According to the Government of Canada, 6.5% of the population in Alberta consists of Indigenous people. Fortunately for us, many of them are genuinely willing to share their rich culture through a multitude of experiences – and these are amazing, let me tell you!
There are fascinating traditions and enchanting stories just waiting to be explored in these experiences. From educational exhibits to lessons on the healing powers of plants, here are the best indigenous experiences right in Calgary’s backyard, from what we’ve seen.
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1. Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park
Website: https://www.elevatedescapes.ca
Address: Wheatland County, AB T0J 3W0, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-734-5171
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – closed
Distance from Calgary: 1 hour and 15 minute-drive
Take a deep dive into the Blackfoot traditions by visiting the Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park! From the moment you step inside the doors to the time you explore the gallery, you’re steeped in tales of these people’s rich heritage.
In hopes of keeping their culture alive and showing how proud they are of their culture, the park also features a variety of exhibits. Don’t forget to drop by the gift shop where they sell an assortment of Indigenous arts and crafts – there are a lot of great mementos there.
2. Buffalo Stone Woman
Website: https://buffalostonewoman.ca/
Contact details: +1 403-801-9024
Distance from Calgary:
- Troll Falls – 1 and 30-minute drive
- Chesters Lark – 1 and 50-minute drive
- Rawsons Lake – 1 hour and-40 minute drive
- Prairie View Trail – 1 hour drive
- Grotto Canyon Trail – 1 hour drive
- Karst Springs – 2-hour drive
- Burstall Pass – 1 and 50-minute drive
- Grassi Lakes – 1 hour and 20-minute drive
- Elbow Lake – 1 hour and 45-minute drive
Led by an Indigenous woman named Heather Black, Buffalo Stone Woman provides a multitude of exciting and educational hiking adventures outside Calgary.
With plenty of trails to explore with the expert guidance of the lovely Heather, the tour typically starts at the trailhead. For convenience, you also have the option to meet at Calgary and drive to the trail together.
As you hike towards your destination, you’ll be awed by the beauty of nature. After the hike, there will be a lunch break, which is the time when she’ll share more captivating stories about her traditional culture. You’ll even be treated to a time of hands-on arts and crafts!
3. Painted Warriors
Website: https://www.paintedwarriors.ca
Address: 31341 RR 5.1, Mountain View County, AB T0M 0R0, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-637-9138
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Distance from Calgary: 1 hour and 12-minute drive
Offering a unique gateway to the indigenous culture, Painted Warriors provides a variety of experiences at the heart of Rocky Mountains.
From horseback riding and archery to Bimaagimose snowshoe and Bimose stories of the forest, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. We loved everything, but the stories of the forest were especially fun – they even give you traditional wilderness survival lessons.
All of these experiences can easily be accessed by glamping at one of their tents. No need to worry about freezing outdoors during the colder months because there are wood stoves provided to make your stay as cozy as possible.
An Indigenous-inspired meal will also be provided for dinner.
4. Mahikan Trails
Website:https://mahikan.ca
Address: 82 Grotto Way, Canmore, AB T1W 1J9, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-679-8379
Distance from Calgary: 1 hour and 13-minute drive
Join a medicine walk at Mahikan Trails where you’ll get to learn more about the fantastic natural remedies found in the boreal forest. The tour consists of a quick and refreshing 1 hour and 30-minute hike in which you’ll also lay out offerings for Mother Earth as a sign of respect.
After the tour, you can also join several workshops available such as soap making, make your own medicine, and more.
5. Moonstone Creation Native Gallery and Gift Shop
Website: https://moonstonecreation.ca
Address: 1219 10 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0W6, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-261-2650
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 4 PM
If you don’t have time to go outside Calgary to immerse yourself in Indigenous experiences, that’s totally fine. The city also offers its fair share of activities by just stepping inside Moonstone Creation Native Gallery and Gift Shop.
As you can tell from the name, the shop offers a variety of goods crafted by Indigenous people ranging from books, art, and beaded goods to apparel, blankets, and fabrics. You can also sign up for their classes about traditional beadwork, dreamcatcher-making, and more.
