45 Outdoor Adventures Rooted in Indigenous Culture and Storytelling
Canada’s landscapes have inspired outdoor adventures for millennia. Indigenous stories are some of the most meaningful. Since time immemorial, Indigenous People have lived on and cared for the land that we have the privilege of exploring today.
For explore’s 45th birthday, we’ve compiled a list of 45 outdoor adventures rooted in Indigenous culture and storytelling. Whether you are paddling on ancient waterways, learning about traditional herbs or spotting wildlife with Indigenous guides, these adventures not only give visitors the opportunity to experience Canada’s amazing landscapes, but also the privilege to connect with the cultures, histories and traditions that have shaped them for generations.
British Columbia
Ahous Adventures: Explore with Ahousaht guides on wildlife viewing tours, guided hikes and visits to Hot Springs Cove, within the traditional territories of the Nuu-chah-nulth Nations, where guides share stories and history of Indigenous peoples near Tofino, BC.
Haida Style Expeditions: The relatively untouched islands of Haida Gwaii off the north coast of British Columbia offer a remote and powerful setting for exploration with knowledgeable guides. Haida guides lead visits to historical village sites and share stories of the deep ties between the Haida Nation and the land and sea.
Klahoose Wilderness Resort: Set within Klahoose First Nation territory, the lodge overlooks the sheltered waters of Desolation Sound on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast. Visitors can take part in whale watching tours and wildlife excursions that showcase the area’s marine ecosystems.
Moccasin Trails: Paddle through the waters around Kelowna and Kamloops, set within the unceded Shuswap and Okanagan Indigenous territories, or join guided tours on the land that share Indigenous teachings and stories. Moccasin Trails emphasizes Indigenous storytelling, spirituality and land-based teachings.
Spirit Bear Lodge: Search for the elusive Spirit Bear on these remote wildlife viewing tours in the Great Bear Rainforest. The lodge is in Kitasoo/Xai’xais territory on British Columbia’s remote central coast.
Takaya Tours: Set out on a replica ocean-going canoe with Tsleil-Waututh guides, paddling the gentle waters of Burrard Inlet and learning about the ancient village sites along its shores.
Talaysay Tours: You can explore Vancouver’s iconic Stanley Park, situated on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, with Indigenous guides who share Coast Salish history. While you marvel at towering western red cedar and Douglas fir in the coastal rainforest, gain insight into the resilience of Indigenous Peoples and the deep, ongoing connections between land, culture and community in this area.
Alberta
Buffalo Stone Woman: Through walking and hiking tours in Kananaskis Country, a part of the Treaty 7 region, Buffalo Stone Woman invites visitors to explore the Rocky Mountain landscape while learning about Blackfoot history, culture and connections to the land. The experiences offer a deeper understanding of the area’s significance to the Blackfoot people.
Drift Out West Fly Fishing: Join Cree fishing guide Quinn on guided fly-fishing tours along Alberta’s Bow River, learning traditional knowledge and river stewardship practices along the way.
Mahikan Trails: Cree guides in Alberta’s wilderness teach visitors about medicinal plants and their traditional uses, offering a deeper connection to the land. The hikes take place in Alberta’s foothills, an area known for its deep cultural significance and Indigenous heritage.
Métis Crossing: Stay in sky-watching domes or at the cozy on-site lodge and discover the traditional meeting sites of the Métis people. Set along the North Saskatchewan River near Smoky Lake, Alberta, experiences such as snowshoeing, canoeing and hiking bring guests closer to Métis culture and ways of life.
Painted Warriors: The Painted Warriors ranch offers many experiences to encourage visitors to connect with the land and Indigenous culture. Activities include horseback riding, wilderness skills workshops, archery and cultural experiences inspired by traditional ways of life.
Talking Rock Tours: In Edmonton’s river valley, Elk Island National Park, Nordegg and Alberta’s badlands, located in the Treaty 6, 7 and 8 territories, Talking Rock Tours share the history and significance of Indigenous populations to these lands. Through storytelling and cultural interpretation, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the land and the communities that have called it home for generations.
Saskatchewan
Aski Holistic Adventures: Located in the Saskatchewan River Delta, on the territories of the Cree and Métis peoples, this off grid retreat gives guests the unique opportunity to fully immerse themselves on the traditional lands of the Cree-Métis people with no outside distractions. Visitors can paddle the river, ride fat bikes through forested trails or just relax by the fire.
