Almost 200 years ago, Captain George Vancouver anchored his vessel, the H.M.S. Discover at the mouth of the Nimpkish River. Cormorant Island was named after a coastal cruiser and Alert Bay was named after another H.M.S. ship "the Alert".

In the late 1800's settlement began on Cormorant Island. Two explorers and entrepreneurs started a fish saltery on the island to mildcure and salt the salmon being shipped to Victoria. The entrepreneurs brought in Reverend James Hall and a mission house was built to school the native boys and girls. Then came a store and a cannery and a saw mill which produced lumber to construct new homes and a school for boys.

 

 

Water transportation has always been an important ingredient of Alert Bay's history bringing goods and people to and from the Island. Regular ferry service is now provided from Port McNeill with direct runs to the Alert Bay, with periodic trips to neighbouring Malcolm Island. In the early 1900's St. George's hospital was opened. Then the Dominion (Canadian) Government established the first telegraph service to Vancouver and Victoria. A bit later wireless communication was established at Alert Bay.

In 1946 the Village of Alert Bay became incorporated. A community hall was built, electricity was installed, taxi service was established, and the volunteer fire department got a new fire engine. Soon after, air transportation began and in 1972 a 2700 foot airstrip was constructed.

Tourism plays an important role in the economics of Alert Bay today. When you visit Alert Bay on Cormorant Island you will find that it is rich with First Nation Culture and tradition. While here visit the U’mista Cultural Centre, Alert Bay Library-Museum, take in a dance performance by the T’sasala Cultural Group in our traditional Big House (July and August), visit the century old Anglican Church and the Alert Bay Ecological Park.