Photos by Todd Peacey of Homalco First Nation

HOMALCO FIRST NATION ‘BEARS OF BUTE’ TOURS had a record year in 2014.

Tourists from around the world visited the viewing sites on the Orford River in Bute Inlet. Among notable recent visitors on the Homalco Wildlife Tours was Microsoft founder Bill Gates and members of the Royal family from the United Kingdom.

The prime grizzly and black bear habitat in Homalco’s traditional territory makes for stunning sights for visitors in the viewing towers in the late summer and fall, when the bears come out to feast on coho and chum salmon.

The Orford River is located halfway between the entrance to Bute Inlet and its headwaters.

When not watching the bears, guests can learn more about the Homalco traditional territory at the nearby information centre. Displays tell the stories of Orford Bay, the settlement at Church House (Aupe) and other significant places for the Xwemalhkwu people. Woven cedar hats, baskets, carvings and drums are also on view.