Thursday, 8 August 2013

Destination Goat Island in Eskasoni- a True Mi'kmaq Experience


 

Goat Island - Explore Eskasoni

Destination Goat Island is part of Eskasoni First Nation and has a partnership with Eskasoni Cultural Journeys. The island includes a groomed walking trail, picnic areas and various cultural sites.

The Goat Island Experience

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beautiful trails of Goat Island and be sure to watch for bald eagles that nest nearby and make this area their home. Along the Goat Island Trail you will see the unspoiled natural beauty of the Bras d’Or Lakes, Canada’s Inland Sea. Meet interpretive guides who will share Mi’kmaq history and culture through stories music and various demonstrations. Interpreters will demonstrate their knowledge of medicinal plants, herbs, how to construct a wigwam and the history of Eskasoni and Goat Island.

The Story of Goat Island

Goat Island is located within the First Nations community of Eskasoni and was originally called Indian Island. Goat Island is so named because, during centralization, goats were placed in the community for farming purposes. After they began to eat everything in the community, the goats were taken and placed on the Island. 

Come and visit Goat Island!

Experience the tranquility and learn about our Mi’kmaq culture and heritage. Immerse yourself in our past and learn from our personal stories and history. Come and make new friends and create your own story.

Tour Details

-Tour times are approximate. Eskasoni Cultural Journeys reserves the right to cancel or modify any trip due to weather conditions or any unforeseen circumstances. Rates and departures subject to change without notice.

-Our vessels are completely outfitted and approved by Transport Canada. Our captains are certified and have experience in the Bras d’Or Lakes.

-We are able to accommodate quests with special dietary needs upon request. Our cooks can develop a custom menu based on availability and pricing. – It is recommended that you wear comfortable walking shoes and take a sweater or coat as the weather can change during the day.

-Tour prices are in Canadian funds and include 15% Harmonized Sale Tax.

Workshops

There are customized workshops available upon request. For example, you can learn to make a basket, cook and or drum and dance as well as a basic Mi’kmaq language class for beginners. Children can learn to make a bookmark from one of the master artisans in the community.

Cancellation Policy

We require a 15% deposit (Visa or Master Card) at the time of booking your reservation. Tours must be cancelled within one week prior to the tour departure date or the deposit will be non-refundable.

Package pricing

Journey 1- School Group Tour (1.5 hours)

This journey will take school aged children back in time and provide insight into the Mi’Kmaq culture that is our living history. The children will begin their tour with a welcome and a guided hike around the Goat Island Trails in Eskasoni on the shores of the Bras d’Or Lakes. Our guides will speak of the Mi’kmaq ways for food and clothing and the use of the water and eco-system around the Bras d’Or Lakes. They will then learn a Mi’Kmaq dance and have a traditional snack before saying their good-byes and heading out. This is an excellent interactive and fun learning experience for children of all ages.

Price-$175.00 per group (HST included – maximum 35 children/ 5 chaperones)

Journey 2- Group Tour (3 Hours)

Join our Mi’Kmaq tour guides as they welcome you to Goat Island In Eskasoni First nation. You will be a part of a smudging ceremony before boarding a fishing vessel at the fisheries wharf for a guided tour of the Bras d’Or Lakes. Once you arrive back on shore, savour an authentic traditional feast with a cultural performance and a lesson in dance. Listen to the sounds of the music and language and learn about ancient traditions and ceremonies. Following your meal and performance, you will be led on a guided tour of Goat Island with a final good-bye and gift.

Price- $85.00 per person (HST included – includes traditional feast).

Journey 3- Pre and Post Conference Tour (2hours)

Prepare yourself for the unique and moving experience of Goat Island, Eskasoni First Nation. Enjoy a welcome and smudging ceremony before boarding a fishing vessel for a guided tour of the Bras d’Or Lakes. A small traditional snack will be served and then you will hike along the Goat Island Trail with our Mi’Kmaq interpreters with a lesson in dance while you are there.

Price- $70.00 per person (HST included)

Build your own package

Eskasoni Cultural Journeys can provide tours for groups from 12-300 and also for special events. Our interpreters are available to attend your site and create an authentic experience for your guests. Please contact our tour Coordinator for further details (12 person min. required)

Build your own package

Items                        Description                                        Price per person

Boat Tour                            -  3hr. tour with interpretive      $40.00

                                    Guide

Boat Tour/fishing - 3hr tour with interpretive      $100.00

                                  Guide

Boat Tour/Eskasoni - 6hr tour with interpretive  $145.00

 & Highland Village    Guide

Lobster Feast            - 2hr lobster feast & cultural   $70.00

                                       Performance

Goat Island Interpretive – 1.5hr tour with                $12.00

Trail Tour                       light traditional snack

Goat Island Storytelling – 2hr Storytelling with       $12.00

Evening                               light traditional snack (tea/luski)

Highland Village Tour – Gaelic heritage experience $45.00

                                       With living history museum & research centre
For more information about guided tours contact:

Eskasoni Cultural Journeys

Sandra MacDonald, tour Coordinator

Toll Free: 1-855-376-2422

Local: 1-902-322-2279

Fax: 1-902-270-3721

Email: info@eskasoniculturaljourneys.ca

                                  

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