Victoria, Vancouver Island, British Columbia , 9/24/2019, National Geographic Venture
Aboard the
National Geographic Venture
Pacific Northwest
Early this morning we tied up to the customs dock in Victoria harbor on the southeast end of Vancouver Island as the sun was rising. After clearing customs, we dispersed for our various activities which included cycling, a secret garden tour, a historical walking tour, an architectural tour, and a visit to the British Columbia Museum.
It was a bit chilly and windy in the morning, but the sun came out for the afternoon and it turned into a glorious day. We reconvened at the ship, put our fancy clothes on and walked along the harbor to the Robert Bateman center for a reception and a wonderful viewing of art, complete with hors d’oeuvre’s and libations.
We strolled back along the harbor to the ship for dinner as the sun was setting and the sky was turning pink.
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Liberty grew up with a strong love of nature, the ocean in particular. After studying photography and journalism in college, she worked as a corporate photographer in the Seattle area for many years, until fi...
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Today we had the privilege of going to Alert Bay. Alert Bay, located on Cormorant Island off the northeastern coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada, boasts a rich history rooted in the indigenous cultures of the region. Traditionally inhabited by the 'Namgis First Nation, part of the Kwakwaka'wakw peoples, Alert Bay has long served as a cultural and social hub for these indigenous communities. Totem poles, some of which are the tallest in the world, dot the landscape as silent witnesses to the intricate stories and traditions of the Kwakwaka'wakw. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries the town grew as a fishing and cannery center, attracting settlers and industry. However, it also became a site of cultural conflict during the era of residential schools, institutions aimed at assimilating indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture. The U'mista Cultural Centre, established in the town in the latter half of the 20th century, now stands as a testament to the resilience and revival of Kwakwaka'wakw culture, showcasing repatriated artifacts and hosting cultural events. Lindblad guests had the opportunity to visit this site in addition to attending a Big House Ceremony. Big House ceremonies are an important part of Alert Bay culture, from weddings to deaths. While guests had a delightful ceremony, the undersea team submerged themselves under the dock for a successful dive! Here they were able to see an abundance of giant plumose anemones that covered the pier columns. They were also greeted by a delightful group of sea creatures including candied striped shrimp, basket stars, decorator crabs, and coon stripe shrimp. It was overall a very enriching visit to Alert Bay.