Many Indigenous-run tours & cultural sites across Canada have hands-on experiences you can actually book. Best of all, they come with respect for traditions, as they’re real operations by Indigenous Nations or communities. Here are ten that you should try. Which one would you like to book right now?
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Visit Haida Gwaii Watchmen sites in Gwaii Haanas
On Haida Gwaii, your only way into village ruins like SGang Gwaay & K’uuna is via licensed guides. They act as Watchmen. You need to reserve and do an orientation while also following on-site rules. The guides are Haida, and they’ll lead you while showing you which areas are sensitive. It’s usually okay to take photos, but you have to ask first.
Spot spirit bears with Kitasoo Xai’xais guides in Klemtu
Spirit Bear Lodge in Klemtu is completely Kitasoo Xai’xais-owned. Indigenous guides take small boat groups into the Great Bear Rainforest so you can see kermode bears (AKA spirit bears) and grizzlies. Since each trip is small and only runs in certain months, you’ll get a quieter & more intimate wildlife experience. Plan early.
Paddle a cedar canoe in Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks, Tofino
In Tofino, you can hop on a hand-carved cedar canoe with Nuu-chah-nulth guides via T’ashii Paddle School in Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks. You’ll go over local waters & hear legends as you do so. Thankfully, the guides will explain local protocol for the places you visit. This will prevent you from stepping where you shouldn’t.
Walk the Mi’kmaq trail at Eskasoni Cultural Journeys, Cape Breton
Eskasoni Cultural Journeys is on Cape Breton’s Goat Island, and the journey will take you along a 2.4 km Mi’kmaq trail beside Bras d’Or Lake. There are song stations & cultural places of interest on the way, where you can see craft demos and smudging. You’ll get to hear the language and get a sense of the land in the way that some of the locals do.
Join a wildlife tour at Métis Crossing, Alberta
At Métis Crossing in Alberta, you can take guided walks or vehicle tours through their “Visions, Hopes & Dreams” park. Here, you’ll see wildlife like bison, elk & Percheron horses. But don’t worry. You’ll see the animals from safe zones in order to respect them. The guides also share Métis stories and show you how people lived.
Take “The Unceded Journey” with Wiikwemkoong Tourism, Manitoulin
Wiikwemkoong Tourism runs The Unceded Journey on Manitoulin Island, allowing visitors to hike cultural trails & hear how Wiikwemkoong is an unceded territory. You’ll also get to listen to local stories while you walk the land, and perhaps enjoy a local meal or craft demo. The guides will tell you about sacred places & when to pause or remove shoes in certain areas.
Tour Wanuskewin Heritage Park with Indigenous interpreters, Saskatoon
In Saskatoon, Wanuskewin Heritage Park has guided walks through Opimihāw Valley & cultural areas that are led by Indigenous interpreters. These give you the chance to see prairie views & meet the onsite bison herd. The tours also happen year-round. You simply show up or make a reservation.
Explore with Cultural Ambassadors at SLCC, Whistler
The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler has Cultural Ambassadors who’ll guide you through exhibits before taking you outside on forest walks in summer. The tour often starts with a welcome song & some stories. Later, you’re allowed to roam the building and grounds to get a real feel for the place.
Stay at Torngat Mountains Base Camp with Inuit guides, Labrador
Anyone heading to the Torngat Mountains should try staying at a base camp near the park boundary. Why? Because these are often led by Inuit staff & elders who will do day treks with you and teach you the local lore. It’s a rather remote place, so you could definitely use some of the local advice.
Hunt the aurora with North Star Adventures, Yellowknife
Joining North Star Adventures is a must in Yellowknife because it’s an Indigenous-owned company. They use mobile setups to move closer to clear skies, so you’ll be able to genuinely chase the Northern Lights. The guides will teach you how to respect nearby Dene & Tłı̨chǫ communities, along with best safe viewing practices. It’s well worth it.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.
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