British Columbia Ecovillage Tour
8 DAYS | August 7—14, 2027
Explore British Columbia's ecovillages & island communities
Join us for an unforgettable journey through the fertile Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island, and Salt Spring Island, home to some of Canada's most innovative ecovillages, regenerative farms, and intentional communities. You'll be welcomed behind the scenes by communities that have opened their doors to share their stories, successes, and lessons learned.
Meet founders and residents, explore regenerative agriculture, cohousing, permaculture, and creative models of community living, and discover real-world approaches to ecological stewardship and collaborative governance. Along the way, you'll connect with local Indigenous culture, walk among ancient old-growth forests, cross the Salish Sea by ferry, and experience the unique beauty and slower pace of British Columbia's coastal islands.
Come experience the warmth of island hospitality, the beauty of coastal British Columbia, and the inspiring ways people are building resilient communities rooted in the land.
British Columbia
Ecovillage Tour
Next tour dates:
August 7—14, 2027
Super early bird for the first 5 spots
Save 20% off the normal tour price.
Experience the ultimate Pacific Northwest adventure 🌲
Begin your journey with our Pacific Northwest Ecovillage Tour, then continue north to British Columbia for an unforgettable 16-day exploration of intentional communities across Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia.
Register for both tours and save $300 with discount code: PACIFIC300
Tour Highlights
What you can look forward to on your trip to British Columbia.
Experience Life in Community
Meet the people behind some of British Columbia's most inspiring intentional communities as they share their homes, farms, stories, and lessons learned through decades of community living.
Learn from Living Examples
Discover how regenerative agriculture, permaculture, cohousing, cooperative living, and spiritual practice come together in communities that are reimagining how we live, work, and connect.
Journey Through Coastal British Columbia
Travel from the fertile Fraser Valley to Vancouver Island and Salt Spring Island, exploring ancient forests, vibrant island communities, scenic ferry routes, and the breathtaking beauty of Canada's West Coast.
Tour Itinerary
Below is an overview of your days during your time in British Columbia.
Day 1: Meet your fellow travelers in Vancouver before heading to Abundance Community Farm in the Fraser Valley for dinner and a relaxing first evening together.
Day 2: Learn about the local Indigenous territory before visiting Yarrow Ecovillage, then return to Abundance Farm for dinner and an evening of conversation with the community.
Day 3: Visit Fraser Common Farm and Glorious Organics before boarding the ferry to Vancouver Island, where you'll settle into the historic village of Cumberland.
Day 4: Tour Creekside Commons Cohousing, explore Cumberland's community forest, and enjoy an evening discussion on governance, conflict resolution, and decision-making.
Day 5: Journey through Cathedral Grove's ancient old-growth forest before arriving at O.U.R. Ecovillage for a garden tour, permaculture workshop, shared meal, and overnight stay.
Day 6: Explore Victoria's beautiful Inner Harbour before taking the ferry to Salt Spring Island and settling in at Stowel Lake Farm for the next two nights.
Day 7: Discover the history of Salt Spring's intentional communities with visits to Stowel Lake Farm, the Salt Spring Centre of Yoga, and Quarry Collective, ending the day with wood-fired pizza, live music, and community celebration.
Day 8: Browse Salt Spring Island's famous Saturday Market before taking the scenic ferry through the Gulf Islands back to Vancouver International Airport.
Featured Communities
Below are the communities and projects we’ll visit during the trip.
Abundance Community Farm
Location: Agassiz, Canada
Accepting New Members: Yes
Land Size: 40 acres
Website: https://www.abundancecommunity.farm/
Abundance Community Farm is a regenerative farming community located in the fertile Fraser Valley near Agassiz, British Columbia, on the unceded territory of the Cheam, Seabird Island, Skwah, and Kwaw-kwaw-apilt First Nations. Situated on rural acreage just 1.5 hours east of Vancouver, Abundance was founded as a social experiment in growing food and community in harmony with nature, with a focus on personal, collective, and ecological healing.
An exciting experiment in community agriculture, Abundance bridges the farm and the city by bringing together both live-in and off-site members who collaborate to grow organic food, steward the land, and cultivate meaningful relationships with one another. Through regular work parties, retreats, and shared projects, community members explore creative solutions to food security, social well-being, and regenerative living.
