| February - March
2004
This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.
WaveLength is printed on gloss, recycled, ancient rainforest-free paper
| Eco-Cultural Tourism Directory |
Listings are mostly First Nations, but a few non-native operations which work closely with First Nations are included.
| Aboriginal
Tourism Association of BC
ATBC is the voice of Aboriginal tourism in BC. Its purpose is to
share information, network, and explore means to strengthen the Aboriginal
tourism industry. Aboriginal traditions remain strong and rich with
experiences that delight the most seasoned traveller and create memories
that you will never forget. Visit the ATBC website for information
about Aboriginal accommodations, cultural centers, entertainment,
food services, galleries, adventure tourism, attractions, artists
and transportation services. Email: info@atbc.bc.ca,
604-980-1088, toll free 1-877-266-ATBC(2822), Web: www.atbc.bc.ca. |
| Alert
Bay
Alert Bay, BC is home to the 'Namgis First Nation and the world renowned
U'mista Cultural Centre. Watch cultural dance performances, enjoy
a salmon barbecue, take a tour on a converted fish boat or a traditional
oceangoing canoe, visit the U'mista Cultural Centre and Alert Bay
Library-Museum, shop for local First Nations art. Ask us about our
new adventure heli tours. For all your cultural and adventure planning
contact the U'mista. 250-974-5403, umista@island.net.
For general accommodation and travel info contact the Alert Bay Visitor
InfoCentre: info@alertbay.ca,
250-974-5024, Web: http://alertbay.ca. |
| Anvil
Cove Charters
Join Anvil Cove Charters for cultural tours of the Queen Charlotte
Islands (Haida Gwaii), BC. Interpretive tours of the monumental remains
of the ancient village sites and visits with the resident Haida Watchmen
give you an insight into Haida culture both past and present. Email: info@queencharlottekayaking.com,
Web: www.queencharlottekayaking.com,
250-559-8207. |
| Archipelago
Ventures Ltd.
Haida Gwaii / Queen Charlotte Islands, Gwaii Haanas National Park - "Place Of Wonder". Nourish the body, mind and spirit with a six-day wilderness adventure aboard the Island Bay – a 42’ motor vessel, fully licensed and equipped for touring and mothership kayaking. Our trips focus on both learning and fun! Experience spectacular old-growth forests, riparian ecosystems, Haida cultural heritage, wildlife viewing, natural hot springs and fabulous kayaking.
Website: www.TourHaidaGwaii.com
E-mail: info@TourHaidaGwaii.com
Phone: toll free 1-888-559-8317 or 604-940-6309 |
| Bears
of Bute
Tourists are brought from Campbell River aboard the 32-foot Chinook
Spirit to grizzly bear viewing platforms on the Orford River. The
Orford, halfway up Bute, is one of three major salmon-bearing rivers
in the inlet and is home to one of Homalco's traditional villages.
For more info call 250- 923-4979 or visit www.bearsofbute.com. |
| Cariboo
Chilcotin Jetboat Adventures
Combine your jetboat, kayak or van tour with an educational cultural
and wilderness experience. Enjoy native Chilcotin/Shushwap stories
while visiting village and archeological sites (depressions formed
from pit houses; dwellings used long ago, burial sites and ambush
sites). View pictographs, learn about the flora and fauna that was
used by native people for medicinal purposes and staple foods. Experience
dip netting for sockeye salmon and eat your freshly caught salmon
along with other traditional native foods. Ph/Fax: 250-659-5800.
Toll free: 1-877-RIV TOUR (748-8687), Email: info@jetboatadventures.com,
Web: www.jetboatadventures.com. |
| Copper
Maker Gallery
Inhale the healthy aroma of cedar in the downstairs workshop of the
Copper Maker Gallery just 10 minutes south of Port Hardy, in Beaver
Harbour. The Gallery is First Nations owned and operated by
Calvin and Marie Hunt. Visitors can watch talented carvers
transform the 'Tree of Life' into beautiful original Northwest Coast
fine art, or purchase special gifts in the upstairs gallery. Email: coppermaker@cablerocket.com,
250-949-8491, Web: www.calvinhunt.com. |
| Eagle
Lodge
Eagle Lodge offers a comfortable homebase for your exploration of
the stunning Bella Coola Valley and the history of the first inhabitants.
