K’awat’si Tours

10/20/2023

Fun Fact Friday!

Did you know that adult male Steller Sea Lions can stretch up to a whopping 11 feet and weigh as much as 2,500 pounds? 🦭 While adult females are no slouches either, measuring 7.5 to 9.5 feet and maxing out at 800 pounds!

09/26/2023

We at K'awat'si Tours would like to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to all of you who have journeyed with us, embraced the beauty of North Vancouver Island, and shared in the rich cultural experiences, and history of the Gwa’sala Nakwaxda’xw Nations.

Your support has not only allowed us to showcase the breathtaking landscapes and unique traditions of our ancestors but has also played a vital role in fostering understanding, respect, and reconciliation. This year, as we approach the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we encourage everyone to continue seeking out indigenous voices, stories, and businesses in your communities and beyond.

08/28/2023

Capturing untamed moments with our wild neighbours 📸🦭 What is your bucket list animal to photograph on the North Island?

A. Sea Lion
B. Sea Otter
C. Grey Whale
D. Black Bear
E. Coastal Wolf

08/26/2023

Our guides tell the history and stories of the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw people, building on the legacy left to us by our ancestors.

08/19/2023

Meet the Pigeon Guillemot! 🌊 These feathered friends are true adventurers of the North Pacific waters. 🌏 With a preference for rocky shores, cliffs, and island living near shallow waters, these avian acrobats know how to pick their nest spots! As winter arrives, they become savvy travellers, adjusting their location for ultimate comfort. And their dining habits? Top chefs of the underwater world, pursuing small fish and marine delicacies near the sea floor.

08/04/2023

Seal-iously, this view is breathtaking! 🦭

We often see Stellar Sea Lions when out on our adventures and they sure love to pose for the camera.

08/01/2023

Our local tour guides share their expertise and knowledge on the traditional lands and waters of the Gwa’sala Nakwaxda’xw Territories, offering guests a unique look into the cultural history of the Kwakwaka'wakw Nations.

Be sure to say Hi to Gabe next time you see him around the docks! 👋🏼

06/29/2023

Did you know that the Guinness Book of World Records once listed Nakwakto Rapids as having “the fastest navigable tidal currents in the world? – up to 39 kilometres per hour during its largest tidal exchanges! 🌊

06/15/2023

Make memories that will last a lifetime, and save 20% off any tour booked till the end of June! 👨‍👦 Father's Day is coming up quick and what better way to celebrate than by giving your dad an incredible experience with K'awat'si Tours.

Use promo code: DAD20

Book Your Tour ➡ kawatsitours.ca

06/13/2023

Discover the untold stories of Historic Trade Beads, passed down through generations. Indigenous communities in northern Canada have cherished and traded beads for centuries. From natural materials like shells and bone to the introduction of glass beads by European explorers, these vibrant treasures have woven connections between cultures.

In the fur trade era, beads held immense value. Indigenous peoples hunted furs and received beads as payment. Remarkably, a strand of seed beads could be exchanged for a single beaver skin.

As times changed, beads evolved from currency to cherished adornments, preserving Indigenous culture. These enduring treasures have grown more beautiful with age, their colours taking on a glow that modern replication can't capture. Even today, during our tours on traditional territories, we continue to discover a wide array of trade beads that have endured the test of time.

06/08/2023

🌊 Happy World Oceans Day! 🌊

Today, we celebrate the majestic beauty and incredible biodiversity of our oceans. At K'awat'si Tours, we understand the importance of preserving these precious ecosystems for future generations to enjoy. Join us in acknowledging this special day as we honour the wonders of the deep blue.

06/07/2023

Did you know that Steller sea lions are quite the social butterflies? 🌊🦭

During the breeding season, they need some undisturbed land to rest, molt, mingle, mate, give birth, and nurse their adorable little pups. They love to hang out together and might even pile up in large groups, overlapping their bodies. But wait, there's more! Out at sea, you might spot them chilling alone or in small cliques, and occasionally, they gather in massive "rafts" at the water's surface. These sea lions sure know how to socialize, both on land and in the deep blue sea! 💦

06/02/2023

06/01/2023

June is a truly special month as we come together to celebrate National Indigenous History Month in Canada. As an Indigenous-owned and operated company, we are filled with pride and gratitude for the opportunity to honour the vibrant cultures, rich traditions, and experiences of Indigenous Peoples. 👣🪶🧡

At K'awat'si Tours, we hope to share the stories, achievements, and resilience of those who have graced this land for countless generations. Their remarkable heritage and history deserve recognition and celebration.

During this month, we invite each and every one of you to immerse yourselves in the history, languages, and lands of Indigenous cultures. Let's embark on a transformative journey of understanding and connection, as we acknowledge and appreciate the invaluable contributions that shape our present and future.

