See the Declaration of Dependence on Display at New-York Historical Society July 2-7

For the first time in more than 20 years, the New-York Historical Society displays the “Declaration of Dependence,” a petition signed in 1776 by New Yorkers loyal to the British crown. The petition will be on view for a limited time, alongside a rare original printing of the Declaration of Independence, also from New-York Historical’s collection.

In an installation entitled Our History of Discord, together these documents reveal the contentious history behind our nation’s founding.

Also, on the Fourth of July, kids under 17 can visit the Museum for free and meet historical interpreters recreating life in New York City in 1776.

“Division in our political views is not a recent phenomenon, and as our nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026 fast approaches, it’s helpful to examine the great divisions we have overcome,” said Louise Mirrer, president and CEO, New-York Historical. “These rare documents on view—offering viewpoints of those loyal to the King and those eager to be rid of him—can help us better understand the role everyday Americans play in the struggle for democracy, including those who have been excluded from it.”

Our History of Discord

Limited Time Only! July 2 – 7, 2024

Just in time for the Fourth of July, get a fascinating look at two essential documents that demonstrate just how tumultuous the birth of the United States really was: a rare New York printing of the Declaration of Independence and a one-of-a-kind “declaration of dependence,” a petition from hundreds of Loyalist New Yorkers pledging their allegiance “to our Sovereign, against the strong tide of oppression and tyranny” at the end of November 1776.

The documents are displayed alongside the Johannes Adam Simon Oertel painting that depicts the night a statue of King George III at Bowling Green was pulled down by a rowdy crowd of revolutionaries on July 9, 1776, after the Declaration of Independence was first read aloud to the troops. Also on view: a surviving piece of that very statue, which has been in the New-York Historical collection since the late 1800s. Curated by Nina Nazionale, director of library curatorial affairs and research at the Patricia D. Klingenstein Library

Independence Day Celebration

Thursday, July 4, 11 am – 5 pm | Free with Museum admission; free admission for ages 17 and younger

Celebrate Independence Day at New-York Historical with humble street food and posh ice cream flavors that would have been familiar to New Yorkers of 1776! Meet historical interpreters to learn the fascinating stories of vendors who sold their wares in the streets and chef Hercules Posey, an enslaved cook of George Washington who self-emancipated in 1796. After sampling foods of the Revolutionary Era, make family memories together with games, crafts, a dress-up photo booth, and more.

New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West (77th Street), New York, NY 10024, 212-873-3400, nyhistory.org.

Sattva Land Eco-Resort Offers GetAway Wellness-Focused Vacation in the Belizean Jungle

Nestled on 20 acres in Belize’s Mayan jungle, Sattva provides a tranquil space to reconnect to nature and establish a deeper connection to the self and the collective.

Belize – You come to Sattva Land eco-resort in the heart of the Mayan jungle in Belize when you need to reset, experience the healing power of nature.

The multi-generational family-owned retreat property is renowned for its warm welcome, friendly vibe, wellness amenities, and a setting that lets nature work her healing magic on guests.

“One of the most fundamental experiences we seek out as humans is connection. Whether it’s connection to other humans, the environment, spirituality, or our deeper selves, connecting and weaving our story into the larger tapestry of life often results in profound feelings of peace and wellbeing,” said Sam Combs, general manager and a lead facilitator at Sattva.

Nestled on 20 acres in the jungle, retreats at Sattva Land offer transformational programming along with spa treatments, jungle hikes, meditative garden walks, dips in the natural swimming pool and healing, plant-based cuisine.

With an enviable location immersed in bio-diverse forest and near the coral reefs the Belize coast is known for, Sattva Land offers a wide range of local excursions to waterfalls, caves, Mayan Temples and the Placencia beach. On-property guests can add to their retreat with additional programming from yoga and sound healing to chocolate tasting and a tour of the Sattva’s Land Project.

Accommodations at Sattva are first and foremost eco-friendly with a nod to creature comforts. Guests can choose from everything from a jungle castle to cabins, garden homes and modern suites overlooking a bubbling creek. Unlike many wellness-focused resorts, Sattva caters to individuals, couples and families. The natural setting coupled with an array of family-friendly activities make the resort perfect for multi-generational getaways.

Sattva offers two ongoing retreats. The Threshold is a personal retreat immersion designed specifically for your unique needs and wants. The Entwined retreat is for couples looking to relax, reconnect and grow together.

“As an off-grid, rainforest retreat center and community, Sattva creates a sacred space for people to feel held and supported while they make new connections, grow past their perceived comfort zones, and onboard new mindsets,” said Combs.

