Aboriginal Experiences
Aboriginal canoe tour, Howe Sound (Patrice Halley photo)
British Columbia has the highest diversity of distinct First Nations in Canada, with more than 50 First Nations in more than 200 communities.
Interpretive centres, museums and tours throughout the province provide opportunities to learn about Aboriginal stories, ceremonies and traditions.
Aboriginal artwork, carvings and totem poles can be seen at galleries and museums, or even standing in their original, historic locations.
Some highlights include the Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler, the Haida Heritage Centre on Haida Gwaii, and the Nk’mip Desert Cultural Centre in Osoyoos – but these are just a few of the many places and tours sharing Aboriginal cultural experiences in BC.
Read More
Learn more about Aboriginal and cultural experiences in BC's regions and cities:
Vancouver, Coast and Mountains
Vancouver Area
Whistler
Vancouver Island
Victoria
Thompson Okanagan
Kootenay Rockies
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast
Northern British Columbia
Highlights in BC:
Museum of Anthropology
Just west of Vancouver, the University of British Columbia's architecturally stunning Museum of Anthropology boasts an acclaimed collection of Aboriginal art and artifacts from BC and around the world. See traditional canoes, masks, jewellery, carvings, longhouse replicas and totem poles – including the world's smallest, which measures just 4.4cm/1.7in.
Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre in Whistler
The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler is the result of a partnership between the Squamish and Lil'wat First Nations, the traditional inhabitants of the Whistler Valley.
Learn about the distinct culture, history, arts and endeavours of the two Nations through displays, multimedia exhibits, interactive performances, forest walks, and craft-making. Enjoy affordable Aboriginal-influenced food at the on-site café, or pick up original artwork, jewellery and carvings at the gift gallery.
Quw’utsun Cultural Centre
Learn about the Quw'utsun people, BC's largest Aboriginal band, and discover more about their heritage at the Quw'utsun Cultural Centre in Duncan.
Haida Heritage Centre
The Haida Heritage Centre on Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands) highlights the unique history of the Haida First Nation, which dates back more than 12,000 years in the region. The waterfront centre features cedar longhouses representing a traditional Haida village. See distinct totems, masks and art of the Haida people, including the famous Bill Reid war canoe “Loo Taas.” The centre also features a museum, carving shed, artist teaching centre, traditional performances, gift shop and small cafe.
Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre
The Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre in Osoyoos is the showpiece of the Okanagan First Nation. The award-winning architecture blends into the surrounding landscape and features extensive indoor and outdoor displays highlighting both the rich culture of the Okanagan people and Canada's only desert. The site is also home to Nk’Mip Cellars, North America's first Aboriginal owned and operated winery and vineyard.
Practical Points
- Some locations are open seasonally or by appointment only; always check operating hours in advance or pop in at local community Visitor Centres to find out more.
- Artifacts and regalia have historical and cultural significance. Do not touch items unless you have been given permission to do so by a knowledgeable guide or local.
- If possible, also ask permission to take photos – some artifacts such as totem poles have interesting stories, and in asking for permission visitors learn more about the local history.
- For more information on Aboriginal tourism in BC, visit the Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia.
Read Less
Show me Aboriginal Experiences close to:
or