05/23/2023

We have the pleasure of seeing a number of different marine mammals on our tours. One of the most common ones we see out on the water is Stellar Sea Lions! 🦭

📢 If you're close enough to hear them, steller sea lions have a distinct roar, unlike California sea lions who bark.

05/19/2023

Fun fact: Brandt’s Cormorants nest in small colonies. These colonies are situated on islands, narrow cliff ledges, steep slopes, and other relatively inaccessible locations.🪶 Our tour guides often see these beautiful black seabirds while out on the water.

Be sure to bring your camera for the ultimate photo opportunity! 📷

05/17/2023

Find us in the Vancouver Island North 2023 Explorer Guide! 👀

HOT OFF THE PRESS!!!
The very popular Vancouver Island North Explorer Guide is back.

05/17/2023

🐋🌊 Vancouver Island is known as the whale-watching capital of the world, and for good reason! Get ready to be amazed as you witness the graceful giants, such as humpback whales, gray whales, and killer whales breaching and feeding in our pristine waters.

Fun Fact: There are over 20,000 Pacific Gray whales that make their way north along Vancouver Island every year from late February to April and south in November.

We have a pretty good chance of seeing these beautiful ocean giants every time we head out on the water.

05/16/2023

Are you ready for some rumble action? 🗾

The rapids are powered by the changing tides which pushes huge volumes of water through this relatively narrow bottleneck. This tidal flow is so extreme here that Turret Rock has also been nicknamed “Rumble Island” because it’s known to shake from the vibrations of the ripping water at peak flows.

Book your adventure on Nakwakto Rapids today!

05/15/2023

Join us for an Adventure in Port Hardy! 🌊🌲

Attention nature lovers and adventure seekers! 📣 We have a few spots left for our May 21st tour in Port Hardy.

📍 Destination: Nakwakto Rapids and Cultural Tour
📅 Date: May 21, 2023
⏰ Time: Departure at 8:00 AM
🌐 Meeting Point: Seagate Pier, Port Hardy BC

🌊 Explore serene waters, and encounter marine life.
🗺️ Learn about the history, culture, and traditions of Gwa’sala Nakwaxda’xw Traditional Territories.
🐳 Encounter otters, whales, seals, and more.

Limited spaces available! Call 📞 +1(250)-949-6032 or visit www.kawatsitours.ca to reserve your spot now!

Share your memories with .

05/10/2023

Only a few days left to enter the giveaway for a tour for 2! 🎉🌸🌷

If you’re interested in booking a tour for mom as a Mother’s Day Gift, check out our website Kawatsitours.ca for more info.

05/10/2023

🙌🏻 Who’s joining us this season?

05/09/2023

Witness the untamed beauty of North Vancouver Island's coastal rainforests through the eyes of your Indigenous guides, as they unveil centuries of captivating culture, history, and traditions. 🌊 🌳

Book your adventure today | kawatsitours.ca

05/05/2023

05/03/2023

We see a lot of eagles while out on the water! 🦅 Incredible Birds!

05/02/2023

Throwback to 2020!

Come join us this season for a unique indigenous experience.

05/01/2023

Discover the magic of this tiny island located at the entrance to Seymour Inlet - home to one of the world's fastest tidal surges, the Nakwakto Rapids! With currents reaching 16-22 knots, the island is almost inaccessible except for a brief window each day.

Join us and experience this natural wonder for yourself! 🌊

04/28/2023

It's a gorgeous day out and a reminder to book your tours for the season! ☀️ Our team is super excited with less than 2 weeks till we head out on the water.

For pricing and tour dates please visit www.kawatsitours.ca

04/27/2023

An incredible film 🐺 Highly recommend checking it out to learn more about the wilderness and wildlife Vancouver Island has to offer! 🙌🏻

Island of the Sea Wolves has been nominated for 7 Emmys!! Nominations: Best series: Travel, Adventure, Nature program, Writing, Directing, Music, Cinematography, Editing, Sound Mixing / Editing

Congratulations team!

Jeff Turner, Chelsea Turner, Alex Burr, Lou Ferguson, Armen Evrensel, Kai Meyer, Matthew Muncaster, Jacques Russo, Jack Gawthrop, Lynn Fuhr, Maxwel Hohn, Matt Hood, Sam Eilis, Adam Ravetch, Darren West, Robin Smith, Dave Pearson, Kieran O’Donovan, James Frystak, Russell Clark, Tynan Callesen, Shane Craver, Beau Llewellyn, Casey Dubois, Cam Scott-Trask, Ryan Tidman, Mark McGovern