Category Archives: Tourism

Indigenous Nations, Tourism

Gorge Harbour Marina Undergoing Renovations

Gorge Harbour Marina is undergoing extensive renovations this year. The general store, marina and gas pump is open, but much of the resort is expected to remain closed until 2024.

General Manager Jason Johnson explained, “We had a fairly successful last season and then became even more aware  of some major infrastructure issues needing to be addressed. It wasn’t just a matter of ‘it’s a septic issue,’ or ‘it’s a water issue,’ or ‘it’s an electric issue” – it’s all of it. We are having to take a look at some major infrastructure at the Gorge with the understanding that the property has a lot of age behind it. So we really need to take a look at that and press the pause button.”

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Indigenous Nations, Tourism

The Klahoose Wilderness Resort’s first full season

According to Tourism Manager Chris Tait, the Klahoose Wilderness Resort’s first full season was a much greater success than they expected. 

Qathen Xwegus Management Corporation (QXMC) , the Klahoose First Nation’s Economic Development Corporation, purchased the former Homfray Lodge in 2020.

Chris Tait: “We did open in 2021 but with the pandemic, obviously, we only had a very shortened season. 2022 was our first full season. We were open from May to October, and we had more visitors than we forecasted.”

“People were very interested  in what we are doing. Whether they’re from New York, California, from British Columbia, local here, or Toronto, or London, England: the number one reason that people came was because we’re a hundred percent Indigenous owned. We are owned by the Klahoose First Nation, and we offer an Indigenous experience for visitors. That’s what people were looking for.” 

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Housing, Tourism

When the Invisible Hand Fumbles: The AIRBnB Phenomenon

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It’s pretty common knowledge that we have a housing crisis on Cortes. In fact, there’s a “housing crisis” in many — perhaps most — popular or attractive places in North America and Europe right now. One of the factors often mentioned is AirBnB. This phenomenon (AirBnB now has global impact and qualifies as a Phenomenon!) vividly illustrates the predicament of “good for one is not necessarily good for all” — also sometimes known as “smart for one, dumb for all”.

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Rivers & Oceans, Tourism

Prince Rupert gets a $3.5 million boost from the return of cruise tourism

By Kaitlyn Bailey, Prince Rupert Northern View, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

After two years without any cruise ships in Prince Rupert due to the COVID-19 pandemic, cruise tourism returned bigger than before.

Between May 17 and Oct. 3, 42 cruise ships with more than 40,000 passengers stopped in the city, the P.R. Port Authority (PRPA) announced.

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Indigenous Nations, Tourism

Summer 2022 has been very busy for QXMC

Jason Johnson has been the General Manager of Qathen Xwegus (QXMC) for a little over four months. He took the helm of the Klahoose First Nation’s  management corporation during a busy tourist season. Johnson was back home with his family in Sayward when Cortes Currents interviewed him over ZOOM.

“I first wanted to acknowledge that I’m talking to you today on National Truth and Reconciliation Day, and I’m calling in from my home office in the unseated territory of the Comox First Nation,” he began.

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