Aboriginal Experiences British Columbia Guide Things To Do

Immerse yourself in the living traditions of British Columbia’s Aboriginal peoples, and experience authentic music and dance, food, arts, stories and fascinating cultural artifacts.

Arts & Culture Wildlife Tours Your vacation, Art Galleries, Artist Studios, Gift Shops Discover Mother Nature’s majesty and be inspired and awed by memorable and one-of-a-kind wildlife Aboriginal BC Whether looking for traditional Aboriginal masks and sculptures, Plus viewing tours, activities and excursions that or seeking more modern-influenced paintings and jewelry, you’ll find a stunning variety of styles and artistic mediums on display hold spiritual significance for British Columbia’s and for sale at the various Aboriginal-owned and operated art Aboriginal peoples. galleries and gift shops located throughout British Columbia’s Bear Watching regions. There’s no better place in the world to experience a truly awe- Museums, Heritage Sites, Cultural Centres inspiring bear watching excursion than in British Columbia. Come face to face with the fascinating stories, legends and Home to the rare Kermode (Spirit) bear, as well as more than myths of British Columbia’s Aboriginal peoples through half of Canada’s grizzly bears and a quarter of the country’s black educational and unique interpretive exhibits and activities. Step bears, BC offers unique opportunities to journey right into their into the past at these modern facilities and explore traditions natural habitat and view these magnificent giants that hold and a spiritual, sacred way of life that still thrives today. such spiritual significance for Aboriginal peoples. Marine Wildlife Watching Discover British Columbia’s vibrant and thriving marine life as you explore pristine waters teeming with fish while in search of Visit AboriginalBC.com for the latest orcas (killer whales), dolphins, porpoises, seals, sea lions, otters, deals, events and information. While there, whales and other members of the ocean world. explore our blog for unique and authentic Whale Watching stories from BC First Nations and Métis. Learn about traditional territories, as well as myths and legends while on an exciting and memorable whale watching excursion with an Aboriginal-owned and operated tour company.

AboriginalBC.com Our passion is sharing our culture and telling our story. Our job is getting you there. Accommodation, Golf & Spas Experience a unique and memorable vacation of cultural discovery. Aboriginal-owned resorts and Safely experience these incredible and curious gentle giants in hotels feature breathtaking settings and incredible their natural habitat as they breach the water, tail slap and leap service, as well as the opportunity to learn and right into your fondest memories. understand the culture and traditions of Aboriginal Big Horn Sheep Viewing people. Here you can sample traditional foods as Journey with Aboriginal guides to see gentle big horn sheep as well as modern fare and award-winning wines; get they graze in alpine meadows or on rocky outcroppings amongst pampered at a spa or cleanse your spirit at a sweat some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in British Columbia. lodge. You’ll also find incredible golf experiences, casinos and more at our Aboriginal-owned resorts, Eagle Watching hotels and lodges. Aboriginal Travel Services is an Sacred to British Columbia’s Aboriginal peoples, eagles hold a special place in ancient and time-honoured myths, legends, Aboriginal-owned Corporate rituals and ceremonies. Explore these magnificent birds’ & Leisure Travel Agency habitat as knowledgeable Aboriginal guides take you to nesting Outdoor Adventure and feeding grounds, and share their people’s history and Explore Aboriginal outdoor adventures by sea and Please contact us for information on culture through your awe-inspiring and first-hand experience. by land. Experience BC wildlife and bear tours, or the many authentic Aboriginal cultural enjoy whale watching and kayaking. travel options that we offer. Food & Wine Explore Aboriginal outdoor adventures on thrilling and memo- rable tours guided by knowledgeable First Nations guides. Hit Experience the culinary delights of Aboriginal British Columbia’s crystal clear rivers and lakes for canoe, kayak chefs trained to prepare both traditional foods by and boat excursions, or try your hand at angling or flyfishing. methods handed down by uncounted generations, Experience the excitement of gold-panning, or head into the as well as thoroughly modern creations inspired by pristine backcountry for spectacular guided walks and nature their heritage and culture. hikes through BC’s scenic landscapes. Aboriginal Travel Services 1303 Homer Street , BC 604-678-4890 • Toll-Free: 1-855-319-4552

