British Columbia (BC), the westernmost province of Canada, is home to deep forests, dramatic coastlines, lush valleys, tens of thousands of lakes, seven national parks, 10 mountain ranges, and an abundance of wildlife.  Within BC lives 204 Indigenous communities and countless authentic Indigenous experiences that are perfect for escaping every-day life. In 2025, Indigenous Tourism British Columbia reported more than 400 Indigenous tourism businesses have opened across the province, with British Columbia accounting for approximately one-fourth of the total number businesses across the country – making them one of the leaders of Indigenous Tourism in Canada.

Discover the latest news and information on some of BC's incredible Indigenous experiences below.  

Accommodation Opportunities

NEW: Big Bar Guest Ranch to open Indigenous owned Lac La Hache Ranch for a dual western experience
Located near the Cariboo region, Big Bar Guest Ranch covers 102 acres at the base of the Marble Mountain Range. This historic ranch delivers an authentic Western experience with horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, and a variety of true western ranch experiences such us cook-outs and live music. Guests will soon be able to enjoy heli-biking and a stay at Big Bar's new luxurious Lac La Hache Ranch for a dual western experience where the wild west meets Indigenous culture. Connect with the Indigenous Elders at their new million-dollar Welcome Centre or share this quintessential Canadian cowboy experience with loved ones during a wedding ceremony under the starry-night skies. Prices start from $900 / £485 / €579 per person for a three-night stay at one of their cosy cabins.
Big Bar Guest Ranch: bbgr.ca  

Stay on the longest fiord on British Columbia's coast among the spectacular wildlife, at Knight Inlet Lodge
Knight Inlet Lodge is an Indigenous-owned wildlife viewing destination in the Great Bear Rainforest. Accessible by sea or air, the floating resort offers wildlife and grizzly bear experiences in one of the last intact temperate rainforests in the world. This floating lodge accommodates up to 46 guests each night of the season and is the only human habitation in Knight Inlet. This classic Canadian wildlife experience begins with soaring above the lush Great Bear Rainforest in a floatplane as it descends upon a welcoming community. From there, guests embark on a personal Indigenous experience led by the guidance of the local Indigenous community that will leave a lasting effect on them. Prices start from $3,705 / £2046 / €2,363 per person (based on a minimum three-night stay and two sharing) and includes all meals, complimentary house wine with dinner, scenic boat tour of Knight Inlet, bear viewing tours, a kayak tour of Glendale Cove, and an environmental fee that goes directly to sustaining their local salmon spawning channel.
Knight Inlet Lodge: www.grizzlytours.com

Go on an exclusive transformative wilderness and authentic cultural experience, at Spirit Bear Lodge
In the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest, Spirit Bear Lodge offers exclusive access to transformative wilderness and authentic cultural experiences in Kitasoo Xai'xais Traditional Territory. Their multi-day packages allow guests to immerse themselves in an ancient culture and reconnect with nature through wildlife viewing opportunities and visiting Indigenous cultural sites. Guests can even try looking for the elusive Kermode bear, also known as the Spirit Bear, that can only be found in this part of the world! This special subspecies of the black Kermode bear is sacred to the Indigenous Peoples and is considered very rare as only 10% of the black bears are born with this recessive white gene that sees their fur turn snow-white. Prices start from $7,200 / £3,877 / €4,633 for a four-night package (based on two people sharing) and includes a return airfare from Vancouver to Bella Bella, exclusive access to wildlife viewing areas, and Indigenous inspired cuisine.
Spirit Bear Lodge: www.spiritbear.com

Participate in a Traditional Cedar-Brushing-Off Ceremony, at Klahoose Wilderness Resort
Tucked into the rainforest mountainside in Desolation Sound, Klahoose Wilderness Resort is an immersive Indigenous retreat on the lands of the toq qaymɩxʷ (Klahoose) People. This boutique, all-inclusive resort offers transformative cultural and wildlife experiences rooted in connection to the land, the ocean, and Indigenous teachings. With just seven lodge rooms and private cabins, guests are invited to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature. From whale watching and grizzly bear viewing to participating in the powerful Cedar-Brushing-Off Ceremony to release negative energy, every moment offers a chance to slow down, reflect, and be present. Three-night packages start from $3,529 / £1,912 / €2,232 per person (based on two people sharing), and include all meals, guided experiences, and cosy accommodation with plush bathrobes, locally sourced bath amenities and ocean views. 
Klahoose Wilderness Resort: www.klahooseresort.com