Founded in 2014 by members of the Garofalo Family, Sattva has evolved to become one of Belize’s top retreat centers. Nestled on 20 acres in Belize’s Mayan jungle, Sattva provides a tranquil space to reconnect to nature and establish a deeper connection to the self and the collective. At Sattva you’ll find a setting devoted to mindfulness, cultural integrity, diversity and connection to the land, people and the self

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New Darwin Galapagos + Amazon + Yacht Adventure

An adventurous 11-day journey combines two of Ecuador’s most iconic and wildlife-rich regions, the incredible Galapagos Islands and Amazon Rainforest. Guests will explore Isabela and Santa Cruz islands and take a yacht to other nearby islands. Starting in the highlands of Isabela, guests will explore some of the island’s most fascinating areas, including the Charles Darwin Research Station © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

(Quito, Ecuador) — This adventurous 11-day journey combines two of Ecuador’s most iconic and wildlife-rich regions, the incredible Galapagos Islands and Amazon Rainforest. Guests will explore Isabela and Santa Cruz islands and take a yacht to other nearby islands. Scalesia Galapagos Lodge and Finch Bay Hotel will provide a comfortable base for this guided Galapagos Islands tour. Starting in the highlands of Isabela, guests will explore some of the island’s most fascinating areas, including the Giant Tortoise Reserve and Charles Darwin Research Station. Guests will then visit Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest, and from the comfortable Sacha Lodge, head into the jungle on expertly guided tours to discover colorful birds, fascinating reptiles, many species different monkeys, and an array of other wildlife. The Darwin & Orellana Discovery Tour starts at $6,915 per person double.

The tour includes:
3-nights at Scalesia Lodge – Isabela Island
3-nights at Finch Bay Hotel – Santa Cruz Island
1-night at Quito Airport Hotel – Quito
3-nights at Sacha Lodge – Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest

Scalesia Galapagos Lodge is situated in the highlands of Isabela Island on the slopes of a volcano, about 20 minutes from the town of Puerto Villamil. The modern, luxurious, safari-style tent resort is in the middle of a 40-acre forest with a spectacular view of the coast of Isabela Island, the Pacific Ocean, and other Islands of Galapagos dotting the horizon.

The award-winning Finch Bay Hotel enjoys a peaceful and magical beachfront location in Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz Island. The hotel makes the ideal base for exploring the natural diversity and attractions of the island – including Tortuga Bay beach – and for taking day trips to nearby islands, aboard its own, specialized yacht. The hotel also implements best practices in sustainable tourism.
Located in a 5,000-acre private ecological reserve, Sacha Lodge provides a safe and comfortable base to experience the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest. Highlights include exploring the forest on rainforest walks, canoeing the lake, the Sacha Lodge butterfly house, visiting the Yasuni parrot lick, and walking high in the trees on the 940-foot (275-meter) long canopy walkway. As this is a private reserve, the wildlife is well protected. It’s not uncommon for different monkeys to even play on the boardwalk or cross through the canopy over your comfortable accommodations.

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Travel Deal: Walk, Hike or Bike to Get 15% Off Tours with Explore Worldwide

Lisbon, Portugal. Explore Worldwide is offering a limited time, pre-summer promotion on walking, hiking and biking holidays such as Lisbon to Algarve © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Travelers can walk, hike or bike to get 15% off more than 700 tour departures through B-corp certified global adventure tour company, Explore Worldwide, during the 10-day pre-summer promotion starting June 17.  

Driven by an increase in demand for active adventures (over 40% increase), Explore is tapping into travelers’ adventurous spirit with a selection of tours in Europe and beyond. In fact, drawing the most attention and gaining in popularity are getaways centered around walking and cycling, with cycling seeing  growth of 75% year over year.  

Travelers can book these active adventures to trending destinations like the Baltics for guided walking through Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, or walking through the Azores. Cycle the Dalmatian Coast or from Lisbon to Algarve with an E-bike option in Portugal. Or trek the Dolomites or week-long trek in Picos de Europa National Park in Spain. 

For a full list of tours and insider experiences click: https://exploreworldwide.com/active-travel-sale.   

Available for travelers within United States and Canada, the promotion can be booked from June 17-27, 2024 for travel starting this summer through June 30, 2025 on available departures. Rates starting from $1,200. Explore Worldwide offers travel agents 15% commission rate on bookings.  (Additional Terms and conditions may apply.)

Explore Worldwide has over 40 years’ experience in crafting authentic small-group travel experiences around the world with a specialty in cultural experience with an air of adventure (from walking and cycling to trekking and more). With over 350 trips in 100 countries, Explore’s expertly crafted itineraries combined with award-winning tour leaders, small group sizes and a commitment to responsible travel. Explore has immersive, sustainable travel in its DNA, as a founding signatory of the Glasgow Declaration and with one of the leading Climate Action Plans in the industry. Earlier this year, Explore not only received B-Corp status, but also completed the biggest carbon-measurement project in the industry to date, and is now working towards reducing the carbon emissions of its tours by 50% by 2050.

More information at www.exploreworldwide.com, 888-233-5210.

