Introduction

We are a Community-based ecotourism venture owned and operated by the Kitasoo/ Xaixais First Nation. Since 1996 Spirit Bear Adventures (formerly operating as Klemtu Tourism) has offered sensational bear viewing and cultural/natural history experiences.Being locally owned by a native community, Spirit Bear Adventures is a rare example of genuine ecotourism and we have been recognized by conservation organizations and the media as one of the best ecotourism experiences in the world.

History

The Community of Klemtu opened it's doors to tourists in 1996 when the first passenger ferry in 19 years landed in its beautiful harbour. Klemtu Tourism got its start then by offering cultural tours of Klemtu Village. Now, Klemtu Tourism and Spirit Bear Adventures offers several exciting ecotour opportunities to attract visitors that are wanting to experience the community, their territory and the Great Bear Rainforest. The highlight of all tours is to view and learn about the rare Spirit bear. All aspects of our tours give thoughtful consideration to the bear, with the goal of producing the best possible experience for our guests. We have had the privilege to host guests from every corner of the globe on our unique ecotours and each year many of our guests are repeat customers. Our tours are physically and mentally satisfying vacations that are structured to be both safe and fun.

Ecotourism Development

The development of Spirit Bear Adventures is central to the safeguarding of the surrounding temperate rainforest. It allows the community of Klemtu to derive an income and employment from the rainforest without having to harvest its resources. By being locally owned and controlled by a native community, Spirit Bear Adventures is a rare example of genuine ecotourism. One hundred percent of the jobs and economic benefits accrue to the community and the Kitasoo/Xaixais people and the community has a direct say in how tourism in the region is managed.

Spirit Bear Adventures works closely with several environmental/conservation groups, Universities, as well as scientists involved in research of the area. Whether conducting ground research, such as bear monitoring, receiving input in our tourism policy, or educating visitors about resource issues and minimum impact travel, ideas are shared and cooperation encouraged. We often invite Rainforest Conservationists onto the tours to educate our guests about local environmental issues, media campaigns and projects. Because the company is owned and operated by a First nations community we also try to educate our guests about the socio-economic realities of living in a remote coastal community and mitigating some of the Native stereotypes. There is still a lot of poverty in Klemtu when compared to North American standards. We don’t try to hide this or make excuses. Rather, we educate visitors about the local issues.

Spirit Bear Adventures is taking active steps to try and help manage tourism activity in the region. We are in the process of developing a Sustainable Tourism Policy and an Ecosystem Based Management (EBM) Framework for our operations. Part of these initiatives will involve the development of guidelines to ensure that vulnerable wildlife like the spirit bears and their habitat remain undisturbed. Spirit Bear Adventures is also trying to engage other companies operating in the area to join in these initiatives and to work with the Klemtu community. We hope that through these efforts in ecotourism development, Spirit Bear Adventures will become a major player in the sustainable development of the Great Bear Rainforest.

Your Hosts

Douglas Neasloss, lead guide and cultural interpreter. Douglas is of Kitasoo ancestry. Klemtu is his home and he has grown up on the waters and forests that surround it. He has spent much of his young lifetime learning its history and the traditional cultures of the Kitasoo/Xaixais people, and he enjoys sharing it with guests. Doug has been working with Spirit Bear Adventures for the past six years and has had the opportunity to work with some of the most notable scientists, naturalists, and cultural and ethno geographers. He has become one of the most knowledgeable and experienced tour guides on the Central Coast and is sought after by many tour operators when not busy with Spirit Bear Adventures. Doug is a qualified bear viewing guide and holds other industry certification including wilderness first aid. Doug is also turning into a keen photographer and some of his work is featured on this site. Doug was recently honoured at the 2006 Aboriginal Tourism Association of BC Awards where he received the Youth Leadership award.

Vernon Brown, guide and cultural interpreter. Vernon is also of Kitasoo ancestry. Klemtu is his home and he has spent much of his life here. Vernon has been working with Spirit Bear Adventures for the past three years and has also worked with some of the most notable scientists, naturalists, and cultural and ethno geographers. He is a knowledgeable and experienced tour guide and he enjoys sharing knowledge with guests. Vernon is a qualified bear viewing guide and holds other industry certification including wilderness first aid.