Wanuskewin Heritage Park: Walk the prairie trails and view the herd of plains bison that have been reintroduced to the park, an important step in restoring cultural and ecological balance to the area. The site has served as a gathering place for Indigenous peoples of the Northern Plains for over 6,000 years.
Manitoba
Wapusk Adventures: Explore Churchill, Manitoba, the territory of the Dene, Cree, Métis and Inuit peoples, via dogsled or join an ebike tour in the summer months to explore the townsite. Wapusk also offers northern lights viewing tours in this premier destination.
Wat’chee Expeditions: This wilderness lodge is only open for a short period of the year during polar bear denning season. Situated beside Wapusk National Park, visitors are given the unique opportunity to view polar bears with their cubs as close as 100 metres away.
Ontario
Cup and Saucer Trail: Hike one of the most iconic trails on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabek—Manitoulin Island. The trail leads to an 85-metre-high lookout and interpretive signage explains the Indigenous history of the area.
Madahòkì Farm: Learn about and admire the Ojibwe Spirit Horses and take part in Indigenous cultural experiences at Madahòkì Farm in Ottawa’s Greenbelt. Visitors can experience land-based programming, Indigenous cuisine and seasonal events that share Indigenous knowledge and traditions.
Oceah Oceah: In the summertime, join Indigenous sisters Jenifer, Sharon and Lana on a stand-up paddleboard or kayak tour in the Toronto and Scarborough area. The sisters share their deep connection to the water through experiences that highlight connection and respect of the land and waters.
Point Grondine Park: With over 18,000 acres of scenic wilderness, Point Grondine Park is the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts who love to camp, hike and paddle. The park can be explored independently, or visitors can join a guided tour to learn more about Anishinaabe history and connection to the area.
Six Nations Tourism: Embark on an outdoor adventure at Chiefswood Park, where you can learn about Haudenosaunee history and culture. Paddle a canoe on the Grand River or walk the Carolinian Nature Trail as knowledgeable guides share stories and teachings connected to the land.
Wass Tours: Float along the Georgian Bay with an Indigenous guide and learn about the region’s Anishinaabe history, stories and deep connections to the land and water. Knowledgeable guides follow traditional canoe routes.
Wikwemikong Tourism: Visitors can participate in daily cultural experiences or book a group tour to learn about the Anishinaabe culture in the areas of Manitoulin Island and Killarney. Activities include walking tours and various culinary experiences.
Quebec
Aventures Inuit: The untouched Arctic wilderness of northern Quebec is a place with rich Inuit culture and jaw-dropping outdoor experiences. With several different tour options, visitors can enjoy the outdoors while learning about the people of Nunavik.
Essipit Vacances – Plein air: There’s so much to do at the Essipiunnuat Reserve. Visitors can learn about Innu culture, the people who have lived on and cared for the Côte-Nord for over 9,000 years. Go whale watching, black bear viewing, fishing, sea kayaking and hiking.
Kahnawà:ke Tourism: Located just outside Montréal, on the unceded land of the Mohawk Nation, Kahnawà:ke Tourism offers visitors the opportunity to learn about Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) culture, history and traditions. Guided tours, cultural experiences and storytelling provide insight into the community’s deep connection to the land and its enduring history.
Tourisme Wendake: Located just outside Quebec City, situated on the territory of Huron-Wendat, Innu and Abenaki peoples, Wendake is a Huron-Wendat community where guests can participate in cultural programming and even visit a reconstructed traditional site to learn about Indigenous ways of life and history.
Newfoundland & Labrador
Inuit cultural experiences in Nunatsiavut: The Nunatsiavut Government supports a variety of Inuit cultural experiences, including visits to the Torngat Mountains, a remote area of deep spiritual significance for Inuit. Experiences also include tours of national historic sites and visits to the Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve, among other guided opportunities.
Miawpukek Culture and Family Recreation Park: As the only Mi’kmaq reserve in Newfoundland and Labrador, Miawpukek is a great place to connect with the outdoors and learn about Mi’kmaq culture. Visitors can explore the community cultural centre, walking trails, cultural village and the river by kayak or canoe.
Pirates Haven Adventures: Drive an ATV through the southwestern region of Newfoundland, where visitors can enjoy stunning coastal views, remote beaches and dramatic cliffs. Guided experiences also provide insight into Mi’kmaq culture and the history of the area.