More than 100 members participate in Abundance's innovative Community Agriculture model, working together to produce food crops while fostering deeper connections to the land and local Indigenous communities. The farm serves as a living laboratory for new ways of relating to self, community, and the natural world, creating opportunities for learning, collaboration, and collective resilience.
Yarrow Ecovillage
Location: Yarrow, Canada
Accepting New Members: Yes
Land Size: 20 acres (1 acre constructed wetland, 3 acres of residences)
Yarrow Ecovillage is a pioneering member-designed community located in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia, approximately 90 kilometers east of Vancouver. Developed on a 25-acre former dairy farm, the ecovillage was created to demonstrate a more socially, ecologically, and economically sustainable way of life through the integration of housing, agriculture, commerce, and community.
The community brings together multigenerational residents in a village-style setting that combines private homes with shared spaces, organic farming, and local economic activity. Yarrow's master plan includes a 20-acre organic farm, a 33-unit cohousing neighborhood, mixed-use commercial spaces, and a vision for senior housing and educational facilities. Residents work together to cultivate food, build relationships, and create a vibrant local economy rooted in sustainability.
Known for its innovative approach to community development, Yarrow incorporates environmentally conscious building practices, on-site wastewater treatment through constructed wetlands, permaculture-inspired food production, and a unique zoning framework that supports the integration of living, working, and farming in one place. The community also includes workshops, small businesses, community gathering spaces, and partnerships that strengthen connections between residents, the local village, and the surrounding landscape.
Fraser Common Farm & Glorious Organics
Location: Aldergrove, Canada
Accepting New Members: Yes
Land Size: 20 acres
Website: https://www.frasercommonfarm.com/
Fraser Common Farm is a cooperative community and organic farm in British Columbia's Fraser Valley that has been collectively owned and managed for nearly 40 years. Combining food production, habitat conservation, communal and individual housing, and a commitment to long-term sustainability, the community continues to evolve as a living experiment in cooperative living and land stewardship.
Home to a small residential community of approximately 12 members, Fraser Common is known for its collaborative approach to governance, using sociocratic and group decision-making processes rather than relying on a single leader. Many of the founders remain actively involved, contributing to the community's continuity and resilience.
At the center of the community is Glorious Organics, one of the Fraser Valley's first certified organic farms. Operating since 1986 and as a cooperative since 2006, the farm has built a strong reputation for high-quality organic produce and has received numerous awards, including Producer of the Year at Vancouver Magazine's Restaurant Awards in 2019.
With nearly four decades of history and many of its founders still actively involved, Fraser Common offers a rare example of long-term community resilience and intergenerational stewardship.
Creekside Commons
Location: Courtenay, Canada
Accepting New Members: Yes
Land Size: 9.8 acres
Website: https://www.creeksidecommons.net
Creekside Commons Cohousing is a multigenerational community located in Courtenay, British Columbia, designed to foster connection, cooperation, and sustainable living. Home to 36 privately owned half-duplex units, the community brings together people of all ages and life stages, including families, couples, singles, elders, and empty nesters.
Residents balance private homes with a rich network of shared spaces and activities, creating opportunities for meaningful relationships and mutual support. Regular shared meals, collaborative projects, and informal childcare help strengthen community bonds, while preserving the independence of individual households.
Guided by values of inclusivity, ecological responsibility, and social connection, Creekside Commons has created a neighborhood where people intentionally share resources, support one another through different stages of life, and cultivate a strong sense of belonging across generations.
O.U.R Ecovillage
Location: Shawnigan Lake, Canada
Accepting New Members: Yes
Land Size: 25 acres
Website: https://ourecovillage.org/
OUR Ecovillage is a 25-acre regenerative living demonstration site and educational center located in Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia. Founded in 1999, it has grown into one of Canada's most developed permaculture projects, integrating organic farming, community living, and hands-on education within a single multi-stakeholder cooperative.
The ecovillage is known for its innovative natural architecture, featuring cob, straw-bale, and salvaged-material buildings designed to minimize environmental impact while creating beautiful and functional spaces. At the heart of the site is the Zero Mile Eatery, a handcrafted gathering space where meals are prepared using organic vegetables, herbs, and meats produced on the farm.
