Klemtu was established as a year-round village in the late 1800s as it was strategically located near shipping routes. Villagers supplied wood to steamers for commerce and the steamers used the wood for fuel.

For an excellent overview of Kitasoo Xai’xais history, view the following video with Douglas Neasloss, Stewardship Director and Chief Councilor of the Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation discussing traditional practices and the impact of colonialism.

Klemtu Cannery
In 1927, the Klemtu Canning Company built a cannery on Swindle Island and became the main source of industry for Klemtu residents. The cannery operated year-round and processed abalone, clams, halibut, herring and salmon. In 1930, the cannery closed but was re-opened by J. H. Todd and Sons in 1934. In 1969, the cannery closed permanently, partly due to a foodborne illness outbreak due to uncooked cans. With the cannery closed, the cannery land was transferred to the Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation.

The big house in Klemtu

Kitasoo Xai’xais big house
The Kitasoo Xai’xais big house was built in 2001. In May 2002, a grand opening was attended by over 1000 indigenous peoples living on the coast. The big house is used for ceremonies and gatherings, as well as tourism.

Spirit Bear Lodge
In 2001, Spirit Bear Lodge opened in Klemtu and offers ecotourism adventures. The lodge is owned by the Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation and employs members of the local community.

Coastal Guardian Watchmen Network
The Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation is a member organization of the Coastal Guardian Watchmen Network, a consortium of Indigenous land and water protectors overseeing stewardship of their territories.

For more information, visit the “About Kitasoo Xai’xais” webpage on the Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation website.

Vancouver to Bella Bellla (plane), Bella Bella to Klemtu (BC Ferries): Pacific Coastal Airlines offers daily flights to Bella Bella from Vancouver.

BC Ferries provides sailings from Bella Bella to Klemtu as well as Shearwater, Ocean Falls and Bella Coola.

Vancouver to Bella Bella (plane), Bella Bella to Klemtu (plane): Pacific Coastal Airlines offers daily flights to Bella Bella from Vancouver. Wilderness Seaplanes flies to Klemtu from Bella Bella.

Port Hardy to Klemtu (BC Ferries or plane): BC Ferries offers sailings to Klemtu from Bear Cove on northern Vancouver Island, a ten minute drive from Port Hardy. The trip is a non-stop, seven and a half hour boat ride. Wilderness Seaplanes flies to Klemtu from Port Hardy airport.

Prince Rupert to Klemtu (BC Ferries): BC Ferries offers sailings to Klemtu from Prince Rupert. The trip is a non-stop, seven and a half hour boat ride.

For more information, visit the “How to get here” webpage on the Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation website.

Bluewater Adventures
https://www.bluewateradventures.ca/

Great Bear Coastal Maritime Company (Pacific Yellowfin Charters)
https://pacificyellowfin.com/

Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures
https://kingfisher.ca/

Lindblad Expeditions Inc.
https://www.expeditions.com/

Maple Leaf Adventures Corp.
https://mapleleafadventures.com/

Mothership Adventures (1998) Inc.
https://www.mothershipadventures.com/

 North King Lodge
https://northkinglodge.com/

Ocean Adventures
https://www.oceanadventures.bc.ca

Ocean Light II Adventures
https://www.oceanlight.ca/

Outer Shores Expeditions
https://outershores.ca/

Raincoast Conservation Foundation
https://www.raincoast.org/

S.A.L.T.S. (Sail and Life Training Society)
https://www.salts.ca/

SKILS Sea Kayak Instruction and Learning Systems
https://skils.ca/

Spirit Bear Lodge
https://www.spiritbear.com

Kitasoo Xai’xais (official website)
https://klemtu.com

Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation (Central Coast Indigenous Resource Alliance)
https://www.ccira.ca/kitasoo-xaixais/

Spirit Bear Foundation
https://spiritbearfoundation.com/

Visitor Resources (Kitasoo Xai’xais website)
https://klemtu.com/visitors/resources/