Intrepid partners with Talaysay Tours, expands Indigenous-led tourism in Canada

Intrepid Travel is expanding its Indigenous tourism offerings in Canada through a new partnership with Talaysay Tours, an Indigenous-owned tourism company offering land-based, Indigenous-led experiences across British Columbia.

Beginning in 2027, travellers on Intrepid’s Grand Canadian Rockies itinerary will participate in We Are the Land, a 120-minute guided trail experience at Lost Lake in Whistler.

Created and led by Talaysay Tours exclusively for Intrepid, the experience combines Indigenous storytelling, cultural ecology, land stewardship and salmon knowledge, concluding with a tea ceremony

“Canadians are telling us they are interested in Indigenous-led tourism, but many simply do not know where to begin,” said Christian Wolters, president of Intrepid Travel Canada, in a press release. “For the travel industry, that means working directly with Indigenous-owned and led tourism businesses and making their experiences a more visible part of the trips travellers are already considering.”

The partnership comes as new Angus Reid research commissioned by Intrepid highlights a sizeable gap between Canadians’ interest in Indigenous tourism and their actual participation.

According to the research, 57 per cent of Canadians are interested in participating in an Indigenous-led tourism experience the next time they travel domestically, but just 18 per cent have done so.

That contrasts with Canadians’ broader appetite for domestic travel: 89 per cent have taken a leisure trip within Canada, while 73 per cent have participated in activities or experiences during those trips.

Barriers remain

Intrepid’s research suggests visibility and uncertainty are among the factors keeping Indigenous-led tourism out of Canadians’ travel plans.

Among Canadians who have not participated in an Indigenous-led tourism experience, 42 per cent said they have not encountered one while planning a trip, while 30 per cent said they do not know where to find one.

Nearly one-quarter – 24 per cent – are unsure which experiences are genuinely Indigenous-owned or led.

More than half of Canadians, at 54 per cent, said they are not confident they know how to find and choose an Indigenous-led tourism experience. Meanwhile, 63 per cent said they do not know enough about Indigenous tourism to know where to begin, and 42 per cent worry about unintentionally being disrespectful.

However, the research found relatively little outright rejection of the concept. Among Canadians who have not participated, 15 per cent said they do not think Indigenous-led experiences would interest them, while eight per cent cited expense as a barrier.

The appetite for learning is significant, with 71 per cent saying they would enjoy learning about Indigenous cultures while travelling. Another 43 per cent said they would be more likely to select a Canadian trip that includes an Indigenous-led tourism experience, while 67 per cent believe Indigenous-led tourism is something more Canadians should experience.

Nearly half – 48 per cent – identified learning about Indigenous cultures and traditions among their top three reasons for participating, while 38 per cent selected learning directly from Indigenous knowledge holders.

“We are the original stewards of these lands and waters, and to our people, the land is everything - it is our culture, our identity, our history and our way of life. I’m honoured to share these teachings through Talaysay Tours and, together with Intrepid Travel, introduce We Are The Land, in Sk̲wikw̲. Through this experience, travellers will walk the land with us, discover Indigenous knowledge and learn about the living relationships that have connected our people to these mountains since time immemorial,” stated Talaysay Campo, co-owner of Talaysay Tours.

Wolters added that the partnership marks “an important step in putting that commitment into practice.”

“It reflects how we want to grow this work in Canada: through thoughtful experiences shaped by our partners,” he said.

Indigenous-led experiences on 75% of Canadian trips

Intrepid is also expanding its Indigenous tourism programming in Eastern Canada.

Starting in 2027, the company will add a Huron-Wendat experience in Wendake to its Eastern Canada by Rail itinerary, including a guided visit to the museum and Huron-Wendat longhouse at the Huron Traditional Site.

Together, the Talaysay Tours and Wendake additions mean Indigenous-led experiences will be included on 75 per cent of Intrepid’s Canadian trips in 2027.

The milestone is part of Intrepid’s longer-term goal of integrating Indigenous-led experiences across all of its Canadian itineraries.

The initiative also builds on the adventure travel company’s CA$500,000 commitment over five years to support the growth and promotion of Indigenous tourism in Canada.

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