... The Place to Stay, Experience and Relax
Start Planning Your
Haisla Expeience
Now !
www.haislatourism.com
info@haislatourism.com
tel. 250-632-2020
Fax. 250-632-2840
Toll free 1-877-HAISLA1 (424-7521)
Place to visit
The Pacific Inland Coast is the land of Haisla Nation, they occupied this place for innumerable period of time. Located in coastal environment draw by impressive fjord and waterfall, with numerous island surrounded by mountain and glacier this place is larger than life few have seen or experienced. The Haisla utilised and manage their resource in sustainable manner and transmit the knowledge Nguyem from generation to generation. This territory composes the major part of the Pacific Inland Coast and home of 45 BC’s newest Marine Parks/Protected Areas. The Haisla Watcham is the guardian of the Kitlope and Giltoyees. All of the river and creek support Pacific salmon and some of them count the fives species The wildlife is abundant with, falcons, eagles, swans, sea mammal including sea lion and whale, moose, wolves, mountain goats and bears. The the Canadian Pacific Inland Coast is the home of Spirit bear unique sub spices of black bear with a white fur.
Greater Kitlope
The Kitlope Heritage Conservancy, the world’s largest undeveloped coastal temperate rainforest. It’s an emerald jungle teeming with bears, wolves, falcons, eagles, mountain goats, and all five species of Pacific salmon. The Kitlope stands out in an otherwise painfully thin ribbon of remaining ancient forest along the coast. Kitlope River is located at the end of Gardner Canal. This area considered to be one of the most scenic destinations in North America. Snow covered mountains with winding passages.
The Kitlope Valley lies within the traditional territory of the Haisla Nation. The Kitlope area is important to the Haisla Nation as it historically contained a village site and numerous artifacts as petro glyph and famous G'psgolox Totem. Known to the Haisla as "Hushuwashsdu" or "Source of the milky blue water", the Kitlope area is a focus of First Nation history and legend such as "The Man Who Turned to Stone". The Haisla have used the Kitlope area for the harvesting of plants, animals and fish including salmon and oolichan. The Haisla people use the Grease trail and river to connect to Bella Bella. . The access to the park is controlled by Kitlope Watchmen.
Foch-Gilttoyees
The Foch – Gilttoyees British Columbia Park protects a regionally significant estuary complex at the north end of the Gilttoyees Inlet. The Gilttoyees Creek and Peechugh Creek estuary is notable for its well-developed inter-tidal flats and relatively under-developed mud flats. Salt-water marsh and meadow communities dominate the inter-tidal flats. The estuary has very high wildlife values, particularly for waterfowl like Trumpeter Swan, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Harlequin Duck, Surf Scoter, Oldsquaw, Western Grebe. The area is also an interesting spot to observe Grizzly bear black bear, mountain goat, moose, dear, eagle.
Hotsprings
The Haisla Traditional Territory counts numerous natural coastal hotsprings. These hotsprings have been used by the Haisla people for thousands of years. The exceptional water is mineralized but not sulphured. Located in natural setting using rustic but convenience commodity place to change, toilet and picnic table. The water reach 42C (112F) all year long and different pounds are available according to your tolerance to hot water. Accessible only by boat these all-natural hotspring are perfect place to relax and enjoy unique, pure, temperate rainforest bath with grandiose scenery.
Bishop Bay Hot springs
Bishop Bay is located on the south of Haisla Territory, just east of Gribble Island along Whale Channel. The Channel provides exceptional opportunities to view grey whales and orcas. This part of the Haisla territory is rich of history with Monkey Beach and Butedale. Let us give you the chance to discovered this vivifying experience and enjoy our complete Bishop Bay Tour.