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Backroads Announces New Greece & Croatia Ocean Cruise Multi-Adventure Tour Among 100 Trips for 2025

Backroads introduced a new Greece & Croatia Ocean Cruise Multi-Adventure Tour from Athens to Dubrovnik for 2025 aboard Emerald which features a bike ride to the ruins of Delphi © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Backroads, a leading active travel company, introduced a new Greece & Croatia Ocean Cruise Multi-Adventure Tour from Athens to Dubrovnik for 2025 aboard Emerald, Condé Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice award-winner for Small Ship Cruise Line. The trip features a bike ride to the ruins of Delphi, hiking above the UNESCO Heritage Site of Kotor, Montenegro, and kayaking off the shores of the Greek island of Lefkada, among other activities. Additional stops include Itea, Greece; Corfu, Greece; and Sarandë, Albania.

The company is hosting this eight-day, seven-night trip aboard Emerald’s sleek new yachts, the Azzurra and Sakara, the newest featured small ships in Backroads’ Active Ocean & River Cruises collection. The ships’ amenities include an open-air bar, lounge areas, a pool and a gym, along with master chefs known for their gourmet dishes.

Backroads has explored waterways from Europe and Polynesia to Antarctica and the Galápagos Islands on active adventures since 2015, utilizing a selection of small luxury ships that also includes Ponant and AmaWaterways. Poised to expand its active cruise options in 2025, Backroads will also debut a River Cruise Multi-Adventure Tour on the Danube to join its popular Danube River Cruise Biking Tour from Prague to Budapest.

It’s been a decade since Backroads combined the best small ship cruise experiences with the best of active travel and redefined river and ocean cruising. The appeal of unpacking only once with the opportunity to explore multiple regions has spurred year-over-year growth in the company’s Active Ocean & River Cruises category, which includes trips specifically designed for all types of families and children. Today, Backroads remains the only company offering family trips segmented by age.

“When we pioneered the active river cruise space with AmaWaterways in 2015, I had no idea that we’d be reinventing the cruise market,” said Tom Hale, Backroads Founder, President and CEO. “But looking back, it was a winning combination from the start. Active cruising offers that seamless sense of journey, adventure, leisure and luxury that our guests are looking for—it’s truly a unique and special way to explore the world.”

Backroads Active Ocean & River Cruises are available for immediate booking for 2024 and 2025

Backroads Active River Cruise Adventures

*In 2016 Backroads was the first—and only—company to offer Full Ship Celebrations, cruises exclusively for Backroads guests. Today’s Danube Full Ship Celebration Bike Tour takes over an entire AmaWaterways luxury ship, hosting up to 150 Backroads guests for eight spectacular days of sailing and exploring five countries.  

For more information on Backroads Ocean & River Cruise trips, visit our website or call 800-462-2848. 

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Nova Scotia’s Acadian Heritage and Culture  Takes Center Stage This Summer

“Leave the 21st Century behind at Historic Acadien Village” a highlight of our visit to New Brunswick © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Halifax, Nova Scotia  – This August 10-18, Nova Scotia will host the Congrés mondial acadien (CMA), a worldwide celebration that takes place every five years and brings together the Acadian diaspora from around the world. With events stretched across the southwestern tip of the province, travelers can explore the history, culture, language, genealogy, music, food, crafts, and more, that are the essence of Nova Scotia’s Acadian roots.  

From the brightly painted houses of Yarmouth and picturesque views of seaside villages like Belliveau Cove and Pointe-de-l’Eglise, visitors will find vivid reminders of the French settlers who first claimed Nova Scotia as their home in the early 1600s. The CMA reunites and welcomes communities, families, and visitors to the province to honor Acadian history and to commemorate the thousands displaced in 1755 when the Acadian people were expelled from the province by the British for not taking a vow of loyalty to King George III.  

Congrès mondial acadien 2024 Festivities 

The nine-day CMA celebration will bring together the worldwide Acadian diaspora to enjoy musical events, culinary and cultural attractions, and family gatherings. Several major outdoor concerts featuring noted Acadian artists are scheduled for several days, including Canada’s National Acadian Day on August 15.  

Family reunions have been an integral part of the CMA since its founding in 1994 and are organized by related associations with support from the CMA to provide Acadian families the chance to meet cousins from across the world and celebrate family contributions past and present. Acadian families from the Amiraults, Gallants, LeBlancs, Thibodeaus and many more are planning activities, meals, dances, and presentations. For the most up-to-date list of family reunions taking place this year, those interested can visit https://cma2024.ca/en/family-reunions/information-for-participants.  

Various culinary experiences will also be available to guests of the CMA 2024 including demonstrations, kitchen parties (an Atlantic Canadian tradition of casual gathering with songs, local food, and newfound friends), and opportunities to try famous Nova Scotian cuisine like rappie pie (a savory dish of potatoes, onion and chicken, beef or clams) along with the province’s famed fresh seafood.  