AboriginalTravelServices.com Places To Go

Vancouver coast Vancouver Island & mountains The largest island off theP acific Coast of This is the most populated region of the province continental North America, Vancouver Island is nine of BC, Canada, with stunning geography ranging times larger than Long Island, New York, and larger from oceans to mountains, and includes temperate than many European and Asian countries. rainforests, alpine peaks, lakes, fjords and fertile On the island you can experience whale watching, visit cultural valley delta lands. centres, go skiing, surfing, kayaking and hike through virgin rainforests. Before there were cities, wineries and golf courses The Coast Salish, one of the largest First Nations in the province, in this area of BC, there were First Nations villages. The Coast Thompson Okanagan inhabits the entire region. Amongst the Coast Salish are the Salish, Nuu-chah-nulth and Kwakwaka’wakw lived in areas Squamish, Lil’wat, Sto:Lo and Tseil-Waututh Nations. Throughout The Thompson Okanagan region of BC has semi- where the ocean provided them with all the food our ancestors the region you can share their culture through interpretive centres, arid deserts, vast wilderness parks, and some of could eat and the mild climate of the temperate rainforest meant performance spaces, gift and art shops, guided interpretive tours the most fertile farmland in the province. There that edible plants provided harvest throughout much of the on water and land, workshops, and festivals. year. The food came to them, eliminating the need to migrate to are mountains, meadows, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, follow herds, so their houses were large permanent structures, rolling hills, and thick forests. often facing outward to the ocean, the food source and avenue The indigenous peoples of this area are the Nlaka’pamux, of transportation. This ease of survival ensured the people had Okanagan and Secwepemc nations, each with distinct cultures enough leisure time to develop richly complex art forms. and traditions. The Nlaka’pamux are known for expressing Today, the First Nations people of Vancouver Island tell the landscape of their homeland, their dreams, and their their stories through cultural presentations, art, adventure experience through their clothing, face-painting, and jewelry. The Secwepemc people carry forward their knowledge of plants experiences, and interpretive centres. for food, medicine and tools. The Okanagan First Nations lived in harmony with the land, and now educate others through the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre in the southern Okanagan. Cariboo Coast This region of BC, which takes part of its name from the indigenous peoples that live here, spans Kootenay Rockies Northern British latitudinally across the lower middle of the province, Columbia from the fjord-like coastline through lush rainforests Located in the southeastern corner of the province, to arid mountain peaks and deep canyons. the Kootenay Rockies region of BC embraces Northern BC comprises more than half the entire In the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region of BC you will find small five different mountain ranges, including the province. At approximately 500,000 square western ranges of the Canadian Rockies, creating populations of people sparsely dispersed in a vast landscape. kilometres, it is larger than California or Japan and The Tsilhqot’in (also called the Chilcotin) people are the most breathtaking vistas and river valleys and providing a twice the size of the United Kingdom. southern of the Athapascan-speaking Aboriginal people in world-class outdoor playground. The region is home to many First Nations including the Haida, British Columbia. When translated Tsilhqot’in means “river This is the traditional territory of the Ktunaxa Kinbasket Nation, Tsimshian, Nisga’a, Kaska, Gitxsan, Dene Thah, Dunne-za, people”. Their traditional territory is the high altitude Chilcotin also known as the Kootenay (or Kootenai in the US). Shared Carrier Sekani and the Tlingit people. The monumental totem Plateau where they occupy the rivers. Along the coast are lands, a rich cultural heritage, and a language so unique that it poles that have become famous throughout the world originate people of the Kwakwakaw’akw, the Nuxalk people of Bella is not linked to any other in the world, make the Ktunaxa First in the northwest coast region of northern BC. Coola and Coast Salish Nations and, further to the interior, is Nations distinctive. the historical territory of the Northern Secwepemc, part of the Northern BC has a host of wonderful experiences to offer visitors Interior Salish peoples. to the area, from inns and resorts to guiding services, fishing lodges and adventure tours, as well as art galleries, museums, Visitors can experience a wide array of travel and cultural cultural centres and historic villages. experiences in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast. Atlin

Watson Lake

Telegraph Dease Lake Creek

Iskut

Fort Nelson Northern British COlumbia

Stewart

New Aiyansh 50 Masset Prince 51 Rupert 52 Tlell 49 Terrace Fort St John Smithers Skidagate 47 48 Kitimat Chetwynd HAIDA Houston Dawson Creek GWAII Burns Lake