Ecotourism and First Nation experiences in and around Bella Coola
include petroglyphs and sacred hotsprings, plus there is a full range
of other adventures available such as paddling, grizzly bear watching,
skiing, rock climbing and fishing. Located in Hagensborg, BC: Email: eaglelodge@telus.net,
866-799-5587, Web: www.eaglelodgebc.com. |
| Gwaii
Haanas National Park Reserve
This rainforest archipelago stands proud at the outer edge of the
continent and celebrates more than ten thousand years of connection
between land, sea and Haida culture. Protected for present and future
generations, it offers opportunities to witness a living culture,
to learn, to escape the crowd, to connect with the sacred and the
spiritual. 250-559-8818, 1-800-HELLO BC, Web: www.parkscanada.gc.ca/gwaiihaanas. |
| Hemlock
House
A new First Nations business in the Johnstone Strait/Blackfish Sound
area offers accommodations and exposure to First Nations culture
through special on-site visiting artist programs as well as visits
to nearby Alert Bay. 1-866-392-8377 or Web: www.hemlockhouse.ca. |
| Hooksum
Outdoor School
Quality outdoor and environmental education through traditional indigenous
knowledge, modern skills, and intimate connection to the natural
world. Located in the traditional Hesquiaht territories of Hesquiat
Harbour, northwestern Clayoquot Sound, Hooksum offers PPSEC registered
West Coast Outdoor Leadership Training and customised group programs
for schools, organizations and private groups.
PO Box 352, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0 - Phone/Fax 250-670-1120 - Web: www.hooksumschool.com. |
| Just
Art
The cedar walls of the Just Art Gallery in downtown Port McNeill
house an impressive array of local art, including First Nations prints,
original paintings in oil, acrylic and watercolor by some of the
North Island's best-known painters; breathtaking wildlife and nature
photography; stone carvings, woodworking and jewelry. Ph/fax 250-956-4908,
1-866-956-4908, Web: www.justart.ca. |
| Klemtu
Tourism
Klemtu Tourism is an ecotourism venture owned and operated by the
community of Klemtu and the Kitasoo/Xaixais First Nation, located
in the heart of the beautiful Great Bear Rainforest in BC. They offer
sensational tour opportunities by sea kayak and motorboat for nature
enthusiasts and those wishing to learn about Coastal First Nations
culture. Rentals and support also available. Email: info@klemtutourism.com,
1-877-644-2346, Web: www.klemtutourism.com. |
| Ksan
Historical Village
Ksan Village in Hazelton, BC is Canada's oldest Aboriginal museum
offering over 35 years of excellence in aboriginal tourism. Seven
traditionally styled Northwest Coast Longhouses await, each offering
insight into Gitxsan culture, disclosing fascinating authentic aspects
of the life and cultural ways of the Gitxsan. ksan@ksan.org,
250-842-5544 or toll free: 1-877-842-5518, Web: www.ksan.org. |
| Lund
Hotel
The fully restored Historic Lund Hotel located at the Gateway to
Desolation Sound features oceanfront pub, restaurant and decks, as
well as 27 renovated guest rooms. Services include marina, fuel dock,
store, and laundromat. Activities offered include boat charters,
kayak rentals and lessons, guided hiking and diving. Email: info@lundhotel.com,
toll free 1-877-569-3999, Web: www.lundhotel.com. |
| Museum
at Campbell River
Spectacular exhibits reveal ancient First Nations cultures and the
extraordinary coastal lifestyles of recent history. There are also
native plant gardens, fishing and logging exhibits outdoors, a great
view and an excellent gift shop. Open year round, daily in summer.
470 Island Highway. 250-287-3103, Web: www.crmusuem.ca. |
| Nk'Mip
Desert Heritage Centre
The Heritage Centre, operated by the Osoyoos Indian Band, celebrates
millennia of habitation on Canada's only desert. Recipient of two
Aboriginal Tourism BC Awards, it includes interactive exhibits, historical
collections and daily programs, gift shop, desert trail system and
outdoor village. Email: nkmipdesert@oib.ca,
250-495-7901 or 1-888-495-8555, Web: www.nkmipdesert.com. |
| Pacific
Rainforest Adventures
Take a day tour with experienced naturalist guides off the beaten
track for a memorable natural and cultural experience-rainforests
walks, West Coast beachcombing, bear watching, salmon dinner and
First Nations dancers. The ideal adventure for seniors and families.
Tours depart from Parksville. Email: mail@rainforestnaturehikes.com,
ph/fax: 250-248-3667, Web: www.rainforestnaturehikes.com. |
| Quu'as
west coast trail
Quu'as means 'one people'. The Quu'as West Coast Trail Group is a
partnership among the Huu-ay-aht, Ditidaht and Pacheedaht First Nations.
