Squatch Watch V.I. 2026

 NEW DATES - FALL 2026!

A Sasquatch Conference for ALL things Sasquatch!

SQUATCH WATCH VANCOUVER ISLAND 2026

Comox Valley, BC |  Oct 30-31 Nov 1

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/squatch-watch-vancouver-island-2026-tickets-1991586608157
 

Come and listen to some of the most credited specialists talk about all things SASQUATCH!

This 3-Day Conference, at the Florence Filberg Centre in the Comox Valley, will host multiple Presenters, Sasquatch-themed Vendors Market, Halloween Monster Bash Dance (All Ages - Dry Event) and Artist Fireside Talk. If you’re curious about the elusive Sasquatch or are already a ‘BELIEVER’, mark your calendar and get your tickets to attend! Here’s some highlighted special Speakers that will be hosting presentations and community dialogues:

Tom Sewid - Sasquatch Island

"North American Indians and Canadian First Nations referred to North American as Turtle Island because it looks like a turtle from space. I call North America ‘Sasquatch Island’ because many Indigenous Tribes have a name, stories and in some cases art or dances about Sasquatch. Even to this day, all people from every corner of North America have sighting accounts, stories and names for the large hair covered creatures known as Sasquatch". Sewid will share his personal Sasquatch accounts along with First Nation legends and stories.

Francis Horne Sr. – Indigenous Artist and Environmentalist

An astute environmentalist, Horne Sr. has experienced and developed his own image of Sasquatch. From a sandy creekside bed, Horne discovered this massive footprint and documented his findings in collaboration with his traditional teachings in Tsonoqua. Through Horne’s licensing agreement with Native Northwest, his iconic Sasquatch image has become renown for its iconic look and style. Recently, along side Native Northwest, Horne Sr. fought a long, three year court battle regarding copyright infringement and theft of intellectual property. He won this law suit over his Sasquatch image and will be sharing some of the hurdles he experienced in Indigenous Art Theft. Horne will be presenting on his own findings and traditional beliefs at the Conference with a second presentation of a Fireside Dialogue for Artists.

Terrance N. James - PhD + Biographer “Sasquatch Discovered”

Sasquatch Discovered is the biography of Dr. John Bindernagel – Canada’s foremost Sasquatch/Bigfoot investigator. His intense childhood curiosity about the natural world, with a particular interest in ornithology, led to his involvement as a Junior Naturalist and his teacher dubbing him “the scientist” for his in-class contributions. By high-school, he was practicing good curatorial habits as he collected specimens for the museum he created in the family home.
While in university, Bindernagel was intrigued by the story of an “ape-man” in British Columbia. During his time in Africa, he became familiar with the great apes and hypothesized the Sasquatch as North America’s great ape. On return to Canada, he chose to live in the Comox Valley, on Vancouver Island, B.C., and closer to the west coast rain forests– prime Sasquatch habitat. Here he aimed to study and pursue research on this elusive animal. Terry James will share his story of friendship and biographical overview of Dr. John Bindernagle’s encounters.

 Michelle Beauregard & Martin Dahinden

Michelle Beauregard & Martin Dahinden present a personal glimpse into the life of legendary Sasquatch researcher/author René Dahinden.

Martin Dahinden, son of René Dahinden, spent his childhood immersed in his father's lifelong search for Sasquatch. Throughout the 1970s, he accompanied René on extensive tracking expeditions across British Columbia and parts of the United States, experiencing firsthand the dedication and intensity that defined his father's work.

Michelle Beauregard shares these remarkable stories as a narrative journey into the life and times of René Dahinden—a man who devoted over 40 years, from the 1950s until his passing in 2001, to following the trail of Bigfoot. Originally from Switzerland, René made British Columbia his home and the center of his enduring quest.

Together, Michelle and Martin offer a rare, intimate perspective on a fascinating chapter of North American folklore and research history. 

WITH MORE PRESENTERS TO BE ANNOUNCED!

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Squatch Watch Vancouver Island 2026 Conference is being hosted FALL 2026 - Oct 30-31 Nov 1 @ Florence Filberg Centre

Come join in the sharing of ALL THINGS SASQUATCH! WE BELIEVE!

THANK YOU TO OUR HOTEL SPONSOR Bayview Hotel V.I. ~ Not only are they the OFFICIAL accommodation for the Conference Presenters, Conference Attendees get a SPECIAL RATE for their booking (CAD$):  

• Classic Two Queen: $166.32 per night plus taxes
• King Suite: $183.92 per night plus taxes

Guests can access the preferred rates using the booking code:
2610SQUA

https://www.bayviewvi.com/

OFFICIAL TRANSPORTATION SPONSOR: BC FERRIES

Routes from Tsawwassen or Horseshoe Bay to V.I. - Book now!

https://www.bcferries.com/book-sailings

Conference 3-Day Tickets, Single Daily Tickets and Vending Space are all available via EVENTBRITE.CA – “Squatch Watch Vancouver Island 2026. Presented by Kiki’s Communications Inc. in partnership with Queneesh Indigenous Community Society (partial proceeds to QICS).

Compass Magazine Vancouver Island compassmagazine@ourmail.com