Main Address

Activity/Branch/Terminal

Visitor Centres
25 Aboriginal Experiences in British Columbia
1 - 10 of 25 Results
1
Hwy 62 High Level Rd
Hazelton, British Columbia
V0J 1Y0
Websitehttp://www.ksan.org
Toll-free877-842-5518
Phone250-842-5544
As a replicated ancient village, 'Ksan illustrates many features of a Gitxsan village from the distant past. 'Ksan's houses form a single line with each building facing the river and the large decorated house fronts and totem poles are visible from the water. In conjunction with other features, such as the smoke house and food cache, 'Ksan illustrates characteristics typical of a past Gitxsan village. The museum is the oldest component of the Village and houses over 600 pieces. Comprised of both ceremonial and utilitarian materials, this collection illustrates the great diversity within the material culture of the Gitxsan.
More Details
2
7133A Pacific Rim Hwy
Port Alberni, British Columbia
V9Y 8Y4
Websitehttp://www.gordondick.ca/
Toll-free888-324-8745
Phone250-723-3425
Owned & operated by Nuu-chah-nulth artist Gordon Dick. When you come into the gallery, you will immediately smell the cedar & see many fresh cedar chips on the floor as Gordon & other artists are often working on wood carvings in the gallery.
Through Ahtsik Native Art Gallery, Gordon wants to be a role model to show that First Nations individuals can be successful. He aims to share with the world the talents of Nuu-chah-nulth & other First Nations' artists. Ahtsik Native Art Gallery appreciates the hand-crafted work that Canadian Aboriginal artists put into their art pieces & houses original art from many First Nations.
More Details
3
1719 Cowichan Bay Road
Cowichan Bay, British Columbia
V0R 1N0
Websitehttp://www.arthurvickers.com
Toll-free
Phone250-748-7650
The gallery celebrates Arthur's passion for creating original West Coast art. Often described as a modern day renaissance man & known for his love of story telling his works connect us with the stories & memories of his beloved coast & its history. A master at the ancient art of serigraphy & always experimenting with new & challenging mediums & materials Vickers works in 24k gold-leafing in low relief are signature pieces that are unique to this renowned First Nations Artist. The gallery & the seaside village of Cowichan Bay will be a true highlight of your trip to Vancouver Island, an experience you will always treasure.
More Details
4
778 Richardson Rd
Tlell, British Columbia
V0T 1Y0
Websitehttp://www.crystalcabingallery.com
Toll-free866-557-4383
Phone250-557-4383
Welcome to Crystal Cabin Gallery! Over 20 years of business in Tlell on Haida Gwaii. Showcasing Haida artists, beautiful gemstones and crystals & Haida art. Good selection of silver & argillite. Crystal Cabin Gallery is where Artisan Jeweller DUTES DUTHEIL has a workshop gallery designing and handcrafting gold & gemstone jewellery which is available exclusively in the shop. The best assortment of minerals & crystals in the North. Crystal Singing Bowls & original t-shirts. Greeting you in front of the gallery is the "Tlell Stone Circle", an outdoor installation of local mineral & fossil pieces from the islands. Join us on Facebook.
More Details
5
2 Second Beach Rd
Skidegate, British Columbia
V0T 1S1
Websitehttp://www.haidaheritagecentre.com
Toll-free
Phone250-559-7885
The Haida Heritage Centre at Kaay Llnagaay in Skidegate on Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands), opened in July, 2007. The Centre, located at the site of the old Haida seaside village of Kaay Llnagaay, or "Sea Lion Town", showcases the living culture of the Haida, dating back over 12,000 years. Six monumental cedar totem poles carved by Haida artists stand in front of the Haida longhouses, which are connected by interior walkways & atrium space. The Centre incorporates the Haida Gwaii Museum, a gift shop, canoe house, carving shed, performing house, the Bill Reid Teaching Centre & a cafe.
More Details
6
3310 Comox Rd
Courtenay, British Columbia
V9N 3P8
Websitehttp://www.ihosgallery.com
Toll-free
Phone250-339-7702
I-Hos Gallery presents a collection of traditional & contemporary northwest coast native artwork. Hand carved masks, limited edition prints, gold & silver jewelry & wood carvings, textiles & clothing produced by First Nations artists. Displayed at our distinctive building on the K'omoks First Nation band lands (located between Courtenay & Comox) on Vancouver Island. We invite you to browse our gallery & discover for yourself the broad range of talent represented here. Prefer to shop on line? Browse & purchase works of art on our commerce secure website. Not seeing what your looking for? Email us for more information.
More Details
7
270 Whonoak St
North Vancouver, British Columbia
V7P 1P3
Websitehttp://www.khot-la-cha.com
Toll-free
Phone604-987-3339
We showcase traditional and contemporary Native artwork and crafts. Masks, prints, gold and silver jewellery, wood carvings, textiles and clothing produced by First Nation artists are displayed in a distinctive long-house style building.
A second-generation First Nations owned and operated business, the gallery is located on Capilano Reserve, part of the Squamish Nation. We specialise in work from our community, offering first-hand the tales and legends behind the authentic artwork.
More Details
8
Miniature Train In Stanley Park
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6B 3X8
Websitehttp://www.aboriginalbc.com/klahowya-village
Toll-free
Phone604-921-1070
Enjoy the warmth of our Aboriginal Summer Village in Stanley Park this summer. Klahowya Village welcomes you to celebrate & experience our vibrant culture through song, dance, art & cuisine. There will be dance performances Fridays through Sundays & programming throughout the day, every day, by artisans - wood carving & weaving, crafts for budding artisans, aboriginal cuisine & artisan kiosks. More lasting memories if you hop aboard the Spirit Catcher train for a fun ride through nature. Gate admission to the Village is FREE. Charges apply for Spirit Train rides.
More Details
9
1000 Rancher Creek Rd
Osoyoos, British Columbia
V0H 1V6
Websitehttp://www.nkmipdesert.com
Toll-free888-495-8555
Phone250-495-7901
Experience "The Land, the Legends and the People" at Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre, a cultural and outdoor desert experience. View arts and cultural exhibits, audio-visual presentations and interactive displays featuring Okanagan First Nations culture and desert plants and animals. The 22 ha site features walking trails through the sagebrush habitat, outdoor sculptures & hands-on displays. Highlights include a reconstructed aboriginal village and in the summer, features daily guided walks, cultural programs and rattlesnake demonstrations. Visit Coyote's Gifts for First Nations art, jewelry, books, clothing and giftware. Located in an award winning, sustainable building.
More Details
10
34 Weway Rd
Quathiaski Cove, British Columbia
V0P 1N0
Websitehttp://www.nuyumbalees.com
Toll-free
Phone250-285-3733
Nuyumbalees means "The Beginning". The Nuyumbalees Society was founded in 1975 by Hereditary & Elected Chiefs of the KwaKwaKa' WaKw people, to negotiate the return of their Potlatch Treasures & Regalia (Kikasuw). The society is entrusted with the care & preservation of a priceless & historic collection of original KwaKwaKa' WaKw Kikasuw returned in February, 1979. The Kwagiulth Museum opened in June that same year.
A visit to the Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre is a fascinating journey that forms a link between the past, the present & the future of the Kwakwaka'wakw People. Beautiful treasures include: masks, regalia, whistles, rattles & carvings of the Sacred Potlatch Collection.
More Details