Sointula and Alert Bay

Located at the south end of Cormorant Island, the Alert Bay Ecological Park is the best location for bird watching on the Island. The diverse terrain spans dense forest and open marsh areas with marked trails and boardwalks allowing for easy exploration. With two distinct areas, the Big Tree Interpretive trail and the marshland “Gator Gardens” there is ample opportunity to explore in search of the many species who frequent the area including Northern Flickers and Bald Eagles. 

Seasmoke Whale Watching offers small group tours focused on conservation and education in the rich waters of the Broughton Archipelago. Led by experienced guides Nate & Jeannine, these tours provide the unique opportunity to observe a large array of seabirds including red necked phalaropes, cassin’s auklets, rhinoceros auklets, and fork-tailed storm petrels.  While the tours are whale watching oriented (orca, and humpback whales), it is impossible to not be amazed at the fantastic birds that spend their summer in our waters. Each tour also contributes to local marine conservation efforts, making it a meaningful and memorable experience.

Culture Shock is a 100% Aboriginal owned cultural centre celebrating the traditions of the ‘Namgis people. The centre features a number of First Nations murals, a shop, and cafe, and they also invite visitors to join on Cultural Experiences, like cedar weaving classes and storytelling.

Laidback restaurant at the Bayside Inn Hotel serving Canadian and Indian cuisine. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  

Local grocery with grab and go food and snack items like their famous pepperoni cheese sticks!

This beloved takeout spot serves savoury comfort foods, deserts and of course bannock!

Indigenous-owned Restaurant and Lounge serving a variety of cuisines, using fresh and local seafood. Swing by for lunch or dinner, or for their daily happy hour!

The Orca Inn pub and restaurant is located at the Orca Inn, and is open on weekends. You can often find live music and special events here, as well as fresh seafood forward dishes and cold beer!

You can find a variety of comfortable accommodations in Alert Bay, with Inns and hotels, bed and breakfasts, private lodges, campsites and more.

A visit to Bere Point Regional park offers exceptional views of Queen Charlotte Strait with its Orca rubbing beaches and the snow-capped mountains beyond. This popular regional campsite offers access to the Beautiful Bay Trailhead from its day use parking area, which spans the shoreline offering 5 km of rugged shoreline hiking. The area is host to over 120 species including shorebirds, waterfowl and a number of passerines.

Passing through a 1900’s pioneer homestead and Melvin’s Bog, the Mateoja Heritage trail winds its way to the shores of popular local swimming spot, Big Lake. The marshland surrounding the lake is an excellent location for bird watching, and benches around the lake allow visitors to rest while you engage in surveying the surrounding area. The viewing platform at Little Lake makes for a great lunch spot where you can observe waterfowl and songbirds.

The impressive barren sandspit that the lighthouse stands on marks the separation of Queen Charlotte and Broughton Straits. The tidal forces in the area make it a productive habitat for shorebirds and waterfowl. Explore the history of the lighthouse while you scan the shoreline for some of the over 100 species that have been spotted in the area.

The top birding hotspot for the entire region, a stroll along the shoreline of Sointula on Kaleva road can turn up a surprising mix of species. This road spans kilometres of shoreline, so take your time and pause frequently to boost your chances of an exciting discovery. Species that have been seen here include Harlequin Duck, Cedar Waxwing, Marbled Murrelet and Townsend’s Warbler. 

A top spot for shorebirds on Malcolm Island, explore the tidal flats that can be teeming with waders, especially during the spring and fall migration.

Mitchell Bay, located at the southern end of Malcolm Island, is a scenic location that provides an excellent vantage point for observing marine life. The dynamic currents in the area result in an upwelling of nutrients, attracting marine mammals like Sea Otters and Humpback Whales, alongside a variety of seabirds. This picturesque spot offers a glimpse into one of the region’s most productive marine ecosystems and is well worth the 30 minute drive from Sointula.

Come here for fresh baked scones and muffins, made daily from scratch. Coho Joe Cafe also serves homemade soups and salads, and a variety of lunch options. Don’t forget a cup of fresh joe!

Relaxed little eatery on the waterfront serving tasty burgers and fish and chips. Their burger menu has something for everyone, with veggie, beef, chicken, and fish burgers. Open seasonally during the summer months. 

This family run market sells fresh and frozen meals, fine grocery items and gourmet baked goods.

This cozy bakery nestled on the beach serves Finnish-inspired baked goods and coffee. Located near the ferry terminal it’s a great place to stop before your ferry ride, or upon your arrival for a pick-me-up.

Rugged 29-site campground with ocean and mountain views. This is the perfect place for campers who want an all-natural experience. Enjoy walking the beautiful Bay forest trail to the viewing platform at Bere Point.

Idyllic campsite with 8 ocean-side campsite, and several other sites with ocean views. Enjoy amenities like showers, flush toilets and potable water.

Waterfront hotel in the heart of Sointula. Rooms provide stunning views of Broughton Strait and Port McNeill, plus amenities like fireplaces, patios, an on-site pub, gallery and beer and wine store.

Our lodge offers two fully self-contained suites right on the Sointula waterfront. Both suites feature private entrances, BBQ facilities, Wi-Fi, and all the essential amenities.

Rustic waterfront cabins that will allow you to escape the world! Welcoming guests from May to October.

Ocean-view accommodations tucked among the serene trees. Sleeps up to five with a full kitchen, satellite TV, free wifi, a balcony with fantastic views, and more.

Located at the end of a private laneway and across from the beach, Bere Road Guest House is a serene getaway. The guest house has three bedrooms, one bath, a full kitchen, laundry, a BBQ, wraparound deck and more!