IMPAC5 2023

February 3-9, 2023
Vancouver Convention Centre - West Building
Destination Vancouver welcomes delegates attending IMPAC5

Share  Facebook Twitter Pinterest

Indigenous Tourism BC welcomes everyone attending the 5th International Marine Protected Areas Congress.

From 3-9 February 2023, Vancouver looks forward to hosting thousands of attendees during this global forum focused on protecting the worlds oceans.

IMPAC5 will be jointly hosted by the Host First Nations—xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Swx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-waututh)—together with the Government of Canada, the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) and the IUCN.

Please use this site to explore opportunities to experience authentic Indigenous experiences in British Columbia.

For more information on IMPAC5, please visit: www.IMPAC5.ca

With 203 Indigenous communities and more than 30 Indigenous languages, British Columbia’s six diverse and beautiful regions offer extensive authentic Indigenous experiences. Connect with the people and languages that have spoken the land, collected the knowledge, and passed the stories of Indigenous BC for thousands upon thousands of years.

 

A vibrant Pacific port since time immemorial and home to the Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh people.

Enjoy Vancouver’s celebrated nature and culture from an Indigenous perspective. Exceptional dining and engaging experiences in all directions.

Vancouver Experiences

Background Image
River Wrangler Sportfishing

fishing

fishing

River Wrangler Sportfishing is a fully licensed and insured outfitter ready to take you or your group on the fishing adventure of a lifetime. Our guides have many years experience on the water and specialize in Sturgeon and Salmon fishing. With River Wrangler Sportfishing we will ensure that your trip is one to remember with big fish and even bigger smiles!

Vancouver Coast & Mountains

Chilliwack

View Details
Background Image
Klahoose Wilderness Resort

paddling, cabins & cottages, resorts & wilderness lodges, wildlife tours, indigenous culture

paddling, cabins & cottages, resorts & wilderness lodges, wildlife tours, indigenous culture