57 Klemtu Vanderhoof Prince George cariboo chilcotin Bella Coola coast 55 McBride Alexis Creek

21 22 26 53 54 58 Port Hardy Williams Lake Riske Creek 23 37 Valemount Alert Bay

38 Kyuquot Telegraph Cove 30 Clearwater VANCOUVER 18 35 27 36 Quadra Isl. ISLAND Campbell 56 59 River 3 Lillooet 24 28 Lund 45 44 Courtenay 11 Kamloops Chase Golden 32 Ahousaht Whistler Revelstoke 19 20 33 Tofino Port Alberni 17 Salmon Kootenay Boston Merrit Arm National Park 25 34 39 Parksville Ucluelet 16 4 14 15 Bar 60 29 1 5 6 8 10 Duncan Nakusp VANCOUVER 7 9 13 Westbank Kelowna 40 61 31 White Rock Agassiz Windermere Sidney 2 12 Hedley W A S H I N G T O N 41 42 43 46 Osoyoos Nelson 62 Cranbrook Creston I D A H O

Vancouver Vancouver coast Thompson kootenay M O N T A N A island & mountains Okanagan rockies Vancouver coast 17  Tuckkwiowhum Interpretive Village, 33 T’ashii Paddle School, Tofino 49 Haida House at Tllaal, Tlell Boston Bar Experience: Canoeing, Storytelling, Experience: Lodge, Cultural Tours, & mountains Experience: Heritage Site, Traditional Lodging, Interpretive Tour, Paddle Boarding Eco Tours, Gift Shop, Hiking and Walking, Workshops, Gift Shop, Phone: (250) 266-3787 Phone: (855) 557-4600 1 Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Cultural Performances, Traditional Food TofinoPaddle.com HaidaHouse.com Art, Vancouver Phone: (604) 867-8844 Experience: Gallery, Gift Shop Tuckkwiowhum.com 34 Thornton Motel, Ucluelet 50 Hiellen Longhouse Village, Tow Hill Phone: (604) 682-3455 Experience: Hotel/Motel Experience: Traditional Longhouse Cabins BillReidGallery.ca Phone: (250) 726-7725 Phone: (250) 626-3337 Vancouver Island ThortonMotel.ca HaidaLongHouses.ca 2 Cheryl’s Trading Post, White Rock 18  Aboriginal Journeys Wildlife Viewing & 35 Thunderbird RV Park, Campbell River Experience: Gallery, Gift Shop 51 ‘Ksan Historical Village and Museum, Adventure Tours, Campbell River Experience: Campground, RV Park Hazelton Phone: (604) 538-5008 Experience: Bear Watching, Whale Watching, CherylsTradingPost.com Phone: (250) 286-3344 Experience: Heritage Site, Cultural Tours, Eagle Watching, Marine Wildlife Watching, ThunderBirdRvPark.com Cultural Performances, Boating, Adventure Tours 3 I’Hos Cultural Tours, Lund Phone: (250) 850-1101 36 Phone: (250) 842-5544 Experience: Cultural Workshops, Canoeing, Tsa-Kwa-Luten, The Ocean Resort at AboriginalJourneys.com Ksan.org Boating Cape Mudge, Quathiaski Cove 52 Phone: (604) 483-1308 19  Ahtsik Native Art Gallery, Port Alberni Experience: Lodge /Resort, RV Park, Gallery, Museum of Northern BC, Prince Gift Shop, Spa, Interpretive Tours, Restaurant Rupert IHosTours.com Experience: Gallery, Gift Shop, Art Studio Phone: (250) 285-2042 Experience: Museum 4 Phone: (250) 723-3425 Khot-la-cha Art Gallery & Gift Shop, CapeMudgeResort.com Phone: (250) 624-3207 N.Vancouver GordonDick.ca 37 U’mista Cultural Centre, Alert Bay MuseumOfNorthernBC.com Experience: Gallery, Gift Shop 20  Best Western Tin Wis Resort , Tofino Experience: Cultural Centre & Museum, Phone: (604) 987-3339 Experience: Hotel/Resort, Gallery, Gift Shop, Gallery, Gift Shop, Cultural Tours Khot-la-cha.com Restaurant Cariboo Chilcotin Phone: (250) 974-5403 Phone: (250) 725-4445 5 Klahowya Village, Vancouver Umista.ca Coast TinWis.com