5 Authentic Cultural Experiences on a Road Trip in British Columbia

Immerse yourself in the rich history of British Columbia on a journey that combines hands-on cultural experiences with Instagram-worthy landscapes. At Canada by Design, our vacations are inspired by our own adventures. They're customizable and ensure every detail is covered so you can relax and enjoy the drive. We've mapped out five highlights—combine them into one epic adventure or pick and choose if you have less time but still want a genuine interaction with the region's beauty and culture.

1. Explore Coastal Communities on Vancouver Island

Say goodbye to mainland Canada as you set sail with BC Ferries for Vancouver Island—one of the world's most diverse ecosystems and a pretty big deal when it comes to premier whale watching, birding, and fishing. Be sure to keep an eye out for sea life from the sun decks! Once on land, take the beautiful coastal drive north toward Campbell River. The beach town of Parksville makes a nice lunch spot on your way to Quadra Island where you'll overnight in the Aboriginal-owned Tsa Kwa Luten Lodge, featuring traditional and contemporary native art. The next morning, you'll pass through the Valley of a Thousand Faces (1,400 famous faces painted onto cedar logs). We recommend spending the night in Telegraph Cove, a quirky fishing community in one of the last virtually untouched areas of the North American continent.

2. Learn Ancient Traditions on a Marine Wildlife Expedition

Vancouver Island North is the traditional First Nations' territory of the Kwakwaka'wakw, so who better to show you around than members of one of its 19 tribes? These guides will interpret historic exhibitions and artefacts that include ancestral masks that were confiscated during the Potlatch Ban between 1884 and 1951. They'll also take you out on a fast-paced zodiac tour that puts you at one with nature and offers a personal perspective of the Kwakwaka'wakw culture. You'll spot resident orca and humpback, grey, and minke whales; watch them feed, spout, and breach while you wait at a respectful distance. Other wildlife encounters may include eagles, seals, sea lions, and porpoises. By day's end, you'll have a deeper understanding of the cultural and spiritual importance of wildlife to the Kwakwaka'wakw people.

3. Discover Wildlife and Hot Springs in Ucluelet and Tofino

Spend a day getting acquainted with two island communities beloved for their pristine beaches, charming shops, and surf culture. Ucluelet is a local First Nations word meaning "safe harbor" and completely fitting for this quaint coastal town. Take a stroll along the easily accessible Wild Pacific Trail, which offers incredible views of the Pacific Ocean—hello, perfect picnic spot! After your own exploring, our Canada by Design travel experts can pre-arrange a unique hot springs adventure from nearby surf town, Tofino. The excursion combines whale watching with a rainforest hike along a boardwalk and leads you to a series of natural thermal hot pools. Unwind here with a soak in the pools after your hike. Just be sure to have your cameras ready for the scenic journey from Tofino back to Vancouver.

4. Uncover First Nations Stories Along the Sea-to-Sky Highway

The Sea-to-Sky Highway from Vancouver up to Whistler easily counts as one of the world's most scenic drives. Apart from scenic photo ops, one must-experience stop is the interactive Squamish Lil' Wat Centre showcasing the distinct cultures of the Squamish and Lil'wat Nations. Original pieces of indigenous art, textiles, and cedar carvings are on view, and a visit here also includes sampling traditional food, enjoying song, dance, and live demonstrations, and an exploratory outdoor component. Further along, after winding down the coastal mountains of Whistler and into Fraser Canyon, overnight at Quaaout Lodge & Spa at Talking Rock Golf Resort. It's a tranquil retreat on Little Shuswap Lake and owned by members of the Little Shuswap Indian Band. Feast here on authentic native gourmet meals, explore the interpretive areas and traditional sweat lodge, and stroll along 1,800 feet of sandy beach.

5. NK'MIP Resort and Winery

Reset your assumptions about Canada as you delve deep into its one and only desert, which happens to be conveniently located in one of Canada's top wine regions. Interact with the Okanagan people at NK'MIP Resort and Winery—the first one in North America to be Aborginal owned and operated—and learn firsthand about their fascinating living culture. Join a guided desert walk at Nk'MIP Desert Cultural Centre and have a glass for us at the Nk'MIP Cellars. After circling back to Vancouver, we recommend adding a night to your itinerary so you can rest and reflect on your journey before your flight out the next day.