Torngat Mountains Base Camp: Visit the incredible and remote Torngat Mountains and trek through extraordinary landscapes with Inukshuk guides. The rich Inuit presence in the area is reflected throughout the experience, with opportunities to learn about the land, wildlife and cultural history of this Arctic region.
Prince Edward Island
Lennox Island First Nation Experiences: This small Mi’kmaq community on the shores of Malpeque Bay provides an amazing opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Mi’kmaq people. Visitors can participate in various workshops and guided programming on the island.
New Brunswick
Elsipogtog Tours: These tours take place in Elsipogtog, one of the largest Mi’kmaq communities in New Brunswick. Located along the Richibucto River, visitors can take part in a variety of experiences, including an award-winning tour that features a traditional smudge ceremony and a medicine walk through the forested areas of Elsipogtog.
Metepenagiag Heritage Park: There are two national historic sites at Metepenagiag Heritage Park. Learn the fascinating history of how these sites were discovered through oral history passed down through generations. Walk the forested trails or take part in a guided tour at this special place.
Nova Scotia
Eskasoni Cultural Journeys: Visit the largest Mi’kmaq community in the world on Goat Island and take part in private or group tours, where you can kayak in the surrounding waters or learn about traditional plants on a land-based experience. Guests can also explore at their own pace on a self-guided tour along the Goat Island Trail.
Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site: Kejimkujik is a choose-your-own-adventure type of place. As Nova Scotia’s only Dark Sky Preserve, overnight stays and stargazing are popular, while ancient petroglyphs and Indigenous programming offer a meaningful way to connect with Mi’kmaw culture.
Paint with Alan Syliboy: Mi’kmaw Drum Painting Masterclass: Step inside the creative world of celebrated Mi’kmaw artist, author, musician and storyteller Alan Syliboy during a 30-minute guided tour of his newly renovated studio, home of the Daily Drum. Surrounded by his vibrant artwork, you’ll gain insight into his life, artistic journey, and Mi’kmaw culture before creating your own hand-painted “daily drum.” With Alan sharing stories, techniques and personal inspiration throughout the experience, you’ll leave with a meaningful keepsake and a deeper connection to his artistry.
Yukon
Carcross/Tagish First Nation experiences: The small community of Carcross, located on the traditional territory of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation, offers much to be explored. For outdoor experiences, mountain biking down Montana Mountain is a highlight. The hiking and biking trails are built and maintained by local Indigenous youth.
Shakat Tun Adventures: What began as a family trapline is now a wilderness camp with log cabins set on the outskirts of Kluane National Park and overlooking Kluane Lake. Visitors can participate in Indigenous programming and guided land-based activities or explore the surrounding remote natural landscape.
Northwest Territories
Aurora Village: This tour operator located on the Dene First Nation territory of Yellowknife, provides a number of experiences including northern lights viewing, dog sledding, hiking and wildlife tours. The family-owned Indigenous business incorporates Dene and Métis cultural education and stories into each tour.
B-Dene Adventures: Indigenous culture and respect for the land are at the forefront of everything B-Dene Adventures does. They offer several tour options, but for those wanting to learn about the Dene people and the history of the area, the Dene Cultural Tour is a fantastic option. Through storytelling and hands-on experiences, visitors gain a deeper understanding of Dene culture and traditions.
North Star Adventures: Visitors can book day tours or multi-day expeditions with this tour company located in Yellowknife. Offering year-round experiences, many of the tours involve exploring the Arctic lands and waters and learning about Inuit people’s history and way of life.
Tundra North Tours: Located in Inuvik, on the territories of the Inuvialuit and the Gwich’in First Nations, Tundra North Tours offers a variety of experiences that showcase the region and Inuit significance in the area. Choose from several tour options or create a custom tour based on specific interests, from cultural experiences to wildlife and tundra exploration.
Nunavut
Arctic Bay Adventures: The Inuit community of Arctic Bay has a fascinating history, with oral history and archaeological evidence dating its presence back nearly 5,000 years. Arctic Bay Adventures provides tour packages that give visitors the opportunity to explore the region, see wildlife and admire the geological landscape.
Supporting Indigenous-owned nature and adventure companies means supporting the people whose stories, knowledge and connection to the land shape these experiences. Not only does it help create meaningful economic opportunities for Indigenous communities, but it also gives travellers the chance to build a deeper understanding of the places they’re visiting.