The CMA is also an opportunity to tackle topics that are important to the Acadian community, including an economic conference, a women’s summit, thematic presentations, and major discussions on the future of Acadie. Young francophones aged 18 to 35 will have the opportunity to take part in workshops to help them hone skills in leadership, learn how to become engaged citizens, develop awareness of challenges in the Francophonie, and gather to exchange ideas and foster long-lasting connections. For more information about the Congrès Mondial acadien festivities, visit https://cma2024.ca/en/.   

Throughout the summer, there are important Acadian historic sites to visit in Nova Scotia:

Grand Pré National Historic Site 

Open from May 17 to October 14, the Grand Pré National Historic Site is a powerful way to discover the history of l’Acadie (a historical Acadian village in Nova Scotia settled from 1682 to 1755), its people and its culture. The location is a monument that unites the Acadian people, and for many, it is the heart of their ancestral homeland. Guided tours lead visitors through the center of this Acadian settlement and where they can learn about the history of the mass deportation of the Acadians, “Le Grand Derangement,” that began in 1755. This tragic event continues to shape the vibrant culture of modern-day Acadians across the globe. Tours are available in July and August. 

Le Village Historique Acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse 

Visitors wishing to immerse themselves further in the vibrant Acadian culture of Nova Scotia can explore the oldest Acadian region still inhabited by descendants of its founder in Le Village Historique Acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse. Founded in 1653 by Sieur Philippe Mius-d’Entremont, the village is a breathtaking, 17-acre space overlooking Pubnico Harbour. Attractions include historical buildings and original nineteenth century wooden homes like Duon House and Maximin d’Entremont House, a lighthouse and local cemetery, nature trails with natural fauna and flora indigenous to the area, and opportunities to learn about the historic Acadian fishing and farming traditions.  

Rendez-vous de la Baie Visitor Centre 

Open year-round and located on the campus of Université Sainte-Anne in Clare is Rendez-vous de la Baie Visitor Centre, an Acadian cultural and interpretive center. Attractions include an artist-run gallery, a souvenir boutique, a 263-seat performance theatre, an outdoor performance area, and more. Travelers can experience the interpretive center and museum which delve into the Acadian peoples’ history through multimedia displays of music and language with free guided tours available. The venue is also a trailhead for a three-mile network of walking trails leading to the breathtaking Nova Scotian coast, and guided walking tours are available. 

For more information on the four provinces, visit these websites or follow on social media: 

Nova Scotia   

Web: www.novascotia.com  

Instagram: @VisitNovaScotia  

Twitter: @VisitNovaScotia  

Facebook: @NovaScotia 

Prince Edward Island  

Web: www.tourismpei.com  

Instagram: @tourismpei   

Twitter: @tourismpei  

Facebook: @tourismpei 

Newfoundland and Labrador  

Web: www.newfoundlandlabrador.com  

Instagram:  @newfoundlandlabrador  

Twitter: @NLtweets  

Facebook:  @NewfoundlandLabradorTourism 

New Brunswick  

Web: www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca   

Instagram: @DestinationNB  

Facebook: @ExploreNB  

See also:

NEW BRUNSWICK ROADTRIP: EXPLORING FRENCH ACADIA’S CULTURE, HERITAGE BY BIKE!

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Summer is a Five Sensory Season in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Just off the Bonavista Peninsula, be amazed by the spectacle of whale species like humpbacks, sperm, orcas, and more feeding, migrating and playing on Sea of Whales Adventures whale watching boat tours (Photo: Destination Canada)

St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador  – From the rolling waves lapping off the coastline to the colorful clotheslines dancing in the ocean breeze, Newfoundland and Labrador is home to the slow way of life, especially when the seasons change. As spring rolls into summer, regular visitors to the province return, including the whales, birds and icebergs that heighten all senses. Visitors can experience the first sunrise in North America, witness the migration and play of whale species that return to the shores each year, and taste food foraged from land and sea. For relaxation, guests can soak in the bounty of the ocean in a bath with seaweed gathered off the coast of Grates Cove, go for a cold-water dip in the many outdoor locations including the North Atlantic Ocean, or sit and listen to the push and pull of the beach rocks as they roll with the waves.  

Sea of Whales Adventures 

The Atlantic Ocean surrounding Newfoundland and Labrador boasts as many as 22 diverse whale species. Just off the Bonavista Peninsula, travelers will smell the ocean breeze and be humbled by the spectacle of whale species like humpbacks, sperm, orcas, and more feeding, migrating, and playing on Sea of Whales Adventures whale watching boat tours. Family owned and operated since 2009, Sea of Whales Adventures offers three-hour whale watching tours daily from May 15 to October 14 and two-hour tours daily from June 15 to September 3. The two-hour tour rates start at $90 CAD for adults and $60 CAD for children, while the three-hour tour rates start at $110 CAD for adults and $80 for children.  

