Toba Inlet: Another potential expansion for Qathen Xwegus?

Roy L Hales/ Cortes Currents - It has been six years since Klahoose Wilderness Adventures erected its first bear watching tower in Toba Inlet. Now there are six viewing platforms, but they are only for two months every year.

Cortes Currents asked Bruno Pereira, Senior Manager of Qathen Xwegus Management Corporation (QXMC) which oversees Klahoose First Nation business activities, if there are plans to expand their tourism offerings in Toba.

“Toba has always been a playground that wasn't exploited properly or to the fullest,” said Pereira. “The bears are only there when the salmon arrive. So in August, September - and all the other months of spring, summer fall, we are thinking how we could be present in Toba and offer services and tours to guests interested in?”

There are many possibilities for future development. This could be a destination for people who want to camp in the wilderness. QXMC could build a few cabins for bird watchers, or animal lovers.

They tried kayaking from kilometre 16 of the road at Toba Inlet.

“We put the kayaks in the river and just drifted down for almost three hours. It was the most amazing experience and we were like, ‘yeah, this could be a tour. This could be an activity that we can promote, and we can sell. This is an experience of a lifetime,” said Pereira.

“The ideas are there. The ambitions are there, but it's like everybody else it's a matter of capacity. It's a matter of human resources, the staff.”

Heather Reimer and Ron Quire are the new resident managers at Gorge Harbour Marina.

Chris Tait and Suzanne Fletcher are taking care of the Klahoose Wilderness Resort and bear tours.

“It's time for them to build their teams. So again, baby steps. One thing at a time, but we're getting closer,” said Pereira.