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Comments

Interested in train vaca in Canadian Rockies- Options and cost?! Aug or Sept 2024 Thank you

Sharon Guess,05/30/2024

Please send me a brochure on various tour options and approximate costs for either mid May2025 or early June 2025 Starting in either Calgary or Vancouver Tour length 7-10 days For 2 seniors

Robbie. Izat,06/03/2024

Hello We are interested in this trip and wants to know about the lodging as well as we have specific dietary needs if those can be met.

Anjana,02/01/2024

Please send me information on different packages and pricing.

Aracelis Reyes,06/23/2024

Do you have 2025 tours information please?

Valerie ,03/20/2024

I've not been on a train vacation but, I'd like information about it.

Benjamin Higgins Jr,02/19/2024

Pls send costs and choices of trips

Vivian Cramer,04/03/2024

Could you give me information about the Services you have and the prices for couples?

Dayana Mounts ,07/13/2024

Could you give me information about the Services you have and the prices for couples?

Dayana Mounts ,07/13/2024

I would like information on the trip from Toronto to Vancouver in May

Dee Trull,02/09/2024

can you send me itinerary for this year and prices , thanks

Lorena Dizon,06/18/2024

I will be traveling alone I have a vacation in September it is September 7th through the 13th although I can go a little longer can you send me any packages for that time.

Donald Varadi,05/29/2024

Please send me a brochure. Thanks.

Elda Dagan,06/17/2024

Please send me a catalog via mail please. Ginger Van Wagner 12655 Butterfly Drive Nevada City, Ca95959

Ginger Van Wagner,02/28/2024

Sent catalog and prices for lodging for train trip Vancouver to Banff Jasper +Lake Louise. Different options.Interested in Rockie Mountain eer.As well as August or September time frame options.

Manfred Guggi,04/24/2024

Interested in your trips and cost.

Gwen,06/22/2024

Send me info on train travel packages tours.

Rene Garcia,07/05/2024

Looking to take vacation between late August & September Information on your itinerary would be appreciated. Thanks

Jerry Arnold ,06/21/2024

Please send information on train tours. What is the last date available for 2024?

Jamie Session Rahman,07/09/2024

Interested in 7-8 train tour.

Charles Carow ,02/17/2024

Hi just enquiring about your rail trips through the Canadian Rockies. We are looking at coming over for a couple of weeks and will sh to do the rail for a couple of days and would like to do a cruise up the inside passage of Alaska. Do you have some trips like this we are wanting to come September 2025 and if so what would be the costs roughly, thanks . Regards Louise

Louise Guyan,06/22/2024

What is best time to take a trip and what the cost

Marsha,02/01/2024

Can you please send me a catalog

Maryann Daw,05/01/2024

Please send catalog for 2025 trips. We are return customers

Frank Heisey,07/03/2024

Please send info on various trips and pricing got 2025 All starting and finishing locations Thanks

Harold Wilhelm,06/27/2024

I want to know month of August this tours how much cost and how many days

Sukla Mitra,04/16/2024

Please send me information prices, single, and couple

Gary Mallicoat,06/18/2024

Do you have handicapped sleeping room accommodations.is shower & toilet in room also.

David Dillon,02/20/2024

Interested in trips for summer 2025

Lillian Richardson ,04/30/2024

I’m interested in the train

Shay ,05/28/2024

I would like info for fall 2024 or Spring/Summer 2025. Thx.

George Courter,05/25/2024

How much for 2 people for a 7 day Canadian Rockies tour?

Arturo ,06/14/2024

What’s the best month to do the Canadian Train tour from Tacoma to lake Louise And how much the price for 2 seniors for one week Please email me Thank you Thersa berg

Thersa Berg,11/10/2024

Please send information and pricing

Tomica Williams,06/25/2024

Please send all info available for 2025

Vera Warner,07/04/2024

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