OUR Ecovillage welcomes thousands of visitors each year for immersive learning experiences, including permaculture courses, natural building workshops, family camps, and Indigenous-led gatherings. Through its combination of regenerative agriculture, ecological design, and experiential education, the community offers a living example of how people can cultivate deeper connections with the land, one another, and the skills needed for a more sustainable future.
Stowel Lake Farm
Location: Salt Spring Island, Canada
Accepting New Members: Not currently
Land Size: 115 acres
Website: https://www.stowellakefarm.com/
Stowel Lake Farm is a 115-acre organic farm, retreat center, and intentional community located on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia. Surrounded by forests, fields, and wetlands, the farm brings together regenerative agriculture, holistic education, and community living in a setting dedicated to personal and collective well-being.
The farm is known for its diverse retreat offerings, hosting yoga, meditation, dance, music, wellness, and nature-based programs throughout the year. Its organic and biodynamic gardens provide fresh produce for both the farm stand and the retreat center's renowned farm-to-table cuisine, creating a direct connection between the land, the kitchen, and the guest experience.
Stowel Lake is also home to a close-knit residential community of approximately 25 year-round residents, including several families who share responsibility for stewarding the land and nurturing community life. With decades of experience in both farming and intentional community, residents have developed a rich culture of collaboration, learning, and mutual support.
By combining regenerative agriculture, immersive retreat experiences, and community living, Stowel Lake Farm offers a unique environment where visitors can reconnect with nature, cultivate personal growth, and experience the rhythms of life on a working organic farm.
Salt Spring Centre of Yoga
Location: Salt Spring Island, Canada
Accepting New Members: Not currently
Land Size: 69 acres
Website: https://saltspringcentre.com/
The Salt Spring Centre of Yoga is a 69-acre spiritual retreat center and intentional community located on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia. Founded on the teachings of Baba Hari Dass, the center has served for decades as a place for spiritual practice, community living, and personal transformation.
The community combines yoga, meditation, and contemplative living with stewardship of the land through organic and regenerative farming practices. Residents and visitors alike participate in a peaceful environment designed to support self-reflection, mindful living, and a deeper connection to nature.
As one of Canada's longest-standing spiritual intentional communities, the Salt Spring Centre of Yoga offers a unique opportunity to experience a way of life grounded in simplicity, service, and the integration of spiritual practice with everyday community life.
Quarry Collective Coop & Chorus Frog Organic Gardens Coop
Location: Salt Spring Island, Canada
Accepting New Members: Not currently
Land Size: 35 acres
Website: https://thequarryfarm.ca/
Chorus Frog Organic Gardens is a 35-acre certified organic and regenerative farm located on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia. Established within a former quarry, the farm has transformed a disturbed landscape into a productive agricultural ecosystem that supports both local food production and community resilience.
What sets Chorus Frog and the Quarry Collective apart is their innovative "neighbourhood farm" model, which invites local residents to become active participants in the farm's success. Rather than simply purchasing produce through a traditional Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, neighbours contribute labour, share in the harvest, and help shape the farm's approach to local food security.
Through regenerative farming practices and strong community partnerships, Chorus Frog is exploring new ways to reconnect people with the land that feeds them. The result is a collaborative model that strengthens local food systems while fostering deeper relationships between farmers, neighbours, and the wider community. Quarry Collective on-site residents community manages the farm infrastructures and organizes their governance using Sociocracy. Both Chorus Frog Organic Gardens and the Quarry Collective are registered cooperatives.
Trip Details
Explore detailed trip information to prepare for your adventure.
Included
All tours and activities at intentional communities
All ground transportation from tour start and end point
All lodging in shared rooms (Single room upgrades available)
All meals, except when you choose to eat separately
Not Included
Transportation to/from country
Insurance of any kind
Alcoholic beverages and extra drinks
Optional gratuities to guides
Laundry fees and items of a personal nature
Trip Pricing
Click “Book Now” to see current pricing and available discounts. Payment plans available. Pricing subject to change, but your rate is guaranteed with your deposit. All prices listed in USD.
