Salish Sea & Me
Porteau Cove
Let’s celebrate the many life-giving attributes and rich resources that the ocean has provided Coast Salish peoples since time immemorial.
Coast Salish peoples have shared a profound and enduring connection with the Salish Sea for thousands of years, a relationship that has shaped a beautiful culture, identity and way of life. By highlighting and embracing these Indigenous values, knowledge and practices we welcome a more resilient path towards environmental stewardship, climate resilience and reconciliation.
This experience highlights the key concepts of:
Stewardship of our land & oceans through action & accountability
Exploration of seaweeds & seagrasses
Stories of the creatures in the sea and their connections to each other
The history of the Coast Salish Peoples and their relationship to the Ocean
Indigenous Science & advocacy for their rights
Environmental impact on our oceans, sustainability, responsibility, & reconciliation
Wellbeing, health benefits, medicinal properties, and community
What to Expect
Each Salish Sea & Me experience is a conversation with the shoreline; a meeting between land, water, and the people who have walked here for generations.
Guided by a Talaysay Cultural Ambassador, you’ll explore the rich ecosystems of the Salish Sea, learning how Indigenous communities have lived in balance with these tides for millennia.
Your journey begins with a land acknowledgment and a gentle orientation to the relationships that connect us to this place. As you walk along the coast, you’ll discover how the rhythms of the ocean, the forests, and the seasons sustain life; from shellfish and seaweed to towering cedars and the medicines found among them.
Through stories, teachings, and sensory invitations, you’ll gain insight into traditional harvesting practices, sustainable technologies, and the deep cultural teachings that remind us to live with respect and reciprocity.
This tour is interactive and reflective. You’ll be invited to notice patterns in the sand, the textures of rock and seaweed, and the songs carried by the wind and waves. Together, we’ll explore what it means to be in relationship with the natural world, and how each of us is part of the larger story of the Salish Sea.
Every tour concludes with a cup of Indigenous tea; a moment of gratitude, connection, and conversation.
Where We Meet
We gather for Salish Sea & Me at Porteau Cove Provincial Park, a stunning coastal site along the Sea to Sky Corridor, known for its sweeping views, pebble beaches, and deep connection to the Salish Sea. Our meeting point is near the main parking area by the day-use beach and picnic shelter, where forest and ocean meet against a backdrop of mountains.
From here, we make our way down to the shoreline, pausing along the route to explore stories of this coastal ecosystem; how the tides shape the land, how marine life thrives beneath the surface, and how generations of Coast Salish peoples have cared for and drawn teachings from these waters.
Depending on the tide, we’ll spend time along the rocky intertidal zone, searching for small crabs, barnacles, and seaweed, while reflecting on the balance between human use and marine stewardship. Guests are invited to join in a brief beach clean-up, helping to care for this protected marine environment.
Accessibility: The beach here is composed mainly of small to medium-sized rocks and pebbles, with uneven footing in places. Walking sticks or canes are recommended for added stability. Parking, washrooms, and picnic tables are available nearby.
Before Your Tour
What to Bring
Good walking shoes
Layered clothing - dress for the weather
A water bottle on warm days
A water resistant jacket on rainy days
Weather Information
We operate our tours and programs in the rain.
The company reserves the right to cancel when extreme weather and wind impacts safety.
Guest Protocol
Tours start promptly
Arrive 15 minutes prior to tour start
Late guests or missed tours are not reimbursed
Individual booking cancellation: 48 hours notice prior to tour is required and a 20% administration fee applies
Group booking cancellation: 10 days notice prior to tour is required and a 20% administration fee applies
Cancellations with less than the required notice are 100% non-refundable
