We decided to take advantage of the ‘turn-around card’ that allows us to take the ferry from Sointula to Port McNeill, literally turn around and get back on the ferry and travel to Alert Bay on Cormorant Island for free. Total travel time is over an hour but since it is a bigger community there are more services there such as doctors, dentist, hospital, etc . . .
A lot of the businesses were closed and I am not sure if this is just a winter thing or more permanent. We will have to return in the summer to see how much changes with tourist season.
It is an interesting place and although quite a bit smaller than Malcolm we didn’t get around the whole island before we had to catch the ferry back.
We spent a lot of time at the Native Cultural Centre. It is a powerful place, made even more so by the fact that it is built on the grounds of a residential school.
We didn’t even make it to the other side of the island where the longhouse is and the world’s tallest totem pole (173ft). That will be another adventure – maybe when it is a little warmer and we can stay to watch a ceremonial show.
Love seeing parts of this beautiful province that I haven’t been to . . . yet!
You are always welcome to come visit!