Preserving the Dark Sky 

Terra Nova National Park, the first designated Dark Sky Preserve in the province, allows travelers to gaze into the cosmos untouched by light pollution. Under the Dark Sky Preserve Program, the park is committed to protecting and improving nocturnal ecology by adjusting, retrofitting, or eliminating light fixtures while delivering new educational and interpretive programs on astronomy and various dark sky themes. The most popular viewing locations include Sandy Pond, rated to have the darkest skies in the park, Ochre Hill, historically used as a fire-watch station, Blue Hill, the highest point in the park putting guests among the stars, and Visitor Centre, with the starlit sky reflected across the water. New in 2024, UNESCO World Heritage Site Gros Morne National Park is applying to the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada for designation as a Dark Sky Preserve, offering visitors even more unaltered space to bask in the celestial views. 

Wild Island Kitchen 

Open year round, Wild Island Kitchen offers travelers the chance to dine aside breathtaking seascapes listening to the crashing waves while wild and sustainably caught seafood is cooked over an open fire. The locally owned tour and culinary group provides menus that change daily based on what is foraged and discovered each day, with guides teaching guests how to cook and prepare the cuisine. The “From Sea to Plate” Tour features sustainable, high-quality seafood cooked with water from the sea and cooked over an open fire, and guests can expect four to five courses over a three-hour period. For a shorter, one-hour experience, visitors can book the “Mug-Up” Tour which typically departs at 10 a.m. and includes a trip down the cove for a cup of tea or coffee and an interpretative food journey inspired by traditional coastal delights. Tour rates start at $175 CAD, but guests are encouraged to email [email protected] for specific pricing per tour. Pre-booking is required for both culinary experiences. 

Grates Cove Seaweed Baths 

In the northernmost part of Newfoundland and Labrador, weary travelers can soak in a seaweed bath at Grates Cave Co. Known for its healing and rejuvenating properties, seaweed is harvested off the coast of Grates Cove and transformed into 7 Fathoms skincare, producing a high-quality, highly bioactive brown seaweed extract suited for personal care. Grates Cove Co. uses the product, densely packed with essential nutrients and minerals, for the fresh seaweed baths in the comfort of the bathhouse overlooking the North Atlantic. The bathhouse is bookable from Monday to Sunday for two-hour time slots from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2-4 p.m., and 5-7 p.m., and the price per couple is $110 CAD + HST (Harmonized Sales Tax). 

Maxxim Vacations New Tour 

From September 22 to 28, 2024, Maxxim Vacations will host the small group vacation “Newfoundland Through a Mindful Lens,” including a five-day, six-night itinerary designed to inspire travelers with a renewed sense of self and perspective. The tour is hosted by certified mindfulness guide Dr. Brian Dower, a Newfoundland native and retired chiropractor who regularly prescribed mindfulness training to his patients dealing with stress. Dr. Brian will introduce various mindfulness techniques and skills in focused tutorial sessions and then guide participants through opportunities to put the tools into practice. Guests will take hikes along breathtaking ocean trails, join foraging expeditions, and dine on specially prepared meals by award-winning chefs. The tour starts at $4,828 CAD plus taxes and includes six nights of accommodation at select hotels and inns, daily instructional mindfulness sessions with Dr. Brian, guided walks and hikes in St. John’s and Port Rexton, meals including daily breakfast, lunch, and select dinners, five-day ground transportation, a scenic driving tour of St. John’s and the Bonavista Peninsula, a mindful movement session, and more. 

For more information on the four provinces, visit these websites or follow on social media: 

Newfoundland and Labrador  

Web: www.newfoundlandlabrador.com  

Instagram:  @newfoundlandlabrador  

Twitter: @NLtweets  

Facebook:  @NewfoundlandLabradorTourism 

Prince Edward Island  

Web: www.tourismpei.com  

Instagram: @tourismpei   

Twitter: @tourismpei  

Facebook: @tourismpei 

Nova Scotia   

Web: www.novascotia.com  

Instagram: @VisitNovaScotia  

Twitter: @VisitNovaScotia  

Facebook: @NovaScotia 

New Brunswick  

Web: www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca   

Instagram: @DestinationNB  

Facebook: @ExploreNB  

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11 Experiences To Celebrate National Indigenous History Month in British Columbia, Canada

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, culminating in National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21. National Indigenous History Month represents a meaningful opportunity to learn about the cultures and traditions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples, so we’ve put together 11 ways to engage in Indigenous experiences in British Columbia this summer. 

More than simply checking out a destination, Indigenous tourism encourages visitors to understand and respect different perspectives of the world, and to experience histories, traditions, and values in an authentic and unfiltered way.  

BC has the greatest diversity of Indigenous cultures in Canada: of the 12 unique Indigenous language families in the country, seven are located exclusively in BC. Together, there are 204 unique Indigenous communities in BC. Here are a few ideas to start an Indigenous cultural itinerary.
naaʔuu expereince at Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort in Tofino | Indigenous Tourism BC/Melissa Renwick 

New This Summer

New Indigenous experiences beckon travelers seeking a cultural experience paired with delicious cuisine: 

Try Plant Medicine Lemonade  Opened in February 2024, The Ancestor Café in Fort Langley brings traditional Indigenous nourishment to locals and visitors while supporting Indigenous food sovereignty. The eatery is owned by Chef Sarah Meconse Mierau, a member of the Sayisi Dene Nation. On the menu: bison and elk Bannock tacos, handcrafted plant-medicine jams and lattes, and other delicacies made with traditional Indigenous ingredients and enriched with health benefits. Beyond the food, the café features a fair-trade gallery displaying works by local Indigenous artists and brands. 
Get there: Fly into Vancouver International Airport. From here, Fort Langley is a one-hour drive.   

