British Columbia. It's home to 204 Indigenous communities in six regions spanning coastal temperate rainforests, valley-studded mountainscapes and interior desert lands. Picturesque environs aside, opportunities to participate in authentic Indigenous experiences abound. At these five Indigenous-owned resorts guests experience and interpret some of the province's most rugged tracts of wilderness through a cultural lens, offering a renewed understanding and appreciation for British Columbia's diverse landscapes and the people who first called them home.
Klahoose Wilderness Resort
Desolation Sound
Klahoose Wilderness Resort
Klahoose Wilderness Resort believes in developing intentional eco-tourism efforts by investing in nature conservation. A two hour float plane ride from Vancouver brings guests to Desolation Sound where they're greeted with an abundance of nature and surprisingly warm ocean temperatures. Here Klahoose Wilderness Resort offers an opportunity to observe and experience the rich, diverse landscapes of the Klahoose, Tla’amin and Homalco Nations through eco adventures such as marine tours, grizzly bear viewing and Indigeneous story telling.
Recently opened in August 2021, the wilderness resort is both a stunning retreat and a beacon to travellers looking for one-of-a-kind, culturally rich experiences.
Season dates: May 12 - October 20
Nemiah Valley Lodge
Chilcotin Region
Nemiah Valley Lodge
The Nemiah Valley Lodge presents a unique opportunity to visit one of northern British Columbia's ranching communities and learn about the living culture and traditions of the Xeni Gwet’in and Tŝilhqot’in people. The lodge offers curated, all-inclusive packages featuring educational experiences led by community Elders, including guided tours along the shores of Chilko Lake, hiking to Cardiff Mountain and foraging walks with a Tŝilhqot’in Guide. Back at the lodge, an Indigenous-inspired menu continues the exploration into the Xeni Gwet’in and Tŝilhqot’in culture with traditional menu items like fire-cooked bannock, fresh fish and roasted root vegetables.
Season dates: June 30 - October 1
Ocean House
Haida Gwaii
Ocean House
The remarkable Ocean House is set to open its first land-based location this fall, with new opportunities for eco-adventure tours, local art exploration and Haida culture education.
Raised in Haida Gwaii with extensive experience in Vancouver’s top restaurants, Ocean House’s Executive Chef, Brodie Swanson is passionate about sharing his culture through food, using locally sourced ingredients like salmon, halibut, razor clams and scallops for a true tide-to-table experience. Another highlight includes unwinding at an all-inclusive spa featuring all-natural treatments to relax the mind, body and soul.
Season dates: Opening Fall 2022
Shearwater Resort & Marina
Denny Island
Shearwater Resort & Marina
Newly owned and operated by the Heiltsuk Nation, Shearwater Resort is introducing new eco-tours this year. Travellers can learn about the history and culture of the Heiltsuk people and the land they call home during guided walks in the temperate rainforest. For those who want to explore B.C. by boat, the full-service marina is open throughout the summer, with float house lodging and accommodations available on the doorstep of The Great Bear Rainforest.
Season dates: Year-round
Walters Cove
Kyuquot
Reopening this June with new and expansive floating accommodations, guests at Walters Cove Resort can relax and unwind after a long day of saltwater adventure on the northwest coast of Vancouver Island.
Walters Cove is a unique ecotourism experience for those who enjoy sport fishing with a sustainable and ethical focus. Known locally as the “Salmon Highway,” the mix of coastal inlets, bays and islands of Kyuquot Sound make it the premiere spot for recreational and professional fishing alike.
Alongside offering salmon and halibut specialty trips and charters, visitors can admire the coast's rugged natural beauty from the vantage point of a kayak or stand up paddleboard.
Season dates: June 23 - September 3
More Indigenous-led experiences in British Columbia