Art to wildlife, discover Vancouver Island’s Indigenous cultures

Indigenous tourism on Vancouver Island is crucial in preserving and promoting the diverse cultures and traditions of the region’s 50 First Nations communities.

Here are some trip ideas to connect with the story and shared history of our beautiful lands, while partaking in responsible tourism that considers the value of our cultures and majestic wildlife.

Explore the Lower Island

Victoria offers visitors an ideal and enticing mix of Indigenous and colonial histories with vibrant, cosmopolitan features, says Indigenous Tourism BC.

In downtown Victoria, check out the Eagle Feather Gallery and the Mark Loria Gallery, both a short walk from the Inner Harbour and the Royal B.C. Museum, home to thousands of spectacular photographs, films, recordings and objects showcasing the many First Nations cultures in B.C.

For lunch, the Songhees Food Truck on Admirals Road in Esquimalt is a must-try for traditionally inspired Indigenous food, done with a twist. Picnic at either Esquimalt Gorge Park or Saxe Point.

Campers can take a 3.5-hour drive up the west coast to find Pachena Bay Campground in Bamfield. Operated by Huu-ay-aht First Nations, this highly rated site sits along a magnificent, 1,200-metre-long stretch of natural sand beach close to the West Coast Trail with opportunities for hiking, whale watching, paddling and diving.

Find the wild on the West Coast

Himwitsa Lodge in Tofino is located in B.C.’s surfing town, steps away from awe-inspiring wildlife, with surfing, scenic hikes and ocean adventures close at hand. It includes an Indigenous art gallery, plus a fish store where visitors can get the freshest catches.

There’s also TinWis Resort, an oceanfront retreat owned and operated by the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation. For adventures in the area, check out Ahous Adventures, Clayoquot Wild Tours, Long Beach Nature Tours and Spirit Eagle Experiences.

Indigenous-owned businesses in the area include Naas Foods, Roy Henry Vickers Gallery, and the Tofino Clayoquot Heritage Museum.

In Ucluelet, the Wya Point Resort rests on pristine, private beaches surrounded by 600 acres of old-growth forest, welcoming visitors with luxurious lodge accommodations, waterfront yurts and beachfront camping, minutes from Pacific Rim National Park.

Travel along the Island’s east coast

For a comfortable camping experience, stay at Saysutshun, Newcastle Island, a special place in the hearts of Snuneymuxw people just off the shores of Nanaimo. Only accessible by a walk-on ferry, this pristine family-friendly park offers oceanside camping with full amenities, kayak rentals, hiking trails and tidal pools with views of mountains.

The Saysutshun Interpretive Walking Tour begins at the totem pole near the ferry dock and goes to sacred village sites.

Heading north is Qualicum Beach. After the beach, head 40 minutes inland to Port Alberni to see the artist-owned Ahtsik Native Art Gallery founded in 2008 by master carver Gordon Dick. While in the area, check out the jaw-dropping ancient forest at Cathedral Grove. Stay at the Chims Motel in Port Alberni, offering five, one-bedroom detached units with full-size kitchens.

Further north, Campbell River is a hotspot for land-based and adventure tourism. Indigenous guides lead Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours, which takes guests through the Salish Sea to Bute Inlet and along the Orford River – where grizzly bear populations thrive during the salmon run. Aboriginal Journeys offers awe-inspiring whale watching, marine wildlife viewing, and adventure tours aboard a 27-foot covered high-speed tour boat.

Stay nearby at the fly-in, floating Knight Inlet Lodge (Black Creek), which offers an immersive wildlife experience through tour packages and on-site dining specializing in fresh seafood.

Northern Island: Campbell River to the northern tip

Travelling north from Campbell River, make a stop in Alert Bay located on Cormorant Island, a short ferry ride from Port McNeil. This quaint village with a relaxed atmosphere is largely populated by the ‘Namgis First Nation. The U’mista Cultural Centre is highly praised for its informative exhibits, cultural experiences and summer programs.

Culture Shock Interactive Gallery offers interactive First Nations cultural experiences, including cedar weaving, traditional salmon barbecue and traditional ocean-going canoe tours. Be sure to also explore Alert Bay Ecological Park, with a 1.6-kilometre loop that includes boardwalk through peaceful nature.

Back on Vancouver Island, take Highway 19 to the Kwa’lilas Hotel in Port Hardy. This traditional big house style, four-star modern hotel embraces Indigenous culture through artwork, wildlife tours and cuisine. The name comes from the Kwakwala word for a place to sleep, chosen by Elders in hopes that travellers would find a peaceful rest after exploring all that Northern Vancouver Island has to offer.

For more ideas, visit indigenousbc.com.

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