A Three-Hour Song, Dance & Cultural Experience  During festivals, weddings, and potlatches, the Tla-o-qui-aht People come together to share a wholesome meal while exchanging wisdom and stories, with the belief that good food facilitates an easier reception to teachings. Visitors can join the tradition at the Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort in Tofino, where the Tla-o-qui-aht Nation will host naaʔuu (which means “feast” in the Tla-o-qui-aht Nation language), an immersive experience taking place on select dates in June. Following a successful gathering last year, the three-hour experience tells stories from the Nation’s history through song, dance, and traditional carvings, presented during a symphony of cultural delicacies and foraged ingredients. Proceeds from the event go back to the Tla-o-qui-aht Nation to support language and cultural resurgence. Tickets start at $199 per person and can be purchased here
Get there: From Vancouver, fly into Tofino-Long Beach Airport with Pacific Coastal Airlines, or right into Tofino Harbour with Harbour Air. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Vancouver to Nanaimo or Comox and drive approximately 3.5 hours to Tofino.Wildlife viewing experience at Spirit Bear Lodge | Indigenous Tourism BC

Where To Stay
Indigenous-owned and operated accommodation providers welcome visitors to experience warm hospitality alongside stories and culture—all with a deep-rooted respect for nature: 
Gorge Harbour Marina Resort – One of the most desirable cruising destinations in BC – Located at the edge of Desolation Sound, on Klahoose Nation land, Gorge Harbour Marina Resort offers an idyllic home base for adventurers eager to explore the sound, Cortes Island, and the Discovery Islands. The resort offers a multitude of overnight options, including a rustic lodge with four rooms, a cottage enclosed by lush gardens, and two self-contained trailers. Summer-specific options include 21 full-service RV sites, six glamping domes, and six tent sites—open for the season now. Summer activities span live music on the waterfront, yoga at the harbour, family movie nights, and more, as well as whale-watching tours offered between May 1 and October 15.
Get there: Take a ferry from Vancouver to Nanaimo, then drive 1 hour and 45 minutes to Campbell River. From here, take a 10-minute ferry to Quadra Island, then a 45-minute boat trip to Cortes Island. You can also fly direct to the resort from Campbell River, Vancouver, or Seattle, Washington.   

Nemiah Valley Lodge – Off-grid & highly requested – Open year round, Nemiah Valley Lodge is located in the Chilcotin region, on Tŝilhqot’in Nation land. Here, guests are immersed in the food, history, and traditions of the Xeni Gwet’in community through local events, cultural experiences, and wildlife viewing. The all-inclusive packages include lodge activities such as lakeside yoga and meditation, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, archery, and more. Note: Nemiah Valley is taking bookings for 2025.
Get there: The lodge is a 30-minute floatplane ride from Whistler. Alternatively, take a flight from Vancouver International Airport to Williams Lake (available throughout the summer), and drive 2.5 hours to your destination. The lodge also offers a transfer from Williams Lake. 

Tsawaak RV Resort – A 2024 Indigenous Tourism Award Winner – Whether you’re seeking a cozy wilderness cabin or a place to park your RV, Tsawaak RV Resort— located in Tofino, on Tla-o-qui-aht Nation land—offers a tranquil space for rest and rejuvenation. Guests can choose from 34 RV sites and 13 longhouse-style cedar cabins—all situated close to Mackenzie Beach and a 30-minute walk from town. The central amenities building offers laundry facilities and vending machines, while the visitor centre houses an art gallery and retail shop. The resort provides easy access to Tofino’s most popular adventures, including surfing, hot springs, and hiking.
Get there: From Vancouver, fly into Tofino-Long Beach Airport with Pacific Coastal Airlines, or right into Tofino Harbour with Harbour Air. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Vancouver to Nanaimo or Comox and drive approximately 3.5 hours to Tofino.

Spirit Bear Lodge – Located in the largest, temperate coastal rainforest in the world – Wildlife viewing and cultural experiences take centre stage at Spirit Bear Lodge, located in Klemtu, on Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation land. The lodge’s all-inclusive adventures are anchored by visits to cultural sites of the Kitasoo Xai’xai People, who have lived for thousands of years in the Great Bear Rainforest—the largest temperate coastal rainforest in the world. Guests can search for the elusive Spirit bear, watch grizzlies roam lush estuaries, see whales and other marine life, and explore the remnants of ancient villages. 

