Alert Bay is situated on the crescent-shaped Cormorant Island, just off the northeast coast of Vancouver Island. It is the island's oldest fishing community and was an important trading centre and home of the Nagamis First Nation. Its waterways are home to killer whales, sea lions, porpoises and dolphins. Known for its Native culture, Alert Bay offers some of the region's finest historical and cultural artifacts, totem poles and First Nations paintings. View memorial totem poles at the Nagmis (Nimpkish) Burial Grounds or visit the U'mista Cultural Centre to observe intricately carved cedar masks depicting the Potlach ceremony of the Kwakwaka'wakw People. Watch elder-approved dancing and singing performed by the T'sasala Cultural Group or take a walk through some historic sites such as the Old Municipal Hall. Some of the best salt-water fishing in British Columbia can be done in Alert Bay as well as providing many opprtunities for whale watching and scuba diving.