Learn about Horse Culture and go on a Wild Horse Safari, at Nemiah Valley Lodge
Located in the Chilcotin region of Central BC, Nemiah Valley Lodge is home to the Xeni Gwet'in community, part of the Tŝilhqot'in Nation. Switch off from the outside world in an incredible wilderness region that is home to grizzly bears, moose, and a population of wild horses that roam freely. Guests can spend their days hiking to scenic vistas, kayaking on Canada's largest high alpine lake, and learning about Tsilhqot'in culture with Xeni Gwet'in Cultural Ambassadors at this sustainable, off-grid, all-inclusive lodge. The Equine Wellness Programme offers a unique opportunity for individuals to tap into Xeni horse culture by experiencing the therapeutic benefits of working with the graceful animals in a peaceful and supportive environment. Led by a skilled trainer, the workshop focuses on the human benefits of interacting with horses: through gentle, mindful interactions, participants experience emotional healing, stress reduction, and personal growth. Three-night packages start from $1,585 / £859 / €1,003 per person (based on two people sharing) and include three meals daily, lodge amenities and activities, and one tour to the Traditional Village on the shores of Canada's largest high elevation lake with opportunities for wild horse viewing while travelling to and from Chilko Lake. 
Nemiah Valley Lodge: www.nemiahvalleylodge.com

Exciting Experiences

Embark on a guided cultural tour with First Nations in the Broughton Archipelago, with Sea Wolf Adventures
Be led by tribal chief Mike Willie, owner of Sea Wolf Adventures, as he guides guests through the Great Bear Rainforest and the Broughton Archipelago in the heart of Musgamakw Dzawada'enuxw Territory. All the trips offered are curated by his vast Indigenous knowledge of the area he calls home. This information teaches guests about the cultural importance of wildlife in the Great Bear Rainforest from an Indigenous perspective, to help them make a personal connection with nature. Guests have the choice of either going on a day tour, or can enjoy an extended stay with Mike Willie and his colleagues with a three-night all-inclusive stay at one of their charming lodges. Prices start from $5,333 / £2,889 / €3,373 per person (based on two people sharing) for a three-night retreat and include a visit to the U'mista Cultural Centre, bear watching in Indigenous protected areas, guided fishing adventure or river safari, and a wildlife safari through the Great Bear Rainforest, plus accommodation and all meals. Lodge packages start on Sundays and Wednesdays only.
Sea Wolf Adventures: www.seawolfadventures.ca

Witness the remarkable resurgence of sea otters and humpback whales, with Coastal Rainforest Safaris
Located on Vancouver Island, Coastal Rainforest Safaris offers guests the opportunity to see the Great Bear Rainforest through the eyes of the Kwakwaka'wakw people and learn about their rich culture. The immersive tours explore connections between land and sea as Indigenous guides and their ancestors guide the boats through the waters off the northern edge of Vancouver Island. Every tour offers guests the chance to see humpback whales, sea otters, sea lions or even the elusive coastal wolf in their undisturbed natural habitat. Prices start from $340/ £183 / €219 per person and include lunch, plus a seat on a custom-made vessel designed to maximise opportunities to encounter diverse wildlife.
Coastal Rainforest Safaris: www.coastalrainforestsafaris.com 

Follow the humpback whales to an uninhabited First Nation Village, with Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours
Experience the culture of the Xwémalhkwu People through a fantastic journey with Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours, to an abandoned Homalco First Nation village site that they use to call home. On the People Water Land trip, guests will have the opportunity to cruise onboard a boat across the Salish Sea to the majestic mouth of Bute Inlet to experience the Homalco's beautiful living culture. In the village, guests will be able to get hands-on with cedar, or the tree of life (Taχəmay) and feel the energy themselves while listening to traditional stories and legends. Prices start from $286 / £155 / €181 per person for a five-hour tour and include snacks, beverages and a spot on board a heated boat with indoor and outdoor seating. Tours take place between May and October.
Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours: www.homalcotours.com 

To learn more about these incredible experiences and Indigenous Tourism British Columbia, join Aaron Millar on a transformative journey by listening to Wanderlust's 'Off the Page' podcast. Titled Transformative Journeys: Discovering Indigenous Led Tourism in British Columbia, this brand-new episode gives listeners the opportunity to hear from the inspiring and fascinating people and businesses mentioned in the release above. The podcast is also available on Apple and Spotify.

ENDS: 23 April 2025

For more information on British Columbia, please visit: www.hellobc.com

For more details and images, please contact Rosie Barcroft and Rachael Mathewson at Destination British Columbia's UK Press Office on:

Rosie.Barcroft@kbc-pr.com / Rachael.Mathewson@kbc-pr.com