Indigenous Experiences
Xwisten Experience Tours - Lillooet, BC
Xatśūll Heritage Village | Eco Escape Travel
The influence of Indigenous people as the first locals to the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, arriving thousands of years ago, significantly shaped our region and continues to do so. Providing essential knowledge, services and guides to Canada’s first explorers and settlers, without their provision of food, translators, information, wilderness survival skills, and transportation the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast would not be what it is today. In addition, the horsemanship skills of local Indigenous helped to shape the early days of ranching in the Chilcotin and southern Cariboo.
Many First Nations’ peoples call the region home, including in the high-altitude plateau of the Chilcotin (chil-ko-tin) with the Tsilhqot’in (steelh-coht-een), southwest of the mighty Fraser River with the St’át’imc (stat-lee-um) and their neighbours in the southern Fraser Canyon the Nlaka’pamux (ing-khla-kap-muh). The Carrier people occupied the sub-boreal northern area of the Cariboo Chilcotin and the Secwepemc’s (shi-huep-muh-k) historical territory is located east of the Fraser River. Along the Pacific coast, Indigenous nations include the Nuxalk (nu-halk), residing in the Bella Coola Valley, the outer coast’s Tsimshian (sim-she-an) and the Gitga’at (git-gat), the Wuikinuxv (whee-kin-au) residing in Rivers Inlet and, along the coastal areas near Bella Bella, the Heiltsuk (hel-sic).
Immersive experiences including Indigenous storytelling, history and culture are available throughout the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast for those wishing to learn more. Visit the award-winning Xatśūll (hat-sull) Heritage Village north of Williams Lake or Heiltsuk Cultural Education Centre in Bella Bella, embark on petroglyph tours with Copper Sun Journeys in Bella Coola and visiting Copper Sun Gallery for authentic Nuhalk art, jewellery and clothing, staying at Spirit Bear Lodge northwest of Bella Coola, or consider an excursion with Xwisten Experience Tours. The new Nemiah Valley Lodge offers Xeni Experiences including learning how to drum, dance and sing traditional Tŝilhqot’in (chil-ko-tin) songs, learn from local artisans, or visit their traditional village.
Come and discover Indigenous experiences in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast.
Accommodations and Activities in Indigenous Experiences
Big Bar Guest Ranch
Weyt-K! Big Bar Guest Ranch is proudly owned by the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation. Here you will find traditional indigenous experiences interwoven with the day to day ranch life of a wrangler. Nestled in the heart of our Stswecem'c Xgat'tem…
Cariboo Chilcotin Jetboat Adventures
Cariboo Chilcotin Jetboat Adventures offers tours 15 minutes west of Williams Lake BC. Tours begin in May and end in October. We offer day trips and multi day trips showcasing beautiful river scenery, Indigenous culture sharing experiences, gold rush history…
Chilcotin River Trading
First Nations owned and operated full-service gas station that offers regular, premium, and diesel at all 6 pumps. The store also offers a card lock for businesses and semi trucks. Come try the best local grilled sandwiches in the West!…
Copper Sun Gallery
Copper Sun Gallery is located on the traditional Nuxalk territory in beautiful Bella Coola, B.C., offering handcrafted Nuxalk art made locally. You'll find that the art and jewellery from this region has its own distinct style unique to the Nuxalk…
Copper Sun Journeys
Journey through the Great Bear Rainforest with knowledgeable Indigenous guides. Tour Nuxhalk territory's spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife and dramatic mountain peaks as you learn the history and stories of this beautiful region. Discover the stories behind ancient petroglyphs, tour old-growth…
Historic Hat Creek
Step back in time and experience an original roadhouse built during the 1800's gold rush. Stagecoach rides, souvenir shop, restaurant, camping, cabins are all there to enjoy. You can even stay overnight in a covered wagon.
Kopas Store
Make sure to stop into Kopas Store on your next visit to Bella Coola, offering a wide selection of locally-produced goods and products, plus supplies for the discerning sportsman. In addition to supplies, you'll also find indigenous jewellery, art, toys,…
Lil'tem Hotel
From rainbow trout fishing in the nearby lakes, to exploring the hiking trails in the surrounding mountains, this small community offers a friendly and comfortable place to stay while enjoying the area. Also rich in St’át’imc Tsal’alh culture, Seton Portage…
Lillooet Museum & Visitor Centre
The Lillooet Museum & Visitor Centre is situated in downtown Lillooet in a former Anglican church. The original St. Mary's Church, which was torn down in 1960, stood on the same spot and arrived on the backs of miners and…
Nemiah Valley Lodge
Nature as Created All-inclusive stays with the Xeni Gwet'in First Nation on Tsilhqot'in Title Lands. The Lodge and its seven cabins (each divisible into two units) offer Indigenous-inspired cuisine, modern accommodation in the newly renovated facilities and immersive cultural sharing…
Northern Lights Lodge
We are a full-service fly fishing lodge located deep in the Cariboo Mountains of BC, Canada. Our lakeside lodge is surrounded by multiple rivers and lakes on which we offer fully guided fly fishing adventures for both native rainbow trout…
Nusatsum River Guest House
Centrally Located in the Bella Coola Valley, 10 minutes east of Hagensborg, and 30 minutes west of Tweedsmuir Park Bear viewing station. With stunning views of the Coast Mountains you can relax in comfort on the decks, or take a…
Shearwater Marine Resort
Shearwater Resort is an Indigenous wilderness resort in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest that is owned and operated by Heiltsuk Nation. Shearwater Resort is on Denny Island, just a short water taxi ride from Bella Bella, British Columbia.…
Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort
This National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World is renowned as a top luxury wilderness resort, guest ranch, and eco-retreat. Here you can explore BC's back country by foot, mountain bike, canoe, helicopter, or horseback. Hone in on your love…
Spirit Bear Lodge
In a land sculpted by the last ice age, where deep coastal fjords cut into the snow capped mountains and temperate rainforests lead to remote beaches, Spirit Bear Lodge takes visitors from around the world into the heart of the…
Three Nations Store & Lodge
THREE NATIONS STORE AND LODGE PROVIDES NEEDS FOR THE MODERN EXPLORER! Currently, the Store is the only facility within 55 km for visitors to purchase items. There is a gas station and restaurant and rustic accommodations for weary travellers. The…
Tweedsmuir Park Lodge
** Tweedsmuir Park Lodge is now climate positive! ** Nestled in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest, Tweedsmuir Park Lodge offers guests an authentic wilderness experience while enjoying world-class service. Just a short 70-minute flight from Vancouver (or 4.5hrs…
Xatsull Heritage Village
The Xatśūll First Nation community invites you to visit and experience their spiritual, cultural, and traditional way of life at their National, Award-Winning Heritage Village. There are regularly scheduled daily tours and you can take part in a variety of…
Xwisten Experience Tours
Visit the Bridge River Fishing Grounds - the past and current fishing area of the St'at'imc People. Learn about the traditional, wind-dried method of preserving the salmon still used by its people today. Also tour the extensive archaeological village site…