Explore Indigenous Cultures in Canada Through Tourism

The name “Canada” is based on the Huron-Iroquois word kanata, which means “village.” Misinterpreting the directions he received from two Indigenous youth back in 1535, explorer Jacques Cartier used the word “Canada” to refer to the region governed by chief Donnacona near what is now called Quebec City. “Canada” eventually became the name for all the land at the top of the North American continent.

For your next trip to Canada, consider adding an element of Indigenous tourism to your plans. Whether you choose activities on unceded land or within a First Nation’s territory, select experiences by Indigenous peoples rather than just about Indigenous peoples.

1,700 Unique Indigenous Tourism Experiences

“Indigenous tourism provides an opportunity to connect with the people who have called these lands home for millennia in a way that contributes positively to [their] communities,” says Keith Henry, president and CEO of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC).

Incorporating a few Indigenous tourism activities — there are about 1,700 — into your itinerary offers a more in-depth understanding of the land and its people, while also providing visitors with original experiences they can’t find elsewhere.

Indigenous Peoples in Canada

Approximately two million people in Canada (five percent of the population) identify as Indigenous — First Nations, Inuit, or Métis. About half live in cities, while the other half reside in some 630 First Nations and 50 Inuit communities across the country. Each has distinct cultures, heritage, governance, and often even languages; however, commonalities include a deep respect for elders, an emphasis on oral traditions, and a connection to nature and the land.

Indigenous cultures are being reclaimed and rejuvenated by the Indigenous peoples of Canada. More broadly, Canada is now acknowledging its history and the systemic discrimination that Indigenous peoples still face. The process of reconciliation is underway, promoting new, mutually respectful relationships, and tourism is playing a significant role in this shift.

Henry notes that Indigenous tourism “supports the revitalization and broader understanding of Indigenous culture in a fun and engaging way” and serves as “a means to rediscover and share [Indigenous] culture with the world.” This endeavor allows communities to narrate their stories, reclaim their cultures, languages, and history, fostering pride in their identities.

“The Original Original”

The easiest way to find Indigenous tourism activities in Canada is through the Destination Indigenous website. Watch for the new flame and double O symbol of “The Original Original” brand mark, which is being added to websites, signs, and advertisements.

Unveiled on National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21, 2021), the new mark identifies tourism businesses that are at least 51% Indigenous-owned, embrace Indigenous tourism values, offer market-ready experiences, and are members of ITAC.

Traditional Territories and Unceded Land

Throughout Canada, tourism activities take place on the traditional territories of Indigenous peoples. This could be reserve land, areas recognized by land claims, land that is self-governed, or unceded land. European colonization introduced the notion of nation-states and treaties, many of which lacked fairness.

For example, about 95% of British Columbia, the westernmost province of Canada, is unceded First Nations territory. When you travel to Vancouver, you’re visiting the traditional, unceded territory of three Coast Salish Nations: the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh).

Vancouver: Tourism on Unceded Land

In Vancouver, there are abundant Indigenous tourism activities. In addition to visiting galleries and museums, which showcase Indigenous art and artifacts, consider exploring Stanley Park with a cultural ambassador from Talaysay Tours. This experience will enlighten you on how Indigenous peoples harvested plants from this temperate rainforest for medical, food, and technological uses, in addition to sharing the history and traditions of the local Indigenous peoples. Alternatively, with Takaya Tours, paddle the waters around Vancouver in a replica of a traditional ocean-going canoe while learning about the customs of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation.

Dine on Indigenous foods such as bison, candied salmon, and bannock (unleavened bread) at Salmon n’ Bannock, Vancouver’s only Indigenous-owned and -operated restaurant. Additionally, sample Indigenous fusion tacos and burgers from the Mr. Bannock food truck, which also sells premade bannock mixes.

For accommodations, consider Skwachàys Lodge, Canada’s first Indigenous arts hotel, featuring 18 boutique rooms. Here, you can immerse yourself in Indigenous art and culture while supporting two social enterprises, including an artist-in-residence program.

Quebec: Tourism on the Traditional Territory of the Essipit Innu First Nation

The Essipit Innu First Nation has been offering tourism activities since 1978, emphasizing experiences in nature on Innu lands. This community is part of the broader Innu Nation, primarily located in the eastern part of Quebec and the Labrador Peninsula.

Join the Essipit Innu Nation’s whale-watching tour in the St. Lawrence River estuary, where you may encounter humpback, minke, and fin whales, and possibly even blue whales and belugas. Other activities include kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing. You can also go black bear (mashku) watching and explore how Innu traditions are connected to this significant animal. Vacances Essipit provides various accommodations, often with views of the river, where you might see whales swimming.

Nunavut: Tourism on Traditional Inuit Territory

In Nunavut, on Baffin Island, several in-depth experiences await with Inuit guides. Arctic Bay Adventures operates in Arctic Bay, one of the world’s most northerly communities with a population of around 800.

The nine-day Life on the Floe Edge tour immerses you in 24 hours of sunlight and presents an excellent opportunity to see polar bears, narwhals, walrus, and beluga and bowhead whales while camping on the ice of Admiralty Inlet. Participants can also learn how to build a traditional igloo, go dog sledding, and interact with Inuit elders, experiencing a unique side of Canada that few have the chance to visit.

Across Canada: Indigenous Tourism Everywhere

From coast to coast to coast, every Canadian province and territory offers unique Indigenous tourism activities. Explore additional offerings on the Destination Indigenous website to enhance your stay in Canada.