Family time All the Time

If you're looking for a new experience, one in which 'remote' has nothing to do with changing the television station, then a visit to the traditional Tsilhqot'in territory of the Xeni (pronounced 'honey') Gwet'in is in order.

Caretakers of this land for more than 10,000 years, the Xeni people offer fun, adventure and learning experiences for people of all ages. The best way to begin your family adventure is a visit to the Xeni Gwet'in Traditional Village. There you'll meet with a local Xeni guide for a tour of the site and sit down together to share a meal cooked over an open fire. You'll likely hear the legend of Tsil?os – and you'll learn to be wary not to point at him unless you want some bad weather to move in.

The Traditional Village includes a winter lodge and covered shelter and was developed to interpret the culture and traditions of the Xeni Gwet'in. There are demonstrations on how to prepare meat and dry fish, and how to roast or cook under ground in the ancient ways. The site provides a space to share traditional botanical, medicinal and ecological knowledge as well. Overnight lodging in the Earth Lodge can be arranged.

Your home away from home is one of several lodges in the territory that have signed a Sustainable Tourism Protocol with the Xeni Gwet'in in support of environmental protection and the development of sustainable tourism. These lodges offer incredible wilderness experiences including horse pack trips, alpine hiking, kayaking, canoeing, fishing on the region's many rivers and lakes. Family run, warm and hospitable, lodge owners are happy to organize tours to the Xeni Gwet'in Traditional Village and transfers to any of the several annual Xeni Gwet'in festivals and events. They often employ the Xeni as guides and are able to offer cultural knowledge along with access to a magnificent and pristine wilderness.

Each lodge has its own unique personality and will envelope you and your family in their own brand of warmth and hospitality.