Spirit Bear Lodge is open from August to October, with limited reservations available.
Get there: Board a flight at Vancouver International Airport with Pacific Coastal Airlines to Bella Bella. You’ll be met by Spirit Bear Lodge staff and shuttled to the dock, where a lodge boat will take you on the two-hour journey to Klemtu.A group with Takaya Tours, rowing a traditional First Nations canoe in Deep Cove | Destination BC/Hubert Kang

What To Do

Indigenous tour operators lead visitors into their traditional territory, providing a new perspective of local wildlife, plants, and waters:

Guided nature adventures led by the local Nation – Explore Ahousaht territory with Ahous Adventures, which is owned by a nation that has stewarded the lands and waters of Vancouver Island since time immemorial. The popular hot springs tour cruises the coast and inlets of Clayoquot Sound, with guides pointing out wildlife along the way. Once onshore, guests take a 30-minute walk via wooden boardwalk through old-growth rainforest, leading to the healing mineral waters of the hot springs. Throughout the journey, guides will discuss the history and cultural significance of Hot Springs Cove, a site that has been used for centuries by the Ahousat Nation for medicinal and spiritual benefits.
Dates: Tours are available throughout summer and beyond. 

Cruise an Island Archipelago – Sidney Whale Watching, serving Sidney (just 30 minutes from Victoria, BC) and the Saanich Peninsula on Vancouver Island, is owned and operated by the Tsawout First Nation, with whale-watching experiences taking place on the traditional territories of the W̱SÁNEĆ Nation. The three-hour whale watching tour cruises through the Gulf Island Archipelago, winding past orcas, sea lions, and bald eagles hunting for salmon. Sidney Whale Watching has a 95% whale-sighting rate throughout the year; if guests don’t spot a whale, they are welcome to join another tour free of charge, anytime.
Dates: Whale-watching tours take place daily between March and October. 

Take a cultural tour in a 35” canoe – Takaya Tours, based in Whey-ah-wichen, or Cates Park, in North Vancouver, leads guests through the territory of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. Guests can paddle the protected waters of Indian Arm in replica ocean-going canoes, while guides share songs and stories of ancient villages. There’s also an option to add a rainforest walking tour to your paddling adventure.
Dates: The Cates Park location is open between May and September for guided tours, as well as rentals of kayak, surf-skis, and stand-up paddleboards. 

BC Tourism Industry Awards Best Indigenous Tourism Operator Winner 2024 – Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours, which stewards the grizzly bear population in Bute Inlet—the ancestral home of the Homalco Nation—welcomes visitors to discover the area’s longstanding cultural and historical significance. The company’s full-day bear-watching and cultural tour leads guests to viewing areas that showcase grizzlies feeding on spawning salmon, along with plenty of opportunities to whale watch and bird watch. Guests can also wander through Aupe, an uninhabited Homalco village site.
Dates: Tours are offered between August and October.

2023 Yelp Travellers Choice – Sea Wolf Adventures, which leads tours in the Broughton Archipelago and the Great Bear Rainforest, on Musgamakw Dzawada’enuxw Nation territory, combines cultural experiences with grizzly- and whale-watching safaris. The Grizzly Bears of the Wild tour connects guests with the iconic grizzly inhabitants of the Great Bear Rainforest, with bonus viewings of Pacific white-sided dolphins, eagles, orcas, and other wildlife. The full-day tour departs from Port McNeill, and includes Indigenous interpretations of local landscapes, as well as stories about the Musgamakw Dzawada’enuxw People.
Dates: Tours run from May 31 through October. 

For more information on authentic Indigenous experiences in British Columbia visit www.indigenousbc.com.

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Vacations Offering Unexpected Ways to Explore Nature’s Top Lava Volcanic Destinations

These vacations offer unexpected ways to explore nature’s top magma shows 

Iceland is one of the most volcanically active areas on the planet. Volcanic activity is a fact of life in Iceland where people have learned to live with the drawbacks and the advantages. After all, that constant geological activity is the reason the island has so much natural beauty to see from geothermal pools to incredible mountains. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Iceland  

Iceland is one of the most volcanically active areas on the planet, with 130 volcanoes. Last week the fifth eruption since December at the Sundhnjukar mountain ridge sent lava 150 feet into the air, but locals and tourists stayed safe while flights continued to operate. Volcanic activity is a fact of life in Iceland, where people have learned to live with the drawbacks and the advantages. After all, that constant geological activity is the reason the island has so much natural beauty to see from geothermal pools to incredible mountains. 

The unexpected way to observe Iceland’s volcanoesby sea. 

The land of fire and ice and the midnight sun is an island, so the best way to experience it is to sail around it. Small ship line Windstar Cruises circumnavigates Iceland on a 7-dayAround Iceland cruise with just 312 guests on board, visiting five towns on the island in addition to the capital of Reykjavik. These small towns are easy to explore and have opportunities for scenic outdoor adventures (like treks to waterfalls). And the bonus of being on a ship if/when a volcano erupts nearby? You sail somewhere else. 

