Vancouver Island is rich in history and aboriginal culture. The Island's First Nations were the Nuu-Chah-Nulth, Kwagiutl, and Coast Salish peoples. Exploring their history and culture is an interesting and enlightening experience.
Island Adventure Tours has packaged three distinct tours to each of these magnificent cultural areas. We utilize aboriginal guides from the local area exclusively to offer the aboriginal perspective and unique insights. The natural beauty surrounds us as we journey to remote islands and spectacular viewscapes.
3-Day Aboriginal Cultural Tour
Nuu-Chah-Nulth Territories
The NuuChah-Nulth live on the West Coast of Vancouver Island in a beautiful and rugged land. They have a history rich in art, dances and legends.
Day 1
We depart Victoria or Nanaimo and stop at the Cowichan Native Village to see some important Nuu-Chah-Nulth art works and have a sumptious traditional lunch. We then depart for the trip to the home of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth people, the West Coast of Vancouver Island. We will stop at Cathedral Grove to see the 800 year old Fir trees and then at Sproat Lake to view ancient petroglyph carvings. We arrive at the wonderful beachfront "Tin Wis Resort", owned and operated by the The Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations. http://www.tinwis.com/
Day 2
We have a full day of exploring ahead ! We will board our water taxi for a trip to Hot Springs Cove. We will view the abundant wildlife that thrive in this area, hopefully some whales too. A gourmet lunch awaits at the Hot Springs Lodge. The afternoon is free to explore the chariming town of Tofino. We will be back at the Tin Wis for a second night by 6 p.m.
Day 3
After a few strolls along the Pacific Rim National Park's many beaches and Tofino's many galleries we will head back to the east coast of the Island. We will stop along the way at various scenic sites at be back to Nanaimo/Victoria by 4 p.m.
Cost: $599 double occupancy and includes transportation, 2 nights lodge accommodation, all meals, entrance fees, ferry trips, cultural presentations and guide.
Departs every Friday and Monday morning from Victoria at 8:30 a.m.
3-Day Native Culture Tour - Kwakwak'awakw
The Kwakwak'awakw people have flourished for thousands of years and their rich heritage is still maintained today. From ancient petroglyphs to recently constructed Museums there is much to explore.
Day 1
We depart Victoria at 9:00 a.m. (pick up at your hotel/B&B) and drive 20 minutes north to Saanich Inlet and Goldstream Marina. Here we join a 2-hour Native Canoe paddling journey aboard a genuine cedar dug-out canoe carved by Chief Al West of Alert Bay. This 42 ft. long canoe can seat 12 people and is carved from a single cedar tree. Your native guide shares insights into the songs and legends of the Kwakwak'awakw people.
We then depart to Cowichan Bay for lunch and to visit the carving studio of Coast Salish carver Herb Rice. We also visit some of the unique totem poles in the city of Duncan. We then drive to Campbell River to catch the Ferry to Quadra Island where we visit one of the most important Museums for First Nation Potlatch Items.
We overnight at the grand Tsa Kwa Luten Lodge, owned and operated by the Cape Mudge Indian Band of Quadra Island. This luxurious accommodation features a grand entrance lobby that will be sure to inspire you. Aboriginal carvings and art work and a traditional salmon dinner make this an entertaining stopover.
Day 2
Today we depart early on a 3-hour Marine Tour to look for whales, porpoise and other marine wildlife. We then take the ferry back to Campbell River and drive 2.5 hours north through the scenic Nimpkish valley to the community of Port McNeil. Here we catch the ferry to historic Alert Bay, in the heart of the Kwakwak'awakw territories. Alert Bay is located on Cormorant Island in the midst of splendid scenery and abundant wildlife.
We stay in the beautiful Sun Spirit Guesthouse in Alert Bay. Fantastic water views and a large great-room make this an enjoyable place to stay while in Alert Bay. Your guide prepares dinner and breakfast in the Guesthouse.
In the evening we visit some of the sites in Alert Bay such as the Gator Gardens and the Namgis Big House.
Day 3
This morning we visit the world famous "U'Mista Cultural Center" and other cultural sites on the island including the local Indian Reserve. We then depart by Ferry back to Port McNeil and drive back down the island to Nanaimo or Victoria. We stop at points of interest along the way. (we can also arrange to drop people off in Port Hardy if they are heading north on the Inside Passage scenic ferry trip).
We arrive back in Nanaimo at approximately 4 p.m. and Victoria at 6 p.m.
Cost : $599 per person plus 7% gst
Children under 14 are $449 per person plus 7% gst.
Includes all meals, transportation, museum entrance fees, marine adventure, guides and 2 night's accommodation.
Generally we are a group of 4-6 travelers in our 8 passenger van. Groups of 4 or more can arrange for this tour to be a private tour and therefore pick their own starting date.
Le-La-La Canoe Adventures
We leave Victoria and drive to 20 minutes north of Victoria to the seaside town of Brentwood Bay. Here we are greeted by our native guides and our paddling adventure begins. Custom tours can be arranged for large groups.
