Alert Bay is located on Cormorant Island about 3 kilometres off the Northeast coast of Vancouver Island and is accessed via Port McNeill. Alert Bay is a native fishing port and home to the Kwak-waka'wakw (Kwakiutl) first nation. The Alert Bay Info Centre is in the old Municipal Hall where the town's fire truck once was housed.

Key attractions include Namgis Burial Grounds, where you will find a display of totem poles. The U'mista Cultural Centre is a museum built in a plank and beam style where native artefacts can be viewed. Alert Bay has the world's largest totem pole at 52 m (173 ft.). It is made up of two pieces: 51 m (168 ft.) and 1.5 m (5 ft.) The totem pole was completed in 1972.

Cabins, bed and breakfasts, a hotel and a lodge make up the accommodations in Alert Bay.