Indigenous-owned retreats across Canada offer unique travel experiences that go beyond mere sightseeing. These retreats aim to foster connections between visitors and the land, culture, and people of the Indigenous communities that have inhabited these regions for generations.
Jason Johnston, the Ontario director for the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, emphasizes the importance of experiencing Indigenous history firsthand rather than through stereotypical offerings promoted by non-Indigenous operators. He highlights the significance of learning about Indigenous cultures directly from those who live them.
Ashley Smith, the owner-operator of Turtle Village in Manitoba, stresses the need to showcase Indigenous ways of life authentically and dispel misconceptions perpetuated by others. Keith Henry, the president of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, underscores the role of Indigenous experiences in presenting Canada truthfully and telling the genuine stories of its lands.
These retreats offer diverse experiences that range from luxury camping in Manitoba’s Treaty 2 territory at Turtle Village to cultural interpretive experiences at Métis Crossing in Alberta. Spirit Bear Lodge in British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest provides exceptional wildlife encounters and cultural immersion led by the Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation.
Red Bank Lodge in New Brunswick and Cape Croker Park in Ontario offer opportunities to delve into Indigenous history and traditions, while Frontier Lodge in the Northwest Territories provides a gateway to Thaidene Nëné National Park. Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations in Quebec and Dakota Dunes Resort in Saskatchewan showcase the rich heritage and traditions of the local Indigenous communities.
Klahoose Wilderness Resort in British Columbia’s Desolation Sound stands out for its remote location, personalized service, and immersive cultural experiences offered by the Klahoose First Nation. These Indigenous-owned retreats provide visitors with a transformative getaway that fosters a deep appreciation for Indigenous cultures and traditions.