Super Early Bird
$2,499 | first 5 participantsEarly Bird
$2,749 | ends Mar 1, 2027Normal Price
$3,024
🎓 Limited work trade scholarships are available. Learn more and apply.
Travel Logistics
Our tour will begin at 2:00 pm local time on the tour start date. We will meet at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) before traveling together to our first destination. Your guide will send the exact meeting location within the airport approximately two weeks before the tour begins.
We encourage you to book your flights as soon as possible, as the best fares are often available well in advance. Please plan to arrive at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) by 2:00 pm on the first day of the tour.
The tour concludes on Salt Spring Island. Most participants will return together by ferry to Vancouver International Airport (YVR), arriving in time for departing flights later that day. The exact ferry schedule and recommended earliest flight departure time will be shared once the 2027 ferry timetable has been released.
If you would like to extend your stay on Salt Spring Island or elsewhere in British Columbia after the tour, you are welcome to do so. Please let us know in advance so we can assist with coordinating your departure from the group.
If you are driving, you're welcome to leave your vehicle at Vancouver International Airport for the duration of the tour.
Lodging
Lodging varies from shared rooms to simple private rooms, depending on availability. Rooms will be shared with fellow travelers. We will separate male and female rooms whenever possible, while couples and families are placed in private rooms whenever possible.
You can upgrade to a private room when booking (select the $800 single room supplement). Private rooms are not always guaranteed, due to the nature of some locations.
Overnight accommodations will be at the ecovillages and communities we visit whenever possible. This allows for a more immersive experience of what it’s like to live in a community. Accommodations are often rustic, emphasizing sustainability over luxury. Some may include limited Wi-Fi, limited air conditioning, composting toilets, and communal facilities.
Meals
As much as possible our meals will be fresh, local and organic, with produce grown on-site. Most meals will be vegetarian. When eating out at restaurants, we will sometimes have a fixed menu with a few options of local specialties. One beverage is usually included with lunch and dinner. Extra dishes and drinks are on you. We can accommodate a range of dietary requirements, to a point, so please contact us to inform us about any food allergies and come prepared with your own specialty food or supplement needs. We will stop at grocery stores where you can purchase your own snacks.
Weather
Early August is one of the most beautiful times of year to visit British Columbia's coast, with warm days, long daylight hours, and comfortable evenings. Our journey will take us through the Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island, and Salt Spring Island, where the maritime climate creates ideal conditions for exploring communities and enjoying the outdoors.
Daytime temperatures are typically 68–82°F (20–28°C), while evenings often cool to 52–60°F (11–16°C). Although August is generally dry and sunny, weather can change quickly near the coast, so it's best to come prepared with layers and a light rain jacket.
Packing
A detailed packing list will be provided after you register for the tour. Due to limited luggage space in our vehicles, each participant should bring one suitcase and one small daypack or backpack.
Plan to pack comfortable walking shoes, clothing that can be layered for cool mornings and evenings, a light rain jacket, and sun protection. You may also wish to bring a swimsuit if you'd like to enjoy swimming or relax by the lakes, rivers, or ocean during the tour.
Bedding and bath towels will be provided throughout the trip, and laundry facilities will be available at select accommodations.
Meet Your Guides
Get to know your ambassadors to community in British Columbia.
Daria Zovi
Daria Zovi is a Salt Spring Island-based organic farmer, educator, and vocal champion of community-supported agriculture (CSA). Born in Italy, she studied agriculture and environmental science in Europe before earning a BSc in Agriculture from the University of British Columbia in 1997. For over two decades, Daria has been a licensed organic farm and processor inspector throughout British Columbia.
Daria owns and operates Quarry Farm on Salt Spring Island, where she runs a popular 35-member CSA and specialty plant nursery under the Chorus Frog Farm label. Drawing inspiration from the cooperative models in her native Italy, she spearheaded the transition of her sole proprietorship into the Chorus Frog Organic Gardens Cooperative. Deeply committed to the next generation of growers, she has also been instrumental in developing local initiatives like the Neighbourhood Farmer Training program.
