Indigenous tourism is about to get wild in Campbell River.
Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours, a 20-year-old Indigenous community-owned business, will be opening a new Homalco Adventure Centre in Campbell River, launching two new, state-of-the-art adventure tour vessels, and introducing a new Whales, Wildlife and Culture tour this spring.
“After a long year of restricted business, we are really looking forward to an exciting spring of substantial expansions for our organization,’ said Homalco Tourism Development Officer JP Obbagy.
Despite pandemic-related supply chain delays, he confirms the buildout of the centre, manufacturing of the watercrafts and tour staffing are underway.
“As we move forward, we are integrating the highest possible standard of COVID-19 safety protocols into all aspects of these operations,” Obbagy said.
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The Homalco Adventure Centre will be located in the Discovery Harbour Mall at 1344 Island Highway in Campbell River, adjacent to the Coastal Community Credit Union. Designed to immerse visitors in First Nations culture at the outset, the centre’s contemporary Indigenous design will feature art from various local First Nation artists, guidebooks and more.
A defining component of the HWCT tours will be two, new landing craft boats that offer Zodiac-style, fresh-air seats and comfort seating providing protection inside the cozy cabin.
“Safety is our No. 1 priority, and we are employing the expertise of the best mariners in the business to ensure we’ve identified and addressed all vessel safety concerns,” Obbagy said.
The new Whales, Wildlife and Culture tour expands the expertise of HWCT’s team with the addition of marine naturalists, skippers and Indigenous guides. Marketing and social media coordinator Chyanne Trenholm describes the tour as something totally unique on the Island.
“We now have the ability to bring whales and other marine life into our realm of exploration. Of course, 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.”
While COVID-19 international restrictions will likely still be in effect, Tour Coordinator for Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours Shirley Badger is confident that the tours will continue to fill.
“We 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,” she said.
“All of this great news spells progress for the Homalco First Nation,” says Chief Darren Blaney. “While COVID-19 is still a factor for the foreseeable future, our Homalco First Nation is ready to welcome visitors again, for now, and as long as we deem it safe to do so. With 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.”
More information regarding the Grand Opening of the Adventure Centre and the Whales, Wildlife and Culture tour will be announced in the coming weeks. To find out more about HWCT, visit the website.
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Please note that Provincial Health Protocols currently advise against travelling outside your region to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
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