New Indigenous tourism experiences to discover in Canada

With 2025 around the corner, now is the perfect time for travel advisors to start planning out new and unique adventures for their clients for next year.

One trend that continues to gain momentum is Indigenous tourism, which is seeing a rise in interest and demand.

This is reflected in a new report by World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), forecasting that Indigenous tourism will contribute $67 billion into the global economy by 2034.

While several countries are leading in Indigenous tourism, Canada is among the top destinations known for its wide range of Indigenous travel experiences.

Indigenous tourism can take different shapes. It could be an Indigenous person sharing their food or culture, or a business leading guided experiences or tours.

It could be an experience that involves supporting an Indigenous-owned business.

It’s a segment of tourism that shows great potential. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Indigenous tourism was outpacing all other tourism sectors in Canada for growth, bringing an estimated $1.9 billion in revenue to Canada’s gross domestic product, says the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC).

What experiences lie ahead for 2025? ITAC has compiled a roundup of new Indigenous tourism activities in Canada from coast to coast to coast.

British Columbia

Culinary Experiences - Salmon n’ Bannock Bistro has teamed up with Air Canada to be the first airline in Canada to introduce Indigenous culinary offerings to travelers, including the famed Three Sisters Soup, available in the Maple Leaf Lounges at YVR.

New Adventure Packages - Ahous Adventures is reopening the Lone Cone Trail on Meares Island, providing a challenging 6-7-hour hike that rewards adventurers with panoramic views, standing at 742 meters, and cultural insights related to the land’s significance to the Ahousaht Nation.

New Adventure Packages - Moccasin Trails is set to launch a NEW Okanagan Indigenous Journey package in November, designed to immerse visitors in the rich cultural heritage of the Okanagan region.

Eco-Friendly Initiatives - Tin Wis Resort is deepening its collaboration with the Ahousaht First Nation to offer eco-cultural tours led by Ahousaht Knowledge Keepers. These canoe-guided experiences will immerse guests in the history and traditions of the Ahousaht People, fostering a profound connection to the land. Additionally, the resort is in the process of restoring the traditional name of Tinwis Beach, formerly known as Mackenzie Beach, to honour the heritage of the area.

Eco-Tourism Initiatives - Tsawaak RV Resort has partnered with TBird Ebikes, run by Ucluelet First Nation, to provide guests with eco-friendly e-bike rentals to explore the region. Tsawaak RV Resort promotes responsible tourism with long-term stays for van lifers and snowbirds. Over 76,000 hectares of land have been protected through Indigenous-led conservancies with the Ahousaht and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations, enriching immersive, sustainable and culturally significant experiences for visitors.

Innovative Programs and Collaborations - Klahoose Wilderness Resort received prestigious recognition as Canada’s Leading Wilderness Resort at the 2024 World Travel Awards. This accolade reflects the resort’s dedication to providing nature-centric stays combined with authentic Indigenous-led tours. Guests can explore the pristine landscapes while engaging in cultural sharing that highlights the legacy of the Klahoose Nation.

Innovative Programs and Collaborations - Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours and Klahoose Coastal Adventures have partnered to offer the Toba Bears & Wilderness Tour, departing from Campbell River. This new tour provides an immersive wildlife viewing experience, allowing guests to witness grizzly bears in their natural habitat during the salmon run. The partnership reinforces historical ties between the two Nations and emphasizes sustainable tourism practices.

New Culinary Experience - The Ancestor Cafe is an Indigenous-owned cafe run by Chef Sarah Meconse Mierau. It opened its doors earlier this year at the Fort Langley National Historic Site to nurture a deeper appreciation for Indigenous culture through culinary experiences and offer visitors an opportunity to learn about Indigenous ingredients through its dishes. The cafe’s menu includes traditional Indigenous ingredients such as bison, elk, and plant-based medicinal herbs.

Boutique Resort New Location - The Ocean House will be reopening at a new land-based location in New Town. The property allows visitors to escape to the northern edge of Haida Gwaii and discover the heritage and charm of Gaw Tlagée and pristine protected expanse of North Beach and Naikoon Provincial Park. Stay tuned for announcements on the reopening, coming later this year.

