Guided Cultural Canoe Tours

Guests of Choo-Kwa Ventures can choose to paddle or cruise in scenic Somass River or spectacular Sproat Lake. Our guides are trained in water safety and are certified flat-water paddlers. They are happy to assist you with the paddling instruction and safety procedures required for each tour.

Our guides are students of the culture and language of the Hupacasath, and will share the history of the land through narrative, song and storytelling; your questions and comments are encouraged and always welcome.

Somass River Tour

The Hupacasath People have lived for thousands of years along the Somass River territory. On this cultural excursion, Hupacasath First Nation Guides will instruct visitors how to paddle in their replica canoe, share stories and songs of river and valley-dwelling people, and describe the rich ecology and economy of the area.

Length: 2 hours
Minimum: 4 persons; group rate available for six or more.

All cruises and paddles are weather and tide dependent and are subject to change.

COST: $35.00 per person, plus GST
Children 14 and under, $17.00
Seniors 55+, $28.00

Sproat Lake Adventure Cruise

An expansive body of freshwater and home to the world-renowned Martin Mars Water Bombers, Sproat Lake and its surrounding territories comprise a significant part of the Hupacasath cultural landscape. Cruise by the famed K’ak’awin Petroglyphs, believed by some to depict ancient sea monsters that once dwelt in the lake, and hear Hupacasath history come alive in the legends, songs and stories shared by our guides. With miles of forested lakeshore and unbelievably crystal clear waters, the Sproat Lake cruise is not to be missed. Although it can be undertaken earlier in the day, this excursion is ideal for capturing the breathtaking summer sunsets.

Length: 3 hours
Minimum: 4 persons; group rate available for six or more.

All cruises and paddles are weather and tide dependent and are subject to change.

COST: $45.00 per person, plus GST
Children 14 and under, $22.00
Seniors 55+, $36.00

Farmer’s Market Harbour Paddle* (Saturday Mornings Only)

Make practical use of the “water highway” in grand Hupacasath tradition by joining us for a Saturday morning paddle through the Inlet from Quay to Quay. Departing from Choo-Kwa headquarters in Victoria Quay, our guides will share the rich history of the area while paddling through the Alberni Inlet to Harbour Quay, where guests will disembark for fresh produce and baked goods from the Farmer’s Market* before paddling back again.

Length: 1.5 – 2 hours
For 4-10 people; group rate available for six or more.

All cruises and paddles are weather and tide dependent and are subject to change.

COST: $30.00 per person, plus GST.
Children 14 and under, $15.00
Seniors 55+, $24.00

*Cost of tour does not include expenses at Farmer’s Market; guests are responsible for their own purchases.

Unwilling or unable to paddle? Make any tour a cruise instead. Ask us for details when booking.

Custom tours are available; contact us with your requests and we’ll do our best to accommodate you!

BOOKING:

When reserving a tour by phone, please be sure to have the following information ready:

Specify Which Tour
Date
Time
Number of People in Your Party
Contact Name
Contact Number
Credit Card Information

Cancellation Policy

Tours cancelled less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled date and time will be charged the full tour amount. With a minimum of 24 hours advance notice, we will gladly accommodate any change or cancellation required.

Choo Kwa Ventures

4550 Victoria Quay
Port Alberni, BC V9Y 6G2

tel: 250-724-4006
toll free: 1-866-294-8687
email:alisha.sester@hupacasath.ca

Guided Cultural Canoe Tours
First Nations Gift Shop

Presented by the Hupacasath First Nation