| It is now about 190 years since Captain George Vancouver anchored his vessel, the H.M.S. Discover, at the mouth of the Nimpkish River. While Captain Vancouver visited with the inhabitants of Cheslakee's village, the island, now known as Cormorant Island, lay uninhabited just a short distance away. In 1846 the island was named for a coastal cruiser, the H.M.S. Cormorant, and later, about 1858, the Bay was named for the H.M.S. Alert which was then stationed on the North-West coast. |  |
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Formerly used as burial grounds by the 'Namgis First Nation, Alert Bay was first settled in 1870 when two enterprising pioneers, recognizing the abundance of fish in the area, established a small fish saltery. Lying on the direct route for all vessels travelling north and south while boasting a deep, well protected harbour, Alert Bay quickly became the central point for travellers up and down the coast. |
| Alert Bay, Home of the Killer Whale, is the closest community to the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve where you can experience the excitement of seeing these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. These amazing creatures have had a lot of impact on Native heritage and can be found in many carvings, mask, and totems. |
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