How to connect with Indigenous cultures in Alberta and BC

Planning an indigenous tourism experience in Western Canada has never been easier given the array of experiences awaiting. 

Here is how to make your next Indigenous tourism road trip or day trip come to life.

3 steps for planning your Indigenous tourism experiences

1) Dream it: ask yourself, what are you seeking? Is it a guided walk, a culinary experience, an overnight stay that comes with culture…the list of experiences offered by the 246 First Nations in this part of the world is long. Knowing what you are looking for will make it easier. 

2) Research it: ZenSeekers is here to support your education and inspiration to what is possible within your next indigenous tourism experience. Here is a roundup of some of the top cultural experiences in both provinces.

3) Do it: Indigenous Tourism BC and Indigenous Tourism Alberta offer extensive lists of First Nations accommodators, tourism operators and cultural guides, all of whom are waiting to welcome you.

3 key regional destinations 

Here's an intro to three of the top places to connect to Indigenous culture in Western Canada (noting that there are many, many more).

Métis Crossing, northeast Alberta 

This cultural hub in Alberta's Lakeland region is the jumping off point to cultural explorations around the northeastern part of the province. 

Check in for a few nights stay, sleep under the stars, go on one of North America's most unique wildlife safaris and learn about Métis culture, then branch out to other highlight destinations like Lac La Biche.

Getting there: Métis Crossing is about a 1.5-hour drive northeast of Edmonton.

BC's West Coast, Vancouver Island

ZenSeekers has been supporting a series of First Nations here who offer unique accommodations and experiences. You'll find a roundup of what is available here: www.indigenouscoastbc.com.

Getting there: Vancouver Island is accessed by BC Ferries out of Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver over to Nanaimo )and then a beautiful 3-hour drive to Tofino, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation which makes the perfect basecamp to experience the other Nations' offerings.

The Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre, Whistler, BC

Add a whole bunch of soul to your next Whistler visit, by spending an afternoon within this unique cultural centre, home to exhibits and daily experiences that will immerse you in Squamish and Lil'wat First Nations way of life. 

Getting there: Whistler is about a two-hour drive from the Vancouver International Airport via what is known as the "Sea to Sky" Highway…it's a beauty to drive!

Many First Nations communities are within a couple hours' drive from a major centre, which means that even if you are not coming from within Western Danada, there are options. 

Travel to Alberta, BC Indigenous connections

For daily flights, Edmonton, Calgary, Kelowna and Vancouver are the major airports any First Nations cultural seekers would use to get into Alberta and/or BC's Indigenous tourism scene. Each of these airports is full-service with car rentals on site. 

If you do have to fly into Alberta or BC to go experience these ancient cultures, consider carbon offsets to minimize your impact. We @ZenSeekers recommend LESS—a carbon tax credit company powered by Bullfrog Power—a leader in alternative energy sources since 2005.