KIIX̣IN TOURS. Open May 21-September 18 2022
JOURNEY WITH OUR ANCESTORS
Inhabited by Huu-ay-aht ancestors for more than 5,000 years, Kiix̣in is the only known remaining traditional First Nations village on the west coast of southern B.C., and it is commemorated as a National Historic Site. Visitors are invited to hike the trail to Kiix̣in, while exploring Vancouver Island’s pristine old-growth rainforest, beautiful protected beaches and significant standing house remains. Along the way, guests will learn about the Huu-ay-aht’s knowledge and history, as well as Indigenous culture in the region.
Each cultural tourism exploration to Kiix̣in lasts approximately four hours. Guided by Huu-ay-aht Traditional Knowledge Holders, groups hike along an old-growth rainforest trail with boardwalk sections and stairs, leading to a beautiful protected beach with rocky ledges and tide pools.
DAY TOUR
Day Tours - Saturday to Thursday at 10 am
Each tour will last approximately four hours. Guided by Huu-ay-aht Knowledge Holders, you will hike through an old-growth rainforest trail with some boardwalk sections and stairs, leading to a beautiful, protected beach with rocky ledges and tide pools.
VIEW PHOTO GALLERY ▲
EVENING TOUR
Evening Tours - Fridays & Saturdays at 5 pm
Not only will you get to go on a culturally guided hike through an old-growth rainforest, you will gather on the beach where you will be immersed into Huu-ay-aht history, song and drumming from our Knowledge Holder.
Special requirements for evening tour:
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Blanket or towel to sit on
VIEW PHOTO GALLERY ▲
WILL TRANSPORTATION BE REQUIRED?
Please let us know as soon as possible if transportation is required.
Shuttle service is available at a cost of $10 per person from Bamfield to the site.
If you have your own vehicle(s) you can follow the Kiix̣in shuttle van to the trailhead where there is plenty of parking.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
BC West Coast weather is unpredictable, so it is best to bring a backpack and layer your clothing. Dress accordingly for the weather, and bring the suggested items below:
- Good hiking shoes – NO sandals or open-toed footwear or you will be denied the tour.
- Rain gear – weather can be unpredictable
- Sweater, hoodie, or other warm clothing
- Hat/head covering
- Headlamp or flashlight (Night Tour Only)
- We HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you bring water and snacks to avoid overheating or dehydrating.
- Camera
- Medications and prescriptions
- Insect repellant, sunscreen
- Mask, hand sanitizer and wipes
- Headlamp or flashlight (Night Tour Only)
- A desire to learn about Huu-ay-aht history!
TOUR FEES ▲
KIIX̣IN TOURS
OPEN MAY 21 - SEPTEMBER 18 2022
One tour daily, except Saturday, Group rates available.
| WHEN | TIME | DURATION | TOUR COST | SHUTTLE FEE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WHENSunday-Thursday | TIME10am- No evening tours | DURATION4 Hours | TOUR COST$20 per person | SHUTTLE FEE$10 per person |
| WHENFriday | TIME5pm- No morning tours | DURATION4 Hours | TOUR COST$30 pp/ $50 per couple | SHUTTLE FEE$10 per person |
| WHENSaturday | TIME10am & 5pm | DURATION4 Hours | TOUR COSTDay $20pp/Evening $30pp | SHUTTLE FEE$10 per person |
TOUR RESTRICTIONS
Please consider the following before booking:
SAFETY ▲
- The hike to Kiix̣in is a MODERATE PLUS hike, with some challenging areas that may include muddy, slippery, uneven and steep terrain, along with some stairs and boardwalk. Unfortunately, people with injuries, mobility challenges or hiking-restricted medical conditions cannot be accommodated.
- Children aged seven and older must be accompanied by a parent or guardian aged 19 years or older.
- Parent(s) or guardian(s) are responsible for the supervision, safety, and behaviour of their child/children on the tour. Running, rough play, and dangerous behaviour is unacceptable. The Tour Guide has the right to deny or refuse tours at any time.
- Liability waiver forms must be signed before tour departure.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS ▲
- Washroom facilities are available for emergency only.
- Expect to have no cellphone reception on your hike.
- Each tour can accommodate a maximum of 10 guests.
- Pets are not permitted on the tour.
- Covid safety measures are still in place for the tour. Physical distancing & the use of hand sanitizer when signing in at the float house.
RESPECT FOR THE SITE ▲
- Guests must not leave any trace of garbage or waste behind.
- Guests must remain on the designated boardwalk and trail at all times, and stay inside the tour boundaries.
- Feeding or intentionally disturbing wildlife is prohibited.
- Collecting or disturbing natural features, plants, rocks, antlers, or cultural/archaeological resources is prohibited.