Experience: Miniature Train, Cultural 38 West Coast Expeditions, Kyuquot 53 Cariboo Chilcotin Jetboat Adventures , Performances and Workshops, Artisans 21  Cluxewe Resort, Port Hardy Williams Lake Experience: Marine Wildlife Viewing, Kayaking, Phone: (778) 968-1070 Experience: Cottages, Beach-view, Café Wilderness Retreat Experience: Jetboat River Tours, Wildlife KlahowyaVillage.com Phone: (250) 949-0378 Viewing, Cultural Tours, Dipnet Fishing and Phone: (250) 338-2511 Storytelling 6 Musqueam Cultural Centre, Cluxewe.com WestCoastExpeditions.com Phone: (250) 659-5800 Vancouver 22 Copper Maker Gallery, Port Hardy 39 Wya Point Resort, Ucluelet JetboatAdventures.com Experience: Cultural Centre & Museum, Experience: Gallery, Gift Shop Gallery, Gift Shop, Interpretive Tours Experience: Yurts, Lodges, Camping & RV Phone: (250) 949-8491 54 Coyote Rock Golf Course, Williams Phone: (250) 726-2625 Phone: (604) 263-3261 x3467 CalvinHunt.com Lake Musqueam.bc.ca WyaPoint.com Experience: Golf 23 Culture Shock Interactive Gallery, Phone: (250) 296-4646 7 Ruby Creek Art Gallery, Agassiz Alert Bay CoyoteRockGolf.com Experience: Gallery, Gift Shop Thompson Experience: Gallery, Gift Shop, Cultural 55 Northern Star Adventures, Quesnel Phone: (604) 796-0740 Performance, Storytelling, Canoeing Okanagan RubyCreekArtGallery.com Phone: (250) 974-2484 Experience: Bushcraft, Gold-panning, Ice 40 Kekuli Aboriginal Foods Inc - Kekuli Fishing, Wilderness Camping 8 Salmon n’ Bannock , Vancouver CultureShockGallery.ca Cafe, Westbank Phone: (250) 991-9901 Experience: Restaurant, Traditional Food 24  I-HOS Gallery, Courtenay Experience: Restaurant, Gallery, Gift Shop NorthernStarAdventures.com Tasting, Gift Shop Experience: Heritage, Gallery, Gift Shop, Phone: (250) 768-3555 56 Phone: (604) 568-8971 Cultural Performances, Events, Canoeing KekuliCafe.com Retasket Lodge & RV Park, Lillooet SalmonAndBannock.net Phone: (250) 339-7702 Experience: Hotel/Motel, RV Park, 41 Nk’Mip Cellars , Osoyoos Campground 9 Sasquatch Crossing Eco Lodge, IhosGallery.com Experience: Winery, Tours Agassiz Phone: (250) 256-2090 25 Kwisitis Feasthouse, Ucluelet Phone: (250) 495-2985 RetasketLodge.com Experience: Hotel, Cultural Performances, Experience: Restaurant, Traditional Food NkMipCellars.com Hiking and Walking, Art Workshops 57 Spirit Bear Lodge, Klemtu Phone: (250) 726-2628 Phone: (604) 796-9798 42 Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre, Experience: Lodge, Bear Viewing, Cultural KwisitisFeasthouse.com Sasquatch Crossing.ca Osoyoos Performances Experience: Culture Centre & Museum, Gallery, 10  Skwachays Lodge, Vancouver 26 Nakwakto Rapid Tours, Port Hardy Phone: (250) 339-5644 Gift Shop SpiritBear.com Experience: Gallery, Gift Shop, Hotel/Motel, Art Experience: Boating, Marine Wildlife Viewing, Whale Watching, Cultural Performances, Phone: (250) 495-7901 Studio, Sweat Lodge 58 Storytelling, Cultural Interpretation NkMipDesert.ca Xat’sull Heritage Village, Williams Phone: (604) 687-3589 Lake Phone: (250) 230-5081 Skwachays.com 43 NakwaktoRapidsTours.com Nk’Mip RV Park, Osoyoos Experience: Heritage Site, Traditional Lodging, Sweat Lodge, Hiking and Walking 11  Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, Experience: RV Park, Camping 27 