Beyond her hands-on farming, Daria is a deeply engaged advocate for regional food security and ecological resilience. She has served as secretary and the Island Natural Growers representative for the Salt Spring Agricultural Alliance and as a director on the board of the Salt Spring Farmland Trust, while also sharing her expertise on topics like soil health and cover cropping at local workshops. A steadfast believer in the social value of farming, Daria frequently emphasizes the philosophical choice consumers make when they buy locally, focusing on relationship-building with both the land and the community.
Anna Wrede
Originally from Finland, Anna grew up in the Vancouver area and has lived in many of the towns we will be traveling to including Horseshoe Bay, the Comox Valley and Salt Spring where she has been living for over 20 yrs. Her M.Ed. in Counseling led to work with at risk youth as well as a specialization in working with people struggling with Eating Disorders. Group facilitation and leadership were a key part of these roles. She has also been a business owner, and worked for 15 years in hospitality on Salt Spring Island.
Anna has travelled extensively in Europe, Mexico, Southeast Asia, and most recently completed a cross country driving tour to the easternmost point of Canada and back to the West Coast. Her participation in eco-communities comes largely through her daughter’s schools, including 7 years at the Salt Spring Centre School, and 3.5 years at the Green School in Bali.
Anna has a few places she’d still love to visit on the planet, including New Zealand, the Azores, Raja Ampat, and Australia, to name a few, but she’ll only get there if she can tear herself away from the pickleball court.
Reviews
Read authentic reviews from participants on past Ecovillage Tours.
One of the greatest experiences I have ever had. A completely unique journey to some wondrous ecovillage projects, full of inspirational humans. To share the tours with others with similar visions was enriching and a real privilige. I left feeling fulfilled and educated.
— Adam Bates
Ecovillage Tours has put something really special together. The amount of research and care they have put into this trip is impressive in and of itself and have helped facilitate meaningful connections both within the tour group and with the communities hosting us. This eye opening experience has the potential to change your life by exploring more unique paradigms.
— Nathan Oxenfeld
It is an experience worth paying for. You get to know places and people who are on the real hands on effort for bringing change and make local ecosystems more resilient.
— Edward Bryce
Best summer camp ever! A must see!! People, food and lodging were more than I could have hoped for in a travel experience like this!! Definitely will be back.
—Megan Zimmerman
Is this tour right for me?
On the fence? Discover if this tour is meant for you.
Choosing to embark on an ecovillage tour is an investment in your journey into intentional community living. Thanks to years of relationship building with community founders, we’re able to give you an experience that’s simply not available to the regular traveler.
Still unsure?
Explore if this tour is right for you…
This tour ideal for those who want to:
Join intentional communities: Engage directly in projects that focus on environmental and social regeneration, creating vibrant, sustainable spaces for communal living.
Explore sustainable living: Dive into the world of ecovillages as a lifestyle choice, integrating principles of ecological balance and community harmony into your daily life.
Network with regeneration leaders: Forge deep connections with key figures in the regenerative movement, gaining inspiration and momentum to advance your life's purpose.
Get a true eco-vacation: Embark on adventure travels that support ecovillages, choosing experiences that contribute positively to the planet and align with your values.
Learn from successful projects: Observe and study the approaches of others, applying their strategies and innovations to develop your own land or community initiative effectively.
Why choose this tour?
Knowledgeable guides: Led by experts in ecovillages and intentional communities, as well as experienced group facilitators.
Authentic experience: We partner with local communities for a genuine and unfiltered experience.
All-inclusive: From eco-friendly lodging to local cuisine, we've got you covered.
Small group size: We limit the number of participants to ensure a personalized and intimate experience.
Hassle free travel: We cover all the logistics, so you can get the most out of the experience.
What’s the alternative?
You could try visiting intentional communities on your own, except that…
Many communities are not open to the public and, if they are, the founders will not give you their undivided attention as a just normal passer-through.
Figuring out the logistics of getting yourself around is a headache and you’ll have no immediate support if something goes awry.
Traveling alone isn’t as nourishing or nearly as fun journeying with a small group in an intentionally held container for connection.
It’ll take years of relationship building and financial investment to even come close to the experience that Ecovillage Tours is able to offer… because we’ve done all that work for you already!
Still have questions?
We are happy to help!
Ready to go?
The communities are excited to welcome you.
Let your adventure begin.