Mount Etna in Sicily 

Mount Etna is one of Europe’s most active volcanoes, recently making headlines for puffing volcanic vortex rings into the sky. You can hike up the slopes of this volcano, or observe it easily from a distance, Aperol spritz in hand.  

The unexpected way to view Mount Etna: on a bike. 

VBT offers Sicilian guided biking tours, with additional highlights like biking past volcanic coastlines, staying in an 18th century palace, and joining Sicilian truffle hunters on a search for the culinary prize

Kīlauea and Mauna Loa in Hawaii 

Kīlauea and Mauna Loa are two of the world’s most active volcanoes and are located in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on the island of Hawaii (aka the Big Island). There are 150 miles of trails within the park through craters and lava tubes, making up-close volcanic exploration possible. 

The unexpected way to engage with Hawaii’s volcanoes: on a multi-island itinerary. 

Holiday Vacations offers a Hawaii Four Island Holiday that spends time in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park but also includes inter-island flights and accommodations on Kauai, Maui, and Oahu, with their own volcanoes to explore as well. 

Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming 

Yellowstone is a volcano, and the magma chamber under the park influences its natural features including all those famous geysers and hot springs. In fact, the park has the world’s largest collection of hydrothermal features with more than 500 geysers – that’s half of the world’s total.

The unexpected way to experience it: by snowcoach. 

Winter is the park’s quietest season, but it’s one of the best times to visit. The park’s interior is accessible only by commercial over-snow transportation, and Yellowstone’s snowcoaches are essentially the ultimate 21st-century (heated) sleigh. Some of the best geyser viewing and photography opportunities arise in the dead of winter, when the snow-white landscape provides the contrast that makes thermal wonders appear even more dramatic. Stay at one of the resort’s wintertime lodges to fully experience the winter magic. 

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Under Canvas, Backroads Team on New Glamping Adventures in National Parks

Grand Teton National Park. Under Canvas, a leader in upscale, outdoor hospitality, and Backroads, a leading luxury active travel company, are tripling their collaborative adventure experiences across US national parks © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Under Canvas, a leader in upscale, outdoor hospitality, and Backroads, a leading luxury active travel company, are tripling their collaborative adventure experiences available to travelers across U.S. National Parks over the next two years. In addition, the expanded line-up this year includes an all-new, glamping-only itinerary in Southwestern Utah with stays at both Under Canvas Bryce Canyon and Under Canvas Zion.

After first establishing a relationship in 2019 with trips in Montana’s West Yellowstone, and subsequently operating successful glamping tours in Tennessee and South Dakota, Under Canvas and Backroads are poised to further expand their trip selection for outdoor enthusiasts with more than 185 scheduled trips through 2025. From the scenic beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota to the dramatic red rock and hoodoo vistas of Southwest Utah, to the ancient Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, these world-class trips allow guests to enjoy a Backroads active adventure by day and by night continue to immerse themselves in nature with Under Canvas’ upscale glamping retreats. These properties embrace their natural setting, while featuring indoor luxuries, allowing guests to discover the outdoors in comfort and style.

Backroads is renowned for its expert Trip Leaders and flexible active vacations that offer travelers flexibility on each day of every trip. Ample support provided by multiple Backroads vans allows for a variety of daily route options suitable for differing levels of ability. The company’s collaboration with Under Canvas pairs three favorite multi-adventure trips with accommodations at Under Canvas’s stunning camps offering gorgeous tents, furnished with plush king-size beds, luxe linens and ensuite bathrooms. In addition, a stay at Under Canvas includes onsite complimentary programming such as live acoustic music, daily yoga, stargazing, outdoor games and nightly s’mores around the firepits, as well as a lobby tent that acts as a social, communal hub for café-style dining and lounging.

Backroads trips staying at Under Canvas properties in 2024 include:

“Since opening our first camp more than 10 years ago near West Yellowstone, Under Canvas has dedicated itself to inspiring connections with extraordinary places, people and the planet by enhancing access to the outdoors,” said Libbie Rice, Chief Commercial Officer of Under Canvas. “We have enjoyed our collaboration with Backroads over the years, and we’re excited to elevate our collaboration, aiming to offer even greater opportunities for active travelers to immerse themselves in the best of outdoor adventure and connect with nature through our two brands.”

“Guest feedback from our South Dakota trips with Under Canvas has been terrific,” said Tom Hale, Backroads Founder, President & CEO. “Backroads guests love the experience of sleeping in the deluxe glamping tents and sharing tales of the day’s activities over s’mores by the campfire in the evening—it’s really the perfect ending to an adventure-filled day. Whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, sleeping under the stars is a great way to enjoy a Backroads national park vacation. The trips have been a popular addition to our summer schedule, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with Under Canvas far into the future.”

Backroads trips featuring Under Canvas properties are all available for immediate booking. For more information, visit backroads.com or call 800-462-2848.

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