Vancouver Island

The largest island off the Pacific Coast of continental North America, Vancouver Island is nine times larger than Long Island, New York, and larger than many European and Asian countries. Read More

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The region is home to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia as well as world-renowned Butchart Gardens, the West Coast Trail, beaches, golf courses, wineries, farms, the pastoral Gulf Islands and a year-round temperate climate.

On the island you can experience whale watching, visit cultural centres, go skiing, surfing, kayaking and hike through virgin rainforests. Before there were cities, wineries and golf courses in this area of BC, there were First Nations villages. The Coast Salish, Nuu-chah-nulth and KwakwakawÂ’akw lived in areas where the ocean provided them with all the food our ancestors could eat and the mild climate of the temperate rainforest meant that edible plants provided harvest throughout much of the year. The food came to them, eliminating the need to migrate to follow herds, so their houses were large permanent structures, often facing outward to the ocean, the food source and avenue of transportation. This ease of survival ensured the people had enough leisure time to develop richly complex art forms.

Today, the First Nations people of Vancouver Island tell their stories through cultural presentations, art, adventure experiences, and interpretive centers. Whether telling the stories of the Potlatch reclaimed, proudly showing totem poles, displaying the works of world class artists in local galleries, performing stories in dance, hosting guests in their own resort, or taking them on canoe rides, the First Nations of Vancouver Island have many stories to tell and many experiences to share.

Visit the Vancouver Island area of BC and experience the hospitality and culture of the Coast Salish, Nuu-chah-nulth and Kwakwakaw’akw First Nations.

Aboriginal Journeys Wildlife Viewing & Adventure Tours

Offering awe-inspiring Grizzly Bear Watching, Orca Killer Whale Watching, Marine Wildlife Viewing and Adventure Tours from Campbell River on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada ...

Ahtsik Native Art Gallery

Ahtsik Native Art Gallery houses hand-crafted art from the Nuu-chah-nulth, Coast Salish and Kwakwaka’wakw Nations as well as other First Nations. Ahtsik Native Art Gallery is owned and operated ...

Best Western Tin Wis Resort

85 ocean front rooms overlook Tofino’s majestic Mackenzie Beach, providing the perfect opportunity to sit on the balcony or patio and feel the pulse of the Pacific Ocean. Our Tofino Resort ...

Copper Maker Gallery

Located in the picturesque village of Fort Henry, located just outside of Port Hardy, BC, Copper Maker Gallery is home to internationally renowned artist Calvin Hunt. The Copper Maker Gallery was ...

Culture Shock Interactive Gallery

A multi-faceted gallery where guests can explore traditional, local art forms and book cultural tours, including a canoe paddle, traditional salmon barbeque, cedar weaving and Nusa storytelling ...

I-HOS Gallery

I-Hos Gallery presents a collection of traditional and contemporary Northwest coast artwork, including masks, prints, gold and silver jewelry, wood carvings and more produced by First Nations ...

Kwisitis Feast House

Perched at the east end of Wickanninish Beach, with arguably the most stunning location on the Coast, the Kwisitis Feast House delights diners with a menu inspired by authentic First Nations ...

Nakwakto Rapids Tours

Explore the world’s fastest navigable tidal rapids and surrounding wilderness in the company of Aboriginal guides from the Gwa’sala and ‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations. This fascinating cultural adventure ...

Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre Society

Discover the fascinating treasures of the Kwakwaka’wakw people at the Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre. It houses headdresses, masks, basketry, a three-story totem and more photographs dating from the ...

Puntledge RV Campground and Nim Nim Interpretive Centre

The Puntledge RV Campground is located in the traditional territory of the Comox First Nation and provides a safe, natural, family camping experience which incorporates the historic and cultural ...

Quw’utsun’ Cultural and Conference Centre

The Cowichan Band-owned Quw’utsun’ centre is scenically situated on six acres of landscaped pasture land along the Cowichan River. Guests are invited to learn about the culture and heritage of ...

Sea Wolf Adventures

Sea Wolf Adventures connects travellers to destinations in the Broughton Archipelago and surrounding areas for sightseeing, sea taxi services, local First Nations cultural tours, freight and ...

Sidney Whale Watching

Sidney Whale Watching is located minutes from the Gulf Islands Nation Park in the Salish Sea and offers whale watching tours and private charters out of Sidney as well as kayak rentals, lessons ...

Spirit Eagle Experiences

You are invited on a First Nations eco-cultural experience to our home at Moyehai (Ahousat) to live ancient times. Experience First Nations culture, exchange stories, gather seafoods and explore ...

T’ashii Paddle School

Join a Nuu-chah-nulth guide as you explore Tla-o-qui-aht territory and hear traditional stories while paddling in an authentic dugout cedar canoe. Or, try a new paddling experience on a Stand Up ...

Thornton Motel

A friendly and inviting 16-room motel located in the fishing village of Ucluelet, just outside world-renowned Pacific Rim National Park, within walking distance of all local restaurants, shops, ...

Tsa-Kwa-Luten, The Ocean Resort at Cape Mudge

Tsa-Kwa-Luten (“Saw-kwa-loo-tan”) Lodge is a magical place where legends live in a land of salmon, eagles, killer whales, soaring mountain peaks, swirling tidal waters and lush ...

U’mista Cultural Centre

In earlier days, people were sometimes taken captive by raiding parties. When they returned to their homes, either through payment of ransom or by a raid, they were said to have u’mista ...

West Coast Expeditions

You will experience unmatched camping comforts, delicious healthy meals, endless exploration, and plenty of time to relax. Our trips are tailored to your personal interests and abilities. You ...

Wya Point

Luxurious oceanfront lodges, yurt glamping, tent and RV site camping, all set in a spectacular old growth forest on Vancouver Island’s West Coast. Nestled in the lush coastal rainforest of ...