As part of its ongoing Re-education on Regeneration campaign, Re:BC is spotlighting events across the province that ask travellers to do more than just pass through. This is travel that invites connection to the land, to the people who call it home, and to the stories that have shaped both.
From ecological restoration on Galiano Island to Indigenous cultural gatherings in the Okanagan, these experiences offer tangible ways to give back while exploring. Here’s how to be part of it.
1. Roll Up Your Sleeves on Galiano Island
Volunteer Second & Third Fridays – Ecological Restoration
Next Date: Friday, August 19, 2025 | 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: Millard Learning Centre, Galiano Island
This isn’t a tour, it’s a work day. Hosted by the Galiano Conservancy Association, these recurring Fridays give visitors a chance to get their hands dirty in a way that matters. Think invasive species removal, native planting, and habitat enhancement projects. It’s not just an introduction to the island’s ecosystems; it’s a way to directly improve them before catching the ferry home.
2. Immerse Yourself in Coastal Storytelling
Salish Coast Music Festival
Dates: August 30 – September 14, 2025 | Oceanside (Qualicum Beach & Parksville)
Set between ocean views and small-town hospitality, the Salish Coast Music Festival spreads six days of performances across five venues. More than just music, this festival brings in storytellers who weave cultural narratives into their sets. For travellers, it’s a way to explore Vancouver Island’s eastern shore through sound—and maybe discover a local café or beach you’d have otherwise passed by.
3. Give Back While You Visit
#ThanksgivingBack with Indigenous Tourism BC
Dates: September 18–28, 2025 | Revelstoke, BC
Two weekends, countless ways to contribute. #ThanksgivingBack pairs travellers with volunteer opportunities supporting local non-profits in Revelstoke. Whether it’s trail maintenance, food security programs, or community events, it’s proof that a short trip can leave a lasting impact on both visitor and host community.
4. Honour the Salmon’s Return
Syilx Okanagan Nation Salmon Feast
Dates: September 19–21, 2025 | sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ (Okanagan Falls) Provincial Park, BC
Hosted by the Okanagan Nation Alliance, this three-day gathering is rooted in cultural stewardship. Travellers are invited to witness traditional ceremonies, join a canoe paddle, and share in a communal salmon feast. The setting, where the Okanagan River meets Skaha Lake, is a classroom and a gathering place. It offers insight into the Syilx people’s deep relationship with the salmon and the waters they return to each year.
Making Regeneration a Travel Habit
Each of these events offers something beyond a photo opportunity. They give visitors with tools, stories, and relationships to take home. Visitors can act on these.
For those ready to explore with purpose, the full list of regenerative travel events can be found at rebctravel.ca/events.
Mary in Vancity 
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