Cultural tours in British Columbia explore the province’s historic and heritage sites, diverse communities, ample art scene and Aboriginal culture.
Take a guided cultural tour for local information and thought-provoking discussion. Choose from a wide range of cultural tours highlighting topics such as national historic sites, pioneer and gold rush towns, authentic Aboriginal experiences and even film sets in British Columbia.
For a leisurely pace and a personalized itinerary, set out on a self-guided cultural journey. Follow a heritage driving route and stop at museums, historic towns, art galleries and important Aboriginal sites. Trace history on the Silvery Slocan Circle Route, follow the Cariboo Wagon Road on the Gold Rush Trail Route or visit Aboriginal villages on the New Hazelton and Area Route.
Learn about cultural tours in BC's regions and cities:
Vancouver Island: Community walking tours, logging and fishing culture and history, and Aboriginal adventures that include canoeing, totems and a potlatch collection.
Northern British Columbia: Aboriginal villages with totem poles and cedar longhouses, historic fur trade and fishing attractions, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Thompson Okanagan: Gold rush trails, steam trains, roadhouses, and Aboriginal desert culture, set amongst lakes and wineries.
Kootenay Rockies: The golden years of rail travel, ghost towns (including Fort Steele) and Doukhobor culture.
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast: Historic prospectors’ trails, ancient Aboriginal petroglyphs and the gold rush town of Barkerville.
Vancouver Coast & Mountains: National historic sites, including the Gulf of Georgia Cannery, Britannia Mine Museum and Fort Langley.
Vancouver: Art studios and public art installations, multicultural neighbourhoods, Aboriginal traditions, and film tours.
Victoria: A cultural mosaic – English high tea, Aboriginal totem poles and Chinatown, along with heritage buildings and oceanside neighbourhoods.
Whistler: The award-winning Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, Olympic legacies and ski culture.
Guided Cultural Tours
Guided cultural tours provide detailed insight and interpretive discussion, as well as an opportunity to meet fellow travellers with like-minded interests.
A wide range of guided tours are available. Paddle a traditional dugout canoe and listen to Aboriginal singing and drumming, walk amongst weathered totem poles on Haida Gwaii or learn about Aboriginal desert life at the Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre.
Hear tales of history-shaping residents on a Ross Bay Cemetery heritage tour in Victoria or learn about daily life in the gold rush towns of Barkerville, Fort Steele or Hat Creek Ranch. Head to the Kootenay Rockies to slurp Doukhobor borscht, take a tour of Vancouver’s Chinatown for a taste of traditional dim sum, or munch on fish n’ chips after a tour of the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National History Site in Richmond.
Self-Guided Cultural Tours
Self-guided cultural tours allow for personalised itineraries and informal exploration off the beaten path. Visit local Visitor Centres for maps and brochures outlining fascinating heritage walks of towns, neighbourhoods and historic sites, or go behind the scenes on art crawls and open studio tours.
Driving Routes
Hit the road on pre-planned driving and circle routes that feature regional highlights and popular attractions. Don’t forget to stop along the way to experience the regional food and drink culture too.
Practical Points
- High season for most attractions is usually May to September and tours often run daily. During low season, tours can run infrequently. Most self-guided tours can be done year-round.
- Some tours may require a minimum number of participants or advance booking. It’s best to call ahead to check for schedules and availability.
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