Welcome to Klahoose Wilderness Resort, an exceptional Indigenous cultural experience nestled in the heart of British Columbia's breathtaking Desolation Sound. As a proud, 100% Indigenous-owned eco-resort, we offer a unique and off-the-grid escape for those seeking an authentic wilderness adventure. Our resort specializes in crafting unforgettable 3 to 4-night all-inclusive packages, including spring bear tours, grizzly bear viewing during the fall salmon run, and cultural and wildlife experiences throughout the seasons. Nestled between the majestic Coast Mountain peaks of British Columbia's Sunshine Coast and the Northern Islands of the Salish Sea, our resort sits along Homfray Channel. Upon your arrival, you'll be warmly welcomed with a traditional Klahoose greeting on the lodge's verandah. As you take in the breathtaking surroundings, your worries will vanish amidst the calls of osprey, the sight of Orca whales gracing the waters, and the soothing ocean breeze wafting through the conifer forest. At Klahoose Wilderness Resort, we offer an intimate and worry-free experience suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers eager to immerse themselves in one of the planet's most biodiverse ecosystems. Your days here will be filled with transformative adventures, from witnessing Grizzly bears fishing for salmon to kayaking alongside playful porpoises and embarking on forest hikes through ancient western red cedar groves. Surprisingly accessible despite its seclusion, Klahoose Wilderness Resort welcomes guests from Vancouver, Seattle, Vancouver Island, and beyond. You can choose to travel by air (just a 35-minute scheduled flight from Vancouver to Powell River, or a 1-hour charter seaplane directly to our dock), by car and ferry (a scenic half-day drive), or by boat (a quick 45-minute trip from Lund to the Resort) to reach our convenient shuttle departure sites in Lund on the Sunshine Coast or Campbell River on Vancouver Island. Desolation Sound has earned its nickname as the "Serengeti of North America" due to its abundant marine and terrestrial wildlife. Orca and humpback whales, porpoises, harbor seals, and dolphins can be spotted year-round. A myriad of avian species, including bald eagles, osprey, and great blue herons, call this region home. The indigenous tradition and guest experience both revolve around the local bounty of clams, oysters, crab, prawns, and all five salmon species. The inlets of Desolation Sound are renowned for hosting one of the world's most robust grizzly bear populations. The Klahoose First Nation also operates grizzly bear viewing tours, offering guests the opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, located just 45 minutes by boat from the resort in remote Toba Inlet. Natural exploration forms the cornerstone of our activities at the resort. Indigenous guides lead guests on immersive nature and cultural excursions in one of the largest temperate rainforests on Earth and Klahoose nation territory. Water enthusiasts can enjoy the warm, calm ocean waters with activities such as sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and invigorating swims. Plus, there's a serene woodfire sauna perched on a floating dock overlooking the ocean and mountains. Our resort caters to travelers of all ages and interests. The Lodge at Klahoose Wilderness Resort, a stunning 6,100-square foot timber structure crafted from local cedar, provides an intimate and tranquil environment. The main lodge boasts four spacious guest rooms, and we offer three separate cedar cabins, accommodating an average of 14 guests with a maximum capacity of 22. It's an ideal destination for private groups, multi-generational family getaways, or special occasions. Each guest room and cabin is adorned with indigenous artwork from surrounding coastal communities, and the common spaces offer breathtaking vistas of Desolation Sound. Guests come together for morning coffee and, after another remarkable day, gather for evening cocktails on the wraparound deck, where the setting sun bathes the Homfray Channel in a warm, golden glow. In Desolation Sound, each morning welcomes you to the diverse and vibrant wildlife foraging, nesting, and exploring their pristine habitat. For a few precious days from mid-August to mid-October, you're invited to join us in this sublime environment to observe grizzly bears in their natural habitat. Klahoose Wilderness Resort is also proud to operate off the grid, generating its own hydro power, and has been honored with a prestigious sustainability certification. At Klahoose Wilderness Resort, we offer a sanctuary where the days are filled with tranquility, the voices of nature, ancient forests, and rich indigenous culture. From the moment we welcome you to our home, we take care of every detail, ensuring a truly unforgettable experience.

Vancouver Coast & Mountains

Powell River

View Details
Background Image
Mr Bannock

dining & culinary tours

dining & culinary tours

Vancouver’s first Indigenous food truck Mr Bannock shares Indigenous cuisine, using fresh local ingredients and ancient cooking methods such as smoking clay and stone baking. Since 2018, Mr Bannock has catered events throughout Vancouver and has served thousands of bannock tacos.

Vancouver Coast & Mountains

View Details
Background Image
Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre

museums & heritage sites, attractions, art galleries, indigenous culture, shopping

museums & heritage sites, attractions, art galleries, indigenous culture, shopping

The Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre is a three-story, 30,400-square foot award-winning cultural centre designed to blend the traditional Squamish Longhouse with the Lil'wat Istken. Cultural Ambassadors share their knowledge and stories with guests, on a guided tour, augmenting the information shared throughout the centre's curated collection of artifacts and contemporary pieces. Traditional drum songs are shared at the top of each hour. The facility is designed to evoke a traditional Squamish longhouse and a Lil'wat Istken (pit house) and is surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. This thriving cultural centre shares meaningful experiences, educating all, and lifts their two distinct cultures. We occasionally close early for private events, for up-to-date hours slcc.ca/visit