The Prairies

Alberta

New Culinary Experience - Bernadette's offers seasonal, traditional, and politically inspired dishes that evoke memories and comfort. Founded by Chef Scott Iserhoff and Svitlana Kravchuk, the elegant space features a stunning hand-painted mural by bb.iskwew, creating an intimate dining experience rooted in heritage.

Eco-Friendly Accommodations - Painted Warriors has made significant improvements to its camp facilities by replacing traditional wall tents with modern, heated prefab cabins. Available for year-round bookings, these cabins enhance visitor comfort and expand the camp's offerings. Winter programs will include unique experiences like the Snowshoe Trapline, where guests can explore the winter landscape while learning about traditional Indigenous trapping practices using a simulated trapline approach with trail cameras.

New - Métis Crossing’s newest offering is the Sky Watching Domes – a unique experience that connects visitors with the night’s sky and stars. With nearly zero light pollution in the region, guests can spend the night gazing into the sky from the comfort of this luxury accommodation.

Additionally, Métis Crossing now offers a three-day inclusive guided bus tour package. The Beavers, Bison, and People: Our Promise to Wahkotowin tour gives guests an in-depth look into the cultural, social and ecological factors that led to the establishment of Edmonton and the surrounding communities. Guests will explore the world of bison and beaver, interconnectedness of human relationships with the land and what walking a path of reconciliation means to them.

Innovative Programs and Collaborations - Mahikan Trails is expanding its seasonal offerings with two new programs: "Warmth of Winter" and "Sense of Snow." The "Warmth of Winter" package includes a two-night stay in cozy cabins, emphasizing land-based teachings through snowshoeing and guided walks. Guests will participate in traditional cooking experiences and create teas and salves from local plants. The "Sense of Snow" experience will focus on Indigenous winter medicine, guiding participants through the boreal forest to learn about snow's secrets and its significance in Indigenous culture.

New - Loretta's Wellness Circle Store Front has opened in Calgary this past August, featuring traditional plant products and guided tours of Nose Hill Park that connect visitors with Indigenous ceremonies and the significance of the Medicine Wheel. In her shop, Loretta offers workshops on tobacco offerings and other practices to support individuals on their reconciliation journey. Additionally, she facilitates wellness workshops within a safe sharing circle, guiding participants on their path to self-healing through traditional medicines and teachings passed down by their grandmothers.

New and upgraded - The Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino has officially opened the new Stoney Nakoda Event Centre. This summer, the casino underwent renovations, including new carpeting and the addition of a separate slot smoking room, making the main casino floor completely non-smoking. These updates complement the hotel renovations completed earlier this year.

Central Canada

Ontario

Accommodation updates – Bayside Resort recently enhanced its accommodations with the addition of a luxurious new 4-plex. This includes high-end two-bedroom suites each with spacious decks designed for ultimate relaxation and scenic views of the private waterfront property. The resort is nestled along the shores of Manitowaning Bay in Manitoulin Island.

Quebec

Award-Winning Initiatives - On September 24, Hébergement aux Cinq Sens was honoured with the Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award at the 2024 Prix Excellence Tourisme, recognizing its contributions to sustainable practices within the Quebec tourism sector.

Atlantic Canada

Newfoundland

New shop - Under The Stump has opened a new storefront that enhances access to Indigenous arts and crafts, showcasing a diverse range of handcrafted products by Indigenous artisans. The space not only offers visitors authentic artworks but also hosts workshops and demonstrations to educate the public about the cultural significance of these creations, supporting both emerging artists and traditional crafts.

The Northern Territories

Nunavut

Community Investments - Arctic Bay Adventures has secured $250,000 in federal funding to upgrade equipment, train staff, and enhance community engagement. This investment aims to refresh aging amenities and support local initiatives, strengthening the tourism infrastructure in Arctic Bay.

Canada

Sports - The Invictus Games 2025 will take place on the unceded territories of the Lil̓wat7úl (Lil'wat) and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nations also known as Whistler across to the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations today known as Vancouver. This event will provide a platform to celebrate resilience, sportsmanship, and cultural pride within Indigenous communities.

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