Indigenous Tourism Alberta

12/25/2024

Merry Christmas from Indigenous Tourism Alberta to you, your families and communities. Wishing you a Christmas that's merry and bright! May all your holiday season be full of laughter, love and light.

12/20/2024

Escape the chill and find your perfect winter retreat! If you're in need of some rest and relaxation this season, swipe to discover three incredible Indigenous experiences waiting for you:

- Painted Warrior Ranch in Sundré – Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of nature.
- Métis Crossing in Smoky Lake – A cultural getaway full of history and tradition.
- Hideaway Adventure in Lesser Slave Lake – Cozy up in a winter wonderland.

Which one is calling your name? Let us know in the comments.

12/15/2024

Proudly sharing four Indigenous businesses that are redefining gift-giving with meaningful experiences and handcrafted treasures. From unique stays to one-of-a-kind creations, these gifts are more than just items—they’re opportunities to connect deeply with the land, culture, and spirit of the season. Happy holidays!

11/12/2024

Join Métis Crossing for Métis Week to celebrates the heritage, history and valuable contributions of Métis people to Alberta and Canada with events held from November 10 to November 16. Activities and promotions to look forward to:

* Enjoy a 10% discount on all Signature Experiences taking place during Métis Week

* November 16th, in commemoration of Louis Riel, visit our Gathering Centre for special drop-in cultural experiences.

* Engage with interactive stations featuring traditional Métis crafts, cultural demonstrations, and hands-on activities . General admission on November 16th will be free.

11/05/2024

We are deeply saddened by the passing of the Honorable Murray Sinclair, whose work as Chief Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission helped guide all of us towards healing and understanding.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who were inspired by his leadership. At Indigenous Tourism Alberta, we recognize that tourism plays a vital role in reconciliation by sharing Indigenous stories and deepening connections between all people.

In his memory, we encourage everyone to revisit the 94 Calls to Action and recommit to the ongoing path towards reconciliation: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1524494530110/1557511412801

08/29/2024

Hawke Prohibition Distilleries started with a dream in a mancave, and now offers a lineup of more than a dozen spirits. It's an Indigenous-owned distillery in Edmonton with a product line that includes such names as Boozy Bear Saskatoon Hawketail, Thick & Dirty Orange Float (yep, tastes like an orange ice-cream float) and Scoundrel Rumbum. And you need to meet the man behind it all.

08/29/2024

Bernadette's is Edmonton's best new restaurant, and it's built on Indigenous traditions. Chef Scott Iserhoff, well known from his earlier venture Pei Pei Chew Oi, and his wife Svitlana opened Bernadette's in downtown Edmonton earlier this year and it's been drawing raves ever since. The cuisine is contemporary but built on Indigenous culinary traditions, and the space is welcoming and warm. It's well worth a stop for anybody living or visiting Edmonton.

08/22/2024

"This land is special." That's how David Onespot describes OneSpot Crossing, his beloved campground located near Bragg Creek, in the foothills just west of Calgary. Yes, it's a haven for RVers, glampers (it has gorgeous domes with cushy bedding and a fireplace) and campers, but as part of the Tsuuti'ina Nation, Onespot and his family also offer a chance to learn about Indigenous culture and connect to each other and the land in a deep and meaningful way.

08/20/2024

Getting started camping can feel overwhelming — all that gear! Open Road Adventures exists to help make this easier. They will come out to a campspot with 50 kms of Grande Prairie and set everything up that you might need for a nice, slightly luxurious glamping stay, and all you have to do is enjoy it. The best part? The company is Indigenous owned.

08/16/2024

"I realized I’d found my people and my place at this massive event." Check out this story by an Native American writer in one of the biggest travel magazines in the world visiting her first Calgary Stampede with an eye to seeking out authentic Indigenous culture. With shoutouts to Grey Eagle Resort & Casino and Native Diva Creations!

Self-proclaimed horse girl Kate Nelson travels to the Western extravaganza and finds community at the celebrated Elbow River Camp.

08/15/2024

Indigenous experiences are the best way to connect with the land, and with more glamping opportunities opening up, you can do so without roughing it completely. These Indigenous-owned properties offer tents, tipis and even cabins that can elevate your overnight stay while still offering a chance to feel more grounded and peaceful in nature.

Hideaway Adventure Grounds Ltd.
Painted Warriors
Mahikan Trails
The Woods Experience

https://indigenoustourismalberta.ca/travel-stories/escape-on-your-next-adventure-with-these-indigenous-owned-getaways/

08/14/2024

You probably know about the gorgeous glamping domes at OneSpot Crossing near Bragg Creek west of Calgary. But nestled in the beautiful foothills of the Rocky Mountains, as part of the Tsuut'ina Nation, this place is also a haven to kick back, unplug, and truly connect with nature in a deep and meaningful way.

08/13/2024

"Anglers who fish the Bow River that runs through Calgary do so for the prized brown and rainbow trout that it is known for, but in the process, they are introduced to the deeper role that these waters play in the lives of Indigenous Peoples." Read more from Kinute on Drift Out West Flyfishing.

08/06/2024

How's this for a kicking off with a bang — after just a few months in operation, Bernadette's (a.k.a. the most exciting new restaurant in Edmonton) has a 4.9-star rating on Open Table! The downtown spot brings to life the food of acclaimed Indigenous chef Scott Iserhoff who, for years, made his name through Pei Pei Chei Ow alongside his wife Svitlana Kravchuk. The duo's first restaurant is making waves for its contemporary and creative takes on traditional Indigenous cuisine in a cozy yet lively downtown location. Summer is the perfect time to check it out.

08/02/2024

Long-weekend summer road trips are the best — made better if there is an Indigenous tourism experience on your itinerary. Here are a few destinations to make your road trip more memorable than last year's road-trip playlist:

Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park is an amazing culture centre and museum all about Siksiksa and Blackfoot Culture.

Métis Crossing is a gorgeous facility dedicated to Metis culture, with a wildlife park, culture centre, glass-top overnight domes and more.

Painted Warriors will get you outdoors and connected to the land through an Indigenous lens.

The Woods Experience features a forest spa alongside Indigenous cultural experiences and adorable overnight cabins in the woods.

07/31/2024

If you're looking for something new this summer, check out these Indigenous tourism experiences located near Calgary. DH Ranch 44 offers groups a chance to connect and learn through unforgettable ranch experiences. Drift Out West Fly Fishing's Indigenous flyfishing guides know all the best spots on the Bow. Experience Metis Inc. offers cultural journeys in the heart of the city. Wild West Badlands Tours will give you a new appreciation for the Badlands of Drumheller.

07/26/2024

Sure, dinosaurs are cool, but the Canadian Badlands offer much more, and more than you might think. The otherworldly landscapes create a fun and exciting experience for hikers and campers, but the region is also steeped in both Indigenous and colonial history, and continues to hold deep meaning for Indigenous Peoples today. One way to see more of the region is to book a tour with Wild West Badlands Tours, an Indigenous-owned company that has been delighting visitors for years.

07/23/2024

You may know Girth Hitch Guiding for rock-climbing adventures in the Rockies, but did you know this Indigenous-owned company also offers Indigenous Ways, a guided hike that will empower you on a journey towards a greater connection with Indigenous perspectives and the land? It's offered in collaboration with Zuc̓min Guiding and may be the best day you'll spend outdoors this summer.