Indigenous-owned retreats across Canada are offering transformative travel experiences that deeply connect visitors to the land and its people. These retreats focus on creating authentic opportunities for cultural exchange while benefiting both tourists and Indigenous communities.
According to Jason Johnston, the Ontario director for the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, there is a growing interest in experiencing Indigenous history firsthand. He emphasizes the importance of learning about Indigenous culture directly from the people who live it, rather than through misinterpreted stereotypes often perpetuated by non-Indigenous tour operators.
Ashley Smith, owner-operator of Turtle Village in Manitoba, echoes this sentiment, highlighting the significance of sharing Indigenous stories from the perspective of the community itself. Keith Henry, the president and CEO of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, stresses the importance of presenting Canada’s tourism in an authentic and truthful manner, emphasizing the need to share the genuine history and stories of the land.
From luxury camping in Manitoba’s Riding Mountain National Park at Turtle Village to cultural interpretive experiences at Métis Crossing in Alberta, each Indigenous-owned retreat offers a unique blend of traditional practices, storytelling, and immersive activities that showcase the rich heritage of the local communities.
Spirit Bear Lodge in British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest provides exceptional wildlife encounters and cultural experiences led by the Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation, while Red Bank Lodge in New Brunswick offers guests the chance to explore Indigenous culture through traditional activities and guided nature walks.
Other Indigenous-owned retreats such as Cape Croker Park in Ontario, Frontier Lodge in the Northwest Territories, Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations in Quebec, Dakota Dunes Resort in Saskatchewan, and Klahoose Wilderness Resort in British Columbia provide guests with diverse opportunities to learn, connect, and immerse themselves in Indigenous traditions and landscapes.
These retreats not only offer a glimpse into Indigenous culture and history but also serve as platforms for economic empowerment, community engagement, and cultural preservation, providing visitors with enriching and meaningful travel experiences.