.
Day 5: (when applicable)
When you choose our 5 day trip you will enjoy another day of paddling and exploring the islands of neighboring Knight’s Inlet. This day allows us to access spectacular mountain views and to access a completely different type of coastline.
- The services of the fully qualified guides and staff of the Hemlock House.
- Carefully prepared gourmet meals made with nutritious, whole ingredients such as fresh local seafood, organic market vegetables and fresh herbs from our own garden. Included meals are indicated as B, L, and D - wine with dinner
- A maximum of 6 guests allows for highly personalized attention and the safety of a 3 to 1 guest to guide ratio, not the usual 5 to 1.
- The facilities of the Hemlock House including fresh linen, hot showers, double occupancy and of course no wet tents.
- Kayaks, related equipment and basic kayaking instruction. Related equipment includes Canadian Coast Guard approved life jackets and safety equipment, paddles, paddling jackets, dry bags and a Pelican Case per boat for keeping your camera dry and at hand.
- Admission to U'Mista Cultural Centre.
- Many details and surprises that will make this trip…well, perhaps a yearly ritual.
Member discount:
10% discount for InfoHub customer. Request a free gift certificate.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
* All-inclusive tours are based on $250/person/day.
* Our camping based all-inclusive tours are based on $175/person/day.
Also see tour packages in:
Canada
British Columbia
Wildlife Viewing
Ecotourism
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