Quu'as personnel, in partnership with Pacific Rim National Parks
staff, provide trail repair and maintenance, hiker orientation, cultural
resource protection, cultural interpretation, heritage education,
information of activities, services and opportunities in the Trail
area. www.alberni.net/quuas. |
| Quw'utsun'
Cultural Centre
The Quw'utsun' Cultural Centre in Duncan is an unforgettable experience,
just an hour's scenic drive from Victoria or Nanaimo. It offers Cultural
Interpretive Tours and Authentic Native Cuisine in the Riverwalk
Café. Every summer it hosts Salmon BBQs with live Native Entertainment.
Visit the gallery for hand-crafted Coast Salish art, including the
world famous Cowichan Sweaters-the only source for the genuine article.
Email: askme@quwutsun.ca,
250-746-8119, Web: www.quwutsun.ca. |
| See-Quest
Adventures
Operating on BC's Central Coast, SeeQuest's Heiltsuk heritage interpretation
and tour booking centre provides insight into the ancient Heiltsuk
culture. Ocean going canoe tours, outfitting and special charters
available. A waterfront camp serves as a sea kayak base. Kayak transportation
and water taxi services provide a gateway to this wild and rugged
country. Also available: interpretative walking tours, traditional
salmon BBQ, native arts and crafts. Call 250-245-2015 or email: frank.brown@community.royalroads.ca. |
| Skeena
Eco Expeditions
Skeena Eco Expeditions offers river rafting, fishing and hiking tours
with Gitxsan guides in Northwestern British Columbia. Explore Gitxsan
traditional territory and observe their culture. Hazelton, BC. Toll
free: 1-877-842-5911, Web: www.kispioxadventures.com. |
| Takaya
Tours
Join First Nations guides for a 2 hour interpretive paddle in a 12
passenger canoe. As you paddle in the protected waters of Burrard
Inlet and Indian Arm, guides provide stories and songs capturing
the richness of First Nations culture. Takaya also offers kayaking
tours, lessons and rentals. All fitness levels welcome. 25 min. from
downtown Vancouver. Email: info@takayatours.com,
604-904-7410, Web: www.takayatours.com. |
| Tin
Wis Resort
Enjoy the solitude and marvel at the scenery of the Tofino, BC area.
Just steps from the sandy beach, you'll experience a rare serenity
in the summer, or the raw power in a wild winter storm. Spectacular
views from every well-appointed room, superb dining, and conference
facilities for up to 250 participants. Discover the spirit. Best
Western Tin Wis Resort: 1-800-661-9995, Web: www.tinwis.com. |
| Tla-ook
Cultural Adventures
Tla-ook Cultural Adventures, in Tofino, BC, offers paddling experiences
in traditional cedar dugout canoes. Certified First Nations guides
will take you over the oceans and into the heart of the old-growth
forest on regularly scheduled day trips. Share in the culture and
wisdom of the Tla-o-qui-aht. 250-725-2656, Web: www.tlaook.com. |
| Village
Island Tours
Village Island Tours offers daily native cultural tours at the famous
Village Island site (beach and dock access). See the old
totems and big house remains while you are taken on a journey of
discovery through Tom Sewid's narration. Traditional seafood meals
available with prior booking. Tom has a new water taxi/tour boat
for marine cultural tours and kayak transport. Campsites, trip planning,
transport, grizzly bear watching, whale watching, fishing and
Ky-hopping are available. Remember, even in these modern days,
Indian Guides still exist! Email: villageisland@telus.net,
1-877-282-(TAXI) 8294, Web: www.villageisland.com,
on-water: VHF 79-A, Village Island Tours. |
| Voyager
Water Taxi
Voyager Water Taxi is the Kyuquot Sound service for all your transportation
needs, located in some of the best sea kayaking waters in North America,
near Brooks Peninsula off the West Coast of Vancouver Island, BC.
They'll transport just about anything that fits in their boats, safely
and efficiently! Email: info@voyagerwatertaxi.com,
250-332-5301, www.voyagerwatertaxi.com. |
| West
Coast Expeditions
West Coast Expeditions has offered nature programs designed to educate,
motivate and inspire since 1974. Five night family-oriented sea kayaking
expeditions trips in the Kyuquot, BC wilderness area include base
camp accommodations, First Nations cultural contact, and wildlife
observation including sea otters. 1-800-665-3040, Web: www.island.net/~nature. |
| Xá:ytem
Xá:ytem is a 9000-year-old village site on the mainland that
features a sacred transformer stone and BC's Oldest House. Xá:ytem
has been a gathering place for 'People of the River' for thousands
of years, and continues to be a place of sharing and teaching Sto:lo
culture, history, archaeology and spirituality. Xá:ytem
is located at 35087 Lougheed Highway, Mission, BC. Email: info@xaytem.ca,
604-820-9725, Web: www.xaytem.ca. |
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