Vancouver Coast & Mountains

Whistler

View Details
Background Image
Skwachays Lodge

indigenous culture, hotels, shopping, art galleries

indigenous culture, hotels, shopping, art galleries

VNHS opened Skwachàys Lodge, the Urban Indigenous Fair-Trade Gallery, and the Artists in Residence Program in June of 2012. The former Pender Hotel was transformed from a three-and-a-half-story derelict SRO hotel to a unique Indigenous social enterprise that combines a boutique hotel with a street-level art gallery, that supports on-site housing and studio space for 24 Indigenous artists. VNHS identified the vulnerability of many urban Indigenous artists artists in need of housing, artists who for various reasons are not able to properly represent and market themselves or their work. Often these artists are commercially exploited through a long established street or underground market that takes advantage of their vulnerability. They try to live off their work by selling on the street or in the bars or through the commercial dealer network that purchases original, gallery quality art for, at times, only five or ten cents on the dollar. By creating a live/work supportive complex with a built-in gallery and community production space, VNHS took a lead role in addressing the social and economic inequities that Indigenous artists can face. The Artists in Residence Program is a unique and life-changing housing program for practicing Indigenous artists. The program includes very affordable housing in clean, unfurnished bachelor suites, 24/7 access to shared artist workshops, and participation in programming opportunities for personal and professional development that help artists develop their craft and move into the next phase of their careers. A 3-year residency in the program is dependent on successful program participation and the achievement of self-defined career goals. Emerging, mid-career, and senior artists are welcome to apply. To date we have had over 110 Indigenous artists complete the program. The Lodge, the Urban Indigenous Fair-Trade Gallery and production space are operated as a self-sustaining social enterprise. Artists are paid a fair price for their work. The model follows the established practices found in the art world. Generally an artist receives between 30%-60% of the retail price depending on the artists reputation and the cost that is underwritten by the gallery (framing, marketing and promotional expenses.) In short, when a guest spends their overnight travel dollars at the Skwachàys Lodge there is a social impact people are housed. When a guest, a member of the community or a company purchases authentic Indigenous art at the Fair Trade Gallery, there is a social impact a simple purchase fights cultural misappropriation and ensures that Indigenous artists are paid fairly for their work. Cultural tourism is one of the fastest growing segments of the tourism sector and there is absolutely a place for our urban Indigenous artists to participate in this industry as a means of reclaiming their lives and independence.

Vancouver Coast & Mountains

Vancouver

View Details
Background Image
Great River Fishing Adventures

indigenous culture, bird watching, fishing

indigenous culture, bird watching, fishing

Founded in 1988, we are one of the largest fully guided sport-fishing operators on the Fraser River and it's tributaries. Every year, thousands of tourists from all over the world visit us to experience the world-renowned fishing and natural wonder of the Fraser River in beautiful British Columbia. This calm water fishery features over ten species of sport fish and year round opportunities for the novice and expert angler alike. We fish the #1 Sturgeon, Salmon and Trout rivers in the World. We specialize in multiple styles of fishing to meet the needs of any angler. Have you ever caught or touched a real living Dinosaur? We specialize in targeting White Sturgeon, a species that can grow over 20 feet in length and over a 1000lbs. These magnificent creatures make spectacular jumping displays and runs that will excite every angler. We also fish for all 5 species of Wild Pacific Salmon and boast the largest and most experienced team of fly fishing guides on the entire river. We exclusively travel to the Upper Pitt River and Lillooet River to chase sea run Dolly Varden, Bull Trout, Rainbow and migrating Salmon. When fishing with us the opportunities are endless and each adventure is personally customized so you can focus on the reason you are here......to fish!

Vancouver Coast & Mountains

Chilliwack

View Details

Indigenous BC Trip Planning App

Planning a visit to British Columbia? The Indigenous BC Trip Planner App is a must-have tool for planning an unforgettable trip. Find authentic Indigenous experiences and businesses, learn common Indigenous words and phrases, and hear traditional songs, stories, and legends.

   

Indigenous Experiences in Canada

For millennia, Indigenous Peoples have called these lands home. Destination Indigenous invites you to see the beauty of nature through our eyes, experience the best of our legendary hospitality, and feel a deep connection through our shared traditions and storied history. Join Indigenous guides on a transformative journey on their traditional territories, and enjoy the wit and wisdom of storytelling handed down through generations. Indigenous tourism awaits.

Visit Indigenous Tourism Canada’s website Destination Indigenous for more information.

Learn More

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.