k’awat’si Tours is currently applying to become a member of NIMMSA – the North Island Marine Mammal Stewardship Association.  The group conducts conservation and business activities to benefit marine mammals, the economy and the marine environment off of the North Island. Its members are involved in a wide range of activities, from research to responsible…

Year-end is a time of reflection – a time to look back on the year’s challenges and highlights, and a time to look towards the year to come. A little over two years ago, a Board of Directors was created, who with the guidance of Chief and Council started us on a journey to build…

KEDC Tourism Coordinator, Davis Henderson, and marketing business consultants, Scott Roberts and Sherry Baumgardner, have been busy with meetings and hosting media groups to tour Kwa’lilas Hotel and explore the packages. Our consultants from Riata Partners have strong relationships with organizations like Destination BC, Aboriginal Tourism and Tourism Vancouver Island. Scott and Sherry set up…

Janine Sheard Behind KEDC’s all projects, there are people tracking the dollars and cents: how much KEDC is spending and making, and paying our vendors and employees. Leading this is Janine Sheard, a key member of KEDC’s accounting team. Born and raised in the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw territory, Janine grew up surrounded by a loving community where…

Our TripAdvisor page has top notch reviews, which have all rated the experience 5 out of 5. We’re thrilled that our guests are enjoying their trips as much as we enjoy guiding them. KEDC Tourism Coordinator, Davis Henderson and his team have made two trips to San Josef Bay in Cape Scott Provincial Park. This…

The third (top) floor of guestrooms at Kwa’lilas Hotel is complete. With the partial occupancy permit, which allows a limited number of people to stay in the hotel before it is completely finished, we have welcomed four tour groups to stay with us over the course of a week. Currently, the accommodations can only be…

From aquaculture training programs to tour operations and hotel ventures, KEDC has several different projects on the go. Behind many of these projects is Eddie Walkus! Assisting with driving the k’awat’si Tours mini coach and guiding guests through the Nakwaktop Rapids, Eddie is a diverse worker who the KEDC is thrilled to have on board!…

Booking with k’awat’si Tours just got a lot easier! If you want to take a scenic boat & wildlife tour or hike around San Josef Bay, you can now book your North Island experience online! By adding online booking, adventure companies and service providers, like BC Ferries, Pacific Coastal Airlines or Jonview, can coordinate and…

Earlier this year in April, Vancouver Island North applied for Whale Heritage Site status from the World Cetacean Alliance (WCA). It is an international initiative to recognize how the people in the area protect and celebrate these intelligent sea creatures through sustainable practices, education, research, arts and cultural events. A designated Whale Heritage Site ensures…

Last week, we hosted a tour of Kwa’lilas Hotel for Honourable Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development and his staff. Minister Fassbender was excited to see the progress and how our culture is thoughtfully integrated throughout the hotel in art pieces, construction workmanship, tour packages and plans for the menu. KEDC has…