Embrace Canada's First Nations with Amazing Indigenous Tourism Experiences
Indigenous cultures across Canada are offering up distinct experiences you didn’t know were right in your backyard
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Indigenous cultures across Canada are offering up distinct experiences you didn’t know were right in your backyard
Interest in learning more about Indigenous cultures has lead to a boom in this tourism sector. Here are six beautiful destinations that allow visitors to authentically and respectfully experience First Nations, Métis and Inuit nations first-hand.
The Torngat Mountains, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador
A destination for researchers and adventurers alike, the Torngat Mountains base camp, located 525 kilometres from Labrador City, offers excursions to historic Inuit settlements, where you can learn about sod-house villages and visit ancient burial sites and hunting grounds.
Eskasoni Cultural Journeys, Eskasoni, Nova Scotia
Take part in a smudging ceremony, join in the Koju’a (a traditional dance) or bake a four cent cake over an open fire on Eskasoni First Nation, the largest Mi’kmaq community in the world, nestled on the beautiful Bras d’Or Lake.
Tundra North Tours, Inuvik, Northwest Territories
Experience Inuit culture at a traditional whaling camp or observe herds of reindeer at Tundra North Tours, an Inuit company that offers nearly two dozen authentic Arctic experiences in Canada’s far north. If the holiday you’re looking for isn’t listed, ask about a custom tour.
Wat’Chee Expeditions, Chesnaye, Manitoba
A former navy communications base turned full-service wilderness lodge, Wat’Chee Expeditions’ subarctic locale is home to caribou, ptarmigan, Arctic foxes and the world’s largest polar bear denning area. Be sure to stay awake long enough to witness the bright, dancing lights of the aurora borealis.
Spirit Bear Lodge, Klemtu, British Columbia
Catch a glimpse of the elusive spirit bear—an off-white subspecies of the coastal black bear—at this world-class ecotourism destination nestled in the Great Bear Rainforest. Owned by the Kitasoo/Xai’xais people, Spirit Bear Lodge offers hiking, kayaking and canoeing experiences.
Feast Café Bistro, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Feast Café Bistro, opened in 2015 by home cook turned restaurateur Christa Bruneau-Guenther of Peguis First Nation, features a smattering of Indigenous-fusion dishes, like bannock pizza, bison chili and pickerel sliders. Try the coconut squash curry, served with green beans and wild rice.
Speak with a CAA Travel Consultant who can provide expert advice when planning your trip to help you learn more about Canada’s Indigenous culture.
Image credit: Spirit Bear Lodge, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, Wat’Chee Expeditions, Feast Café Bistro