SonyaIndigenous travel is the fastest growing tourism sectors in Canada with both domestic and international explorers. While we take a look at our upcoming travel plans, it’s worth taking a look at what we can do to enrich our experiences. From day trips to full on wilderness resort experiences and culinary discoveries there are many incredible options. And remember, it’s always ideal to support owned and operated Indigenous communities and businesses directly.
Our friends at the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada have given us the latest news on what’s recently been added, or refreshed, this year. Here are 12 ideas you might want to explore this year…
Klahoose Wilderness Resort:
Owned by the Klahoose First Nation, Klahoose Wilderness Resort, will begin a new project in which it will use water coming down from the mountain to generate power for the lodge. Currently, they use diesel generators and this innovation will make the lodge completely self-sufficient. Klahoose Wilderness Resort opened in 2021 and are primarily led by Klahoose guides who are trained to share legends, stories, language, and songs. (lead in photo)
Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours:
For the last two decades, Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours has guided groups through the Bute Inlet and along the Orford River. They also offer wildlife experiences like bear-watching tours, whale watching, and cultural tours. More recently, Homalco added new boats just in time for their new tour called “The People, Water and Land Cultural Tour (PWLT)”. This experience includes a more intimate immersion into the Xwémalhkwu way of life.
Mammatuk:
Set to open is a new restaurant, named Mamattuk, in Happy Valley-Goose Bay in June of 2023. The restaurant will offer dishes for guests. In addition, they will have a coffee bar and lounge throughout the day. A great spot to celebrate Labrador with elevated comfort food featuring local ingredients.
Salmon n’ Bannock (Vancouver):
Vancouver’s only Indigenous-owned and operated restaurant, Salmon n’ Bannock is known for using traditional ingredients that were used for generations to create delicious modern dishes. Now travellers flying in and out of Vancouver International Airport will get a chance to get a taste before their next flight. The restaurant has also opened its second location at YVR and will be the first Indigenous restaurant at the airport.
Borealis Beading:
Métis artisan at Borealis Beading, Melanie Gamache, shares Métis culture and history through the art of beading. Prior to beading, Melanie’s other interests included dogsledding and kick-sledding. She’s even volunteered as a dog handler for a musher for several seasons and ran in several kick-sledding races. Then, two years later, her friend introduced her to beading, which she used as meditative therapy. Recently, Melanie has expanded her experiences that now include how to bead all while storytelling in her own yurt.
Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations:
This 4-star boutique hotel with First Nations inspired architecture surrounded by thematic gardens and hiking trails. Enjoy a spa day with treatments in the outdoor Nordic baths and end your day with an evening with traditional stories inside the longhouse. The Indigenous-inspired hotel has invested $10M into its expansion and renovations, which will include a lobby bar, 24 new rooms, remodelled restaurants with additional seating, and an Indigenous wine cellar. This is expected to be completed just in time for summer 2023.
Onhwa’ Lumina:
Five-minutes from the Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations in Wendake, meet the Huron-Wendat People through a new immersive multimedia experience, which opened in June 2022. Onhwa’ Lumina is a 1.2-km immersive multimedia nature trail inspired by Wendat myths and cultural symbols. This experience will transport you to a magical world that reveals the rich history of the Huron-Wendat Nation.
Sagamité restaurant in Wendake:
A fire burnt had down the Sagamité restaurant in Wendake, and the owners moved their location to Old Quebec while reconstructing their original location. But after recently reopening, we’ve learned that visitors now have two locations available to them as the owners plan to keep both. Additionally, the business has also purchased two hotels, which will undergo remodelling with Indigenous decor.
Nemiah Valley Lodge:
Disconnect to reconnect at Nemiah Valley Lodge, an Indigenous wilderness escape. The lodge sits in the heart of the traditional territory of the Xeni Gwet’in First Nation in beautiful Nemiah Valley. It is Indigenous-owned and operated by the Xeni Gwet’in First Nation. Explore through immersive experiences like: learning how to drum, dance and sing Tsilhqot’in, a traditional cleansing ceremony, kayak on Chilko Lake. In addition, visitors are invited to take a hike to visit unique columnar basalt formations, or meet with a Xeni Gwet’in Knowledge Keeper who will share one of their traditional skills.
Shearwater Resort:
This newly acquired Indigenous wilderness resort is located deep in the heart of the largest coastal temperate rainforest in the world – the Great Bear Rainforest. Here, guests will be immersed in the traditions and culture of the Heiltsuk People. New this year, guests at Shearwater Resort can experience eco-tours that tell the story of the Heiltsuk Peoples’ long history with the land and sea. They will also be immersed in an authentic and unique adventure. All designed for those who want to learn and share.
Ahous Adventures:
Officially opening May 1, Ahous Adventures is an eco and cultural adventure tour company owned and operated by the Ahousaht Nation that will offer an exciting variety of excursions within Ahousaht haḥuułii (territorial lands, waters and culture). Tours include hot springs, whale watching, and bear watching. Visitors are invited to explore Ahousaht territories through the lens of the people who have lived on and stewarded these lands and waters since time immemorial.
Wikwemikong Tourism:
Enjoy a hands-on culinary experience led by Anishinaabe Cultural Guides. See their newly constructed outdoor culinary space and kitchen at the Bebamikawe Memorial Trail where you can participate in preparing traditional foods. Choose from three different authentic pre-colonial cooking experiences: Stone Cooked Venison & Tea, Clay Baked Trout & Tea or Cedar Plank Georgian Bay Trout & Tea.
*please check current status of dates and times of new openings on the individual websites.