A fabulous variety of traditional Aboriginal masks, carving and sculptures, or more modern-influenced paintings and jewellery, are on display and for sale at the various Aboriginal owned and operated art galleries and gift shops located throughout British Columbia. Immerse yourself in the living traditions of British Columbia’s First Nations, and experience authentic music and dance, food, arts, stories and fascinating cultural artifacts.

Between Gold River and Tahsis on Vancouver Island is the Cougar Creek Recreation Site on Tlupana Inlet, a fabulous and well-maintained fishing campground offering campsites and a boat launch. Cougar Creek is a popular destination for anglers and those wanting to explore Nootka Sound.

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Vancouver Island is black bear territory, and there is always a good chance of viewing black bears on the side of the road in the more remote parts of Vancouver Island. Venturing into Clayoquot Sound on a bear-watching tour from Tofino will increase your chances of observing bears feeding and interacting in their natural habitat. Bear watching tours are undertaken at low tide, when the rocky shorelines are exposed, providing a smorgasbord of shellfish, seaweed, and crustaceans for bears to feed on.

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Totem poles are wonderful examples of aboriginal art – the ancient practice of totem carving has been handed down through generations as a way of preserving the history of local native heritage as well as honouring tribal rituals and sacred spirits of people.

There are many ways to experience the rich culture and native heritage of British Columbia’s most fascinating people. There are annual powwows and a multitude of First Nations cultural journeys in every corner of the province. The aboriginal peoples of British Columbia have maintained their diverse cultures by breathing life into ancient traditions and customs and welcome all of us to experience it.

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History and Heritage Tour Operators operating on Vancouver Island, BC.

The splendid lion-bedecked Gate of Harmonious Interest marks the entrance to Victoria’s small Chinatown, the second oldest in North America (after San Francisco). Once a ghetto for newcomers, Chinatown is now a heritage area, a vibrant commercial community, and an intriguing part of Victoria’s past and present. Visit the tiny shops and studios on Fan Tan Alley, the narrowest street in Canada – only 90 centimetres wide at its narrowest.

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The Jewel of the Pacific, The Empress Hotel is one of Victoria’s highlights. Cresting the city’s Inner Harbour, this 477-room hotel was built in the Edwardian style and subsequently restored to its original grandeur, with antique furniture and luxurious décor. Considered to be the most photographed attraction on Vancouver Island, The Empress Hotel was originally designed by Francis Rattenbury, and opened in 1908.

In true British tradition, the hotel is famous for its elegant Afternoon Tea – served to over 130,000 visitors annually. Savour tea in the finest tradition, accompanied by fresh seasonal fruit and Chantilly cream, traditional raisin scones with thick Jersey cream, strawberry preserves, sandwiches, pastries and tarts. All served with silver service in the elegant Tea Lobby, stately Harbourside Room, or intimate Library Lounge.

More information on the Empress Hotel, Victoria, British Columbia.

Tofino is a pretty fishing village at the tip of Esowista Peninsula near the entrance to Clayoquot Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Tofino is a rapidly growing tourist centre for Long Beach and other Pacific Rim destinations. Once a timber and fishing town, Tofino has become a favoured destination for travellers from around the world.

Tofino’s docks bustle with local fishermen and act as launching points for numerous sea kayaking, whale watching, wildlife, hot springs and cultural tours. Local boats also supply the 1,500 residents of five Nuu-chah-nulth communities and others who make their homes on the nearby islands and secluded shores of Clayoquot Sound.

More information on Tofino, British Columbia.

Considered one of the top twenty Downtowns in North America, Downtown Victoria is the business centre of Greater Victoria. The historic buildings, shops, streetscapes, restaurants, bars, hotels and the picturesque Inner Harbour all contribute to a vitality which is uniquely Victoria.

The picture-perfect Inner Harbour is surrounded by many of Victoria’s beautiful character buildings and premier attractions: the stately Empress Hotel, the BC provincial Legislative Buildings, museums and galleries. Conde’ Naste Traveler Magazine reader’s poll rated Victoria one of the top ten cities to visit in the world.

More information on Victoria Downtown, Victoria, British Columbia.

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Duncan, in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, has transformed itself into the City of Totems – a unique urban forest with distinctive hand-carved cedar poles from local native artisans on public display in parks and downtown streets. Duncan is the traditional home of the Coast Salish First Nations.

There are nearly eighty totem poles in Duncan, both downtown and along a half-kilometre section of the Trans-Canada Highway. Follow the yellow foot prints on the sidewalk to view the 41 totems on the self-guided City of Totems Walking Tour.

More information on Duncan, Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

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There is no seagoing experience quite like watching, close-up, a sleek whale weighing thousands of pounds frolic like a child in it’s natural habitat. Up and down the coast of British Columbia, from Victoria to Port Hardy on Vancouver Island, from Vancouver to the BC Gulf Islands, and up to Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands), Orcas (killer whales), Gray whales and Humpback whales ply the waves and perform their watery rituals. Whalewatching at its best!

More on Whale Watching around Vancouver Island, British Columbia.