Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre
Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
72 reviews
Excellent
54
Very good
13
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2
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1
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RTGJ
Hamilton, Canada67 contributions
Jun. 2019 • Solo
I recently spent a short period of time on Quadra Island for some relaxation from work. I am interested in the many cultures of First Nations. In an add about Quadra Island, I had read some favorable commentary about the Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre. I made my way there in the morning of Friday, June 21, 2019. It was supposed to open at 10:00 am. I arrived there at about 9:45 am. There were no vehicles in the parking lot at the time.
I went across the road to an outdoor First Nations site near the water. It had a video system set up wherein people can watch videos about the First Nations history in the area. I watched 3 videos, all of which were very informative. Just after 10:10 am I made my way back to the Centre. There was a sign on the door that read, "Back at 10:30 am", or words to that effect. I watched one vehicle pull in and the driver walked to the same site across the road that I have just described above. He returned to his vehicle, sat there for 5 minutes and left. I waited for another 25 minutes or so and nobody showed up. I then called the number affiliated with the Centre (250-285-3733) and found that it was out of service. I left at that point, as nobody showed up.
I later attended the tourist information centre located at the end of Harper Road near the credit union. I told a representative of the information centre about my experience and she indicated that Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre had been closed for more than a year. As a result of receiving that information, I did not return to the Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre for the balance of my stay.
Back in Ontario, I have gone onto the website for the Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre and located what is supposed to be a phone number, 250-914-8763. I called it and it is a fax number. There is also a fax number listed (250-285-3753). I dialed it and it is a phone number, but is not in service.
While I have no doubt that the Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre, when operational, is very impressive, it is at the opposite end of the spectrum when tourists have no indication that it is closed indefinitely.
My suggestion to other tourists is to attend the tourist information centre before going to the Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre. There may be an update as to the status of the Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre. That's better than not knowing if the "back at 10:30 am" sign refers to the year 2019.
I went across the road to an outdoor First Nations site near the water. It had a video system set up wherein people can watch videos about the First Nations history in the area. I watched 3 videos, all of which were very informative. Just after 10:10 am I made my way back to the Centre. There was a sign on the door that read, "Back at 10:30 am", or words to that effect. I watched one vehicle pull in and the driver walked to the same site across the road that I have just described above. He returned to his vehicle, sat there for 5 minutes and left. I waited for another 25 minutes or so and nobody showed up. I then called the number affiliated with the Centre (250-285-3733) and found that it was out of service. I left at that point, as nobody showed up.
I later attended the tourist information centre located at the end of Harper Road near the credit union. I told a representative of the information centre about my experience and she indicated that Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre had been closed for more than a year. As a result of receiving that information, I did not return to the Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre for the balance of my stay.
Back in Ontario, I have gone onto the website for the Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre and located what is supposed to be a phone number, 250-914-8763. I called it and it is a fax number. There is also a fax number listed (250-285-3753). I dialed it and it is a phone number, but is not in service.
While I have no doubt that the Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre, when operational, is very impressive, it is at the opposite end of the spectrum when tourists have no indication that it is closed indefinitely.
My suggestion to other tourists is to attend the tourist information centre before going to the Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre. There may be an update as to the status of the Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre. That's better than not knowing if the "back at 10:30 am" sign refers to the year 2019.
Written June 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stefanie V
15 contributions
Jul. 2018 • Friends
View and learn about beautiful repatriated ceremonial masks and other First Nation art and cultural treasures. Cute small gift shop. At the moment, they seem to have long-weekend-like hours so call a day or two in advance to make sure they are open. Very worth a visit!
Written July 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicolas D
Paris, France12 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
A very nice museum!
We were lucky to be allowed inside and see the potlash masks, but we were told that the museum is closed at least until June 2018. Check before travelling there.
We were lucky to be allowed inside and see the potlash masks, but we were told that the museum is closed at least until June 2018. Check before travelling there.
Written May 8, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
freedom06
Vancouver Island, Canada120 contributions
Oct. 2017 • Couples
This is a very unique First Nation Museum full of repatriated Potlach items returned from the National Museum in Ottawa" it is wonderful to see these items returned to their rightful owners, and to seem them lovingly displayed and shared with the public. The rxplaination of the items bring the materials to life. This isatruly wonderful experience and it feels good to see a First Nations community managing their own resources in such a positive manner.congratulations!
Written October 15, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Via_girl
Qualicum Beach, Canada2,995 contributions
Feb. 2017 • Couples
Cultural history is alive and well on Quadra Island as evidenced by this attraction bursting with historical displays, totem poles and knowledgeable staff. The small gift shop is well organized and has a good selection. The only thing lacking, I would say, is the lighting in the display cases, which if improved, would enhance the overall experience. A definite must do if you have cultural interests and are visiting Quadra Island.
Written October 3, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynda D
Kenora, Canada11,011 contributions
Sep. 2017 • Friends
Stopped at the museum while spending time on Quadra, and on the recommendation of a friend from Qualicum Bay. Beautiful building with a wonderful collection of masks and art that have been recovered. Staff very helpful and accommodating. Wonderful glimpse into the world and culture of some of the amazing First People of the area.
Written September 24, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
eddyVictoria_B_C_
Victoria, B.C.60 contributions
Sep. 2017 • Couples
This out of the way Native Art Museum has one of the best collections of native art you'll ever find. The items are well displayed and the descriptions are short and to the point.Allow at least one hour for your visit. There is no photography allowed and,unfortunately,they don't have a book for sale showing their collection. Across the road is a well designed area of native plants etc. which,again unfortunately,has been neglected in terms of maintenance.A few hours of weeding and raking could restore it to its original beauty.Another point that would bring more visitors would be better signage helping motorists find this treasure because that is what it is. Enjoy your visit.
Written September 18, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JR02014
Port Alberni69 contributions
Aug. 2017 • Family
Stopped here with a group of us. The history is amazing and the museum is by far one of the best. It costs 10 dollars per adult and young children are free. The scenery is perfect for an outing. The museum offers a gift shop that has an array of options and some cute items for children. My daughter was attracted to the puppets. Before walking in make sure to check out the petroglyphs!
Written August 26, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HarvestMoonBc
Fort Langley, Canada8 contributions
Aug. 2017
The Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre was one of the best things we saw while visiting Quadra Island. Outside there are houseposts (totems), petroglyphs on the rocks, a garden displaying indigenous plants, and a tv with recordings of the elders telling stories. Once inside cameras are not allowed, as requested by the elders. The masks and regalia are beautiful. Learning about the potlatch ceremony, dance and tradition was very interesting. Our family took almost 2 hours here, but we read everything, and our youngest is a tween. Many other families made it through in less than an hour, but had much younger children. Very beautiful to learn about the people whose land we stood on.
Written August 7, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fromcanada77
Vancouver, Canada113 contributions
Jul. 2017 • Family
If you're wanting to learn about Kwagiulth First Nation's history and culture then this is one of the places to visit. The masks and stories and cultural items are beautifully and clearly presented. 3000 + year old petroglyphs as well can be viewed in the nature garden across the road (also part of the Nuyumbalees site). Highly recommended visit for when you're in the Campbell River/ Quadra Island area.
Written August 6, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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