War Canoe Race courtesy of Bob Herger

2012 Departure Dates: May 25th - 27th 2012

8 HOUR GROUP BUS TOUR

departs Vancouver at 10:00 am daily

returns Vancouver at 6:00 pm daily

$125 per person min 55

Escorted bus tour to the 42nd annual First Nations Festival where dozens of war canoes will gather in friendly competition as 10,000 First Nation people gather to celebrate & carry on their culture

or stay the whole week-end in an eco-lodge or fishing lodge, minutes away

This event offers a weekend of war canoe races featuring the 11-man paddle and other sporting events, including soccer mixed two-pitch, and ball hockey. A salmon BBQ, traditionally cooked by Hereditary Chief Charles is also part of the event, and a wide variety of local arts and crafts vendors will be on hand.

Held the last weekend in May, the festival includes baseball, slahal open games, ball hockey, war canoe races and soccer. Arts and crafts exhibits, children's activities, Saturday night dance, music, tournaments, cultural exhibits, trophies and prizes are all part of the fun. This First Nation's sporting event, held by the Seabird Island First Nation, is open to the public.

Visitors have an opportunity to learn the culture and participate in cedar weaving with a "make and take."

May 25th - 27th

2-day group tour Sports and Cultural Events package

all inclusive

$419 per person based on double/triple occupancy plus taxes

Limited tour size of 24

The escorted package showcases the War Canoe Races, the legendary Sasquatch pictograph riverboat tour plus prize salmon fishing in a log lodge on the magnificent Fraser River.   A true Sto:lo welcome is a high-light with visitors while they learn and participate in cultural traditions and spirituality.

• Located 100 km east of Vancouver, BC, along both sides of the Fraser River on an ancient flood plane is the Sto:lo traditional territory.  This group tour package explores nature and culture along the shore of the Fraser River at a world class fishing lodge and provides a vibrant environment for replenishment . 

• The area is both an archeological paradise and a spectacular natural environment.  The guided tour promotes cultural sharing and eco-based marine explorations

Tour Highlights

• War Canoe Races

• Sweatlodge Ceremony

• Sasquatch Tour, Harrison Hot Springs,, Harrison Lake, BC

• Sturgeon Fishing, Fraser River, Agassiz, BC

• 2  nights accommodations on The Fraser River

• traditional salmon barbecue

• swim at the hot springs

 Price includes.

The Group Price includes the exclusive use of the Fraser River Fishing Lodge & outpost Lodge for 2 nights.  There are transportation arrangements to and from event 5 minutes away.  The lodge is state of the art and features a stunning native theme of stone, wood and fire. There’s a large games room and a 3000 sq ft deck with views of mount Cheam, the Fraser River & Roaming bison.

• All gourmet meals & coffee breaks, including traditional salmon dinner. 8 meals: 3 lunches, 2 breakfasts; 3 dinners.

• Fishing Lodge Accommodation in 12 rooms (double & triple occupancy)

• Bus transportation to and from hotel and event

• Select sightseeing, activities, and admissions, as described.

• Tour planner

• Not included - any items not listed such as but not limited to 6% Goods & Services Tax; meals (other than listed): gratuities; personal expenses

The Sto:lo people have kept tradition and culture alive in celebration, festivals, art, and every day life. They are actively participating by being host to over 40,000 First Nations and other people a year at annual events and festivals held in their communities.You have been welcomed to participate in these public events and cultural activities as you travel through the Sto:lo Nations.

The Sto:lo people are known for their magnificent carved cedar canoes, the major mode of transportation in this area before the arrival of motorized vessels. Today many new canoes are being carved and paddled to celebrations throughout the Northwest Coast. The Salish war canoes are world-renowned for their speed and often win international canoe races. Celebrity races, (ministers, mayors, community leaders, sponsors), traditional salmon barbecues and cultural sharing are also very popular parts of the war-canoe race events.

The hosts invite visitors to join them in the festivals that honour their past, celebrate their present and look forward to their future. The 2 night Festival tours are at close by B&B's ranging from a traditional style long-house, a heritage lodge or a country B&B, all in Sto:lo territory.

The trip is a group tour. Tour starts and ends in Fraser Valley - Arrangement for guests to get to Fraser Valley are available as well

Departs From: Varies- Chilliwack / Harrison