Aboriginal Tourism & Local Partners

Your time with us includes everyday interaction with the people and community who call this home. We introduce you to aspects of the local Aboriginal culture - past and present - and we collaborate to support local community aspirations, cultural protocols, and ecological stewardship objectives. This is all part of a positive ecotourism experience!

Traditional Aboriginal Salmon Dinner on Spring Island with West Coast Expeditions Fallen Checleset Totem at Acous Peninsula, Checleset Bay Area, Kyuquot, Vancouver Island

Since 1972, West Coast Expeditions has operated almost exclusively in the areas of Kyuquot Sound, including the Mission Group of Islands, Rugged Point, Checleset Bay, the Bunsby Islands, the Acous Peninsula, and the Brooks Peninsula.

This area is home to the welcoming Ka:'yu:'k't'h' / Che:k:tles7et'h' (Kyuquot - Checleset) First Nations' people. West Coast Expeditions is part of the Kyuquot area and community.  As owners, Bev Hansen (a Ka:'yu:'k't'h' woman) and David Pinel (adopted by two Ka:'yu:'k't'h' / Che:k:tles7et'h' families) share - and appreciate - truly close bonds with our friends and family in the local community.

Your WCE experience relies on many community and regional partners and relationships that we greatly value and enjoy.
  • Majestic Old Growth Cedars on Spring Island, West Coast Vancouver Island, BCSite use permissions and summer student employment through the Ka:'yu:'k't'h' / Che:k:tles7et'h' (Kyuquot/Checleset) First Nations.
  • Contract labour assistance from local youth helping with camp improvements and and trail maintenance – helping us to maintain features of the Spring Island Forest Recreation Site available for public use.
  • Weekly traditional salmon dinners prepared by local Kyuquot elder, Chris Jules and family since the early 1990's – we’re family!
  • Expedition visits with long-time friend, expert weaver and Checleset elder, Lucy Paivio and husband Lennard Paivio who has also helped with some of our camp infrastructure.
  • Reliable water- taxi services from Leo Jack (Voyager Water Taxi), Archie Vincent (Storm Chaser), Henry Jack, Hilda Hansen, & Skip Plensky (Perseverance).
  • Visits or access to works from local Aboriginal artists, including carvers, painters, and weavers: Lucy Paivio, Jesse Gillette, Don Leo, Danny Short, Aaron Jules, Charles Jules, Ritchie Mack, and Margaret Jack.
  • Regular visits with guests to Java the Hutt and the Old Schoolhouse Restaurant.
  • Guest, kayak & freight transportation aboard the MV Uchuck III (Nootka Sound Service).
  • Guest transportation by float plane with Air Nootka
  • Purchase of camp supplies, as needed, from the Kyuquot Market general store in Walters Cove.
  • Cooperative relationships with Chris' B&B, the Kyuquot Inn, Murphy's Sport Fishing, Kyuquot Beach House, Sea Otter Lodge, Voyager Sportfish, and many others.
  • Support of the Kyuquot Rediscovery Programs for youth since its inception in 1999.
  • Boat & camp fuel purchase from Kyuquot owned and managed Swan Song Enterprises at nearby Fair Harbour.
  • Support of local fundraising efforts by individuals or groups (for graduation ceremonies, student travel, etc.)
  • Active participants and contributors to community and industry input for the Kyuquot Sound Coastal Plan.
  • Lease of a high-quality and diverse new fleet of kayaks each season from Comox Valley Kayaks in Courtenay.

Sea Kayaking Along Islands Rich With Marine Biology in Kyuquot, BC