Shearwater Hot springs
Shearwater Hot springs is located in the mouth of Gardner Canal near the Crab Lake Conservancy. Among the famous Douglas Channel Hot springs, Shearwater Hot springs has a brand new bath house. The exceptional water is mineralized but not sulphured. Different pounds are available according to your tolerance to hot water. Let us give you the chance to experiment this vivifying experience and enjoy our complete Shearwater Hot springs Tour.
Wewanee Hot springs
Wewanee Hot springs is located near the Sue Island Park. This renowned Hot springs provides visitors with the opportunity to experience a unique, pure, temperate rainforest bath. Let us give you the chance to discover this vivifying experience at Wewanee Hot springs and enjoy our complete Wewanee Hot springs Tour.
Kildala Estuary
Dala-Kildala Rivers Estuaries Park is located at the head of Kildala Arm on the Douglas Channel, approximately 15 km southeast of Kitamaat Village. Dala-Kildala Rivers Estuaries is a semi-enclosed coastal body of water with two main rivers Dala and Kildala flowing into it with a free connection to the open sea. The Dala-Kildala Rivers Estuaries is the second largest estuaries in BC. Dala-Kildala Rivers Estuaries Park protects a North West Coast significant over-wintering and migration staging site for migratory bird species. This Estuaries are associated with high rates of biological productivity The park includes the habitat of such species as Trumpeter Swan, Great Blue Heron, Western Grebe, Red-Breasted Merganser, black bear and Grizzly Bear. The Dala and Kildala Rivers support significant runs of Pink and Chum Salmon, with minor runs of Coho and Chinook salmon. Let us give you the chance to visit this fabulous area.
Kitamaat Village
Easily accessible and beautifully located by the open sea, Kitamaat as First Nation Village is a unique location in the North West region and really rare in BC. At this point in time Kitamaat Village is the primary residence of the Haisla people.
The word “Kitamaat” means People of the Snow in Tsimshian, the Haisla neighbors from Prince Rupert. The Haisla Name for Kitamaat Village is Tsee-Motsa which means Snag beach. Most Haisla continue to carry on the tradition of hunting, berry picking, gathering, and fishing. Every spring Haisla family groups still travel to the Kemano River for oolichan fishing. At this time, the village is full of the rich smell of the smoking fish. After a long hard North Coast winter, oolichan are the first fish returning to spawn in local rivers. The Haisla use oolichan for almost everything, from food to medicine. Haisla people learned to boil oolichan and make it into grease. They have become experts at making an especially pure white grease of a quality that is well known up and down BC’s Coast. Haisla people still trade this valuable commodity with neighboring villages
Kitimat River Estuary
The Kitimat River Estuary provides nesting and feeding habitat for thousands of migrating birds during the spring and autumn. No other location supports as many species or numbers of birds - more than 112 bird species, some very rare, have been recorded here. The estuary can be reached by boat or car, with May being the best time to view thousands of waterfowl and shorebirds, including Snow Geese, Cinnamon Teals, Canvasbacks, Lesser Golden Plovers, and Whimbrels.
Kowesas River
The Kowesas River Valley is located at the lower part of Gardner Canal next to Kitlope Valley. This area considered to be one of the most scenic destinations in North America. The river flows gently in meander surrounded by snow covered mountains with winding passages. The area is the traditional trapline territory of Mr. Ken Hall well known Haisla Elder. Mr Hall travels alongside this river by canoe and uses the generous resource to insure the sustainability for his whole family. It’s a perfect river for quiet canoeing and wildlife sightseeing: mountain goat, moose, dear, eagle, waterfowl, black bear and Grizzly Bear. A traditional Haisla trail brings to you interesting point of views. In this place you can find the Ecofriendly accommodation Kowesas Lodge with all facilities including exterior hot tub. Let Haisla Tourism and their team opportunity to discover this paradise to unique holyday package.