Whistler Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre Society, Phone: (250) 495-7279 Phone: (250) 297-6502 Quathiaski Cove XatsullHeritageVillage.com Experience: Cultural Centre & Museum, CampingOsoyoos.com Experience: Cultural Centre & Museum, Gallery, Gift Shop, Cultural Performances, 44 Quaaout Lodge and Talking Rock Golf, 59 Xwisten Experience Tours, Lillooet Workshops, Restaurant/Traditional Food Gallery, Gift Shop Phone: (250) 285-3733 Chase Experience: Heritage Site, Traditional Fishing Tasting Grounds, Pithouse Phone: (604) 964-0990 Nuyumbalees.com Experience: Hotel/Resort, Golf, Restaurant, Slcc.ca Spa, Workshops Phone: (250) 256-7423 28 Puntledge RV Campground and Nim Phone: (250) 679-3090 XwistenTours.ca 12  Sto:lo Tourism, Chilliwack Nim Interpretive QuaaoutLodge.com Experience: Camping, Lodge, Outdoor Centre, Courtenay Adventures, Cultural Workshops Experience: Campground, Cultural Centre 45 Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Kootenay Rockies Park, Kamloops Phone: 1-855-STOLO-52 Phone: (250) 334-3733 60 StoloTourism.ca PuntledgeRv.com Experience: Heritage Site, Museum CrossRiver Wilderness Centre, Phone: (778) 471-5789 Kootenay National Park 13  Sts’ailes Lhawathet Lalem Healing 29 Quw’utsun’ Cultural and Conference SecwepemcMuseum.com Experience: Lodge, Teepees, Workshops, Retreat Centre, Agassiz Centre, Duncan Cultural Tours Experience: Hotel/Motel, Cultural Experience: Cultural Centre, Gallery, Gift Shop, 46 Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa, Phone: (403) 271-3296 Performances, Workshops Cultural Performances, Restaurant Osoyoos CrossRiver.ca Phone: (604) 796-9832 Phone: (250) 746-8119 Experience: Hotel/Resort, Restaurant, Spa 61 Lakeshore Resort & Campground, Lhawathet.ca QuwutSun.ca Phone: (250) 495-5445 Windermere SpiritRidge.ca 14  Takaya Golf Centre, N. Vancouver 30 Sea Wolf Adventures, Telegraph Cove Experience: Campground, RV Park, Storytelling Experience: Golf Experience: Boating, Cultural Interpretation Phone: (250) 342-6352 Phone: (604) 929-6672 Phone: (250) 902-9653 Northern British LakeShoreResortCampground.com Takayagolfcentre.com SeaWolfAdventures.ca Columbia 62 St. Eugene Golf Resort Casino, 15  Takaya Tours - Deep Cove Canoe & 31 Sidney Whale Watching, Sidney Cranbrook Kayak Centre, N. Vancouver Experience: Whale Watching, Marine Wildlife 47 Haida Fishing Charters, Skidegate Experience: Hotel/Resort, Casino, Golf, Experience: Canoeing, Kayaking, Boating, Viewing, Kayaking, Boating, Interpretive Experience: Whale Watching, Marine Wildlife Restaurant Storytelling, Hiking & Walking, Drumming Tours, Storytelling Viewing, Boating, Fishing, Customizable Van Phone: (250) 420-2000 Phone: (604)904-7410 Phone: (250) 656-7599 Tours Steugene.ca Takayatours.com SidneyWhaleWatching.com Phone: (250) 559-0014 HaidaExpeditions.com 16  Talaysay Kayak Adventures, W. 32 Spirit Eagle Experiences, Ahousaht Vancouver Experience: Artist Studio, Gift Shop, 48 Haida Heritage Centre at Kay Experience: Kayaking, Hiking, Walking, Storytelling, Boating Llnagaay, Skidegate Snowshoeing Phone: (250) 670-2319 Experience: Cultural Centre & Museum, Gift Phone: (604) 628-8555 SpiritEagle.ca Shop, Artist Studio, Workshops, Restaurant TalaysayTours.com Phone: (250) 559-7885 HaidaHeritageCentre.com