A Campbell River First Nation is expanding its tourism operations this year, despite ongoing pandemic restrictions.
The XWE鈥橫ALHKWU, or Homalco First Nation, said its ecotourism organization will open a new adventure centre in the Discovery Harbour Mall this spring, and launch two new passenger vessels for tours to view whales, wildlife and significant cultural sites in its traditional territory.
JP Obbagy, tourism development officer for Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours 鈥� which has operated for about 20 years 鈥� said the boats are being built and staffing plans are underway. The nation had previously leased vessels for its grizzly bear and cultural tours that ventured into Bute Inlet.
鈥淎fter a long year of restricted business, we are really looking forward to an exciting spring of substantial expansions for our organization,鈥� Obbagy said, adding the company鈥檚 operations will include the 鈥渉ighest possible standard鈥� of COVID-19 safety protocols.
The new Homalco Adventure Centre at 1344 Island Hwy., adjacent to the Coastal Community Credit Union, is designed to immerse visitors in First Nations culture and will feature art from various local First Nation artists.
The two new aluminum passenger boats are under construction at Riptide Marine Sales Ltd. in Parksville. The vessels are 34 feet long and will have outside seats as well as seating inside a cabin. The boats hold a maximum of 24 people, but will be limited to 12 because of COVID safety measures.
鈥淪afety is our priority and we are employing the expertise of the best mariners in the business to ensure we鈥檝e identified and addressed all vessel safety concerns,鈥� said Obbagy.
The new tours will be led by marine naturalists, skippers and Indigenous guides.
Chyanne Trenholm, marketing co-ordinator for Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours, described the tours as 鈥渟omething totally unique鈥� on the Island. 鈥淲e now have the ability to bring whales and other marine life into our realm of exploration. The Homalco cultural experience is always a unique part of all our tours, and our new boats will allow us access to land-based activities.鈥�
Although COVID-19 restrictions will likely still be in effect this spring, tour co-ordinator Shirley Badger is confident the tours will fill.
鈥淲e have seen tremendous interest in Indigenous tourism from our domestic market and our own provincial residents who are passionate about wildlife, culture and the natural beauty to be found in the Territory of the Homalco,鈥� she said.
The tours include exploration of the land and waters of Homalco Territory, including Bute Inlet, which boasts some of the sa国际传媒 coast鈥檚 most spectacular wilderness as well as grizzly bears, salmon, eagles and whales.
Homalco First Nation Chief Darren Blaney said although the pandemic is still a factor for the foreseeable future, 鈥渙ur First Nation is ready to welcome visitors again, for now, and as long as we deem it safe to do so.
鈥淲ith this expansion, great things can happen. Knowledge of our culture and appreciation for our environment can be shared with a larger audience and more of our people can be hired and their skills developed. I believe our tour company will continue to help in healing, creating resilience and building a bright future for our people.鈥�
For more details, go to 颅homalcotours.com.