G'psgolox Totem
Chief G'psgolox erected the totem in a Haisla village in 1876, after a smallpox epidemic decimated the Kitlope people, as the Haisla were then known. The pole's carvings feature three figures from Haisla stories: Tsooda, Asoalget and a mythical grizzly bear. In 1929, the pole was removed from the traditional territory of the Haisla and transported to Sweden. 100 years after it was carved, and almost 80 years since it was taken from its homelands in Mis'kusa, the G'psgolox Totem is finally home in the lands of the Haisla Nation. This highly documented cultural icon or symbol of the Haisla Nation will arrive on June 30 and be unveiled on July 1, 2006, Canada Day, in Kitamaat Village, British Columbia. For Haisla Nation the repatriation of the Haisla Nation totem pole serves as a symbol of the perseverance. The National Film Board produces a documentary, Totem: the return of the G'psgolox Pole. http://www.turtleisland.org/culture/culture-haisla.htm
Giant Spruce
The Pacific Inland Coast is home of some giant tree. Among them one is of the British Columbia's largest Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) and probably the oldest in the British Columbia at over 500 years old. It is by far the largest species of spruce, and the third tallest conifer species in the world (after Coast Redwood and Coast Douglas-fir). The oldest Sitka spruce in BC, and registered as the largest Sitka spruce in the province, this giant is 50 metres tall and over 11 metres in circumference! With the volume of this tree we can built 7 houses. This unique tree is sure to captivate you with its size, age, and beauty.
Gift shop
The Haisla people invite you to visit the Kitamaat Village Gift Shop and find authentic First Nations arts & crafts. Purchase original artwork, exquisite jewelry, designer clothing, hand-carved yellow and red cedar artworks, ceremonial masks, cedar baskets, limited-edition prints, beautiful silver and gold carved jewelry - all designed and created by Haisla artists.
Haisla Heritage Trail
Haisla Heritage Trail is an Interpretative trail that highlights Kitamaat Village`s touristic assets and cultural heritage and traditions of the Haisla Nation as well. As an open sky museum, a native interpretative guide will provide visitors with a quick understanding of a part of Haisla Cultural Heritage and tradition such as the Totem pole, smoke house, harbour, community garden, artist gallery, studios and gift shop. The trail has wheel chair access and is a perfect activity for the whole family. You are welcomed to discover the uniqueness of Kitamaat Village.
Many museums and cultural centers across the province of British Columbia contain Haisla, historical artefacts, and the works of great Haisla artists. These museums protect and share the histories of Haisla Nation, and will show you the houses they lived in before contact. The Haisla Cultural Center (Elders Center and Feast Hall) when complete will show exhibit such artefacts and works of art. For now the visitor can come to Kitamaat Village see locally unique pieces of art located at Kitamaat Administration Centre & Haisla Community School open for guided visit during the summer time.
Kitimat Centennial Museum
See exciting exhibitions and historical displays at the Kitimat Centennial Museum, including permanent displays of Haisla culture from the Kitimaat Village, arts and technology, and turn-of-the century settlement of the Kitimat Valley. Displays of the geology, fauna and flora of the valley include fossils of dinosaurs that roamed the valley 60 million years ago.
Kitimat River Fish Hatchery.
See some of the 11 million juvenile chinook, chum, coho and steelhead raised and released every year by the Kitimat River Fish Hatchery. With the ocean survival rate of salmon being around one to two percent, the hatchery needs to rear huge numbers of fish in order to maintain the local salmon runs. Tours of the hatchery are available from May through to September.
Swimming pool
The City of Kitimat owns and operates the community swimming pool, which is located in the downtown core attached to Tamitik Arena. The pool is open year round, excluding statutory holidays. Sam Lindsay Memorial Pool is home to a 37.5 m x 13.9 m main pool which is kept at 83 degrees Fahrenheit. There is a 7.8 m x 4.8 m tot pool at 94 degrees Fahrenheit, a 25 person 104 degrees Fahrenheit whirlpool, 50 person co-ed sauna, male and female change room, shower and washrooms. The facility also contains 2 squash courts and a strength training room.
