Travel Journals
Guide to choosing Indigenous travel experiences
From Alaska to Australia, Indigenous communities around the world are creating travel experiences that allow visitors to learn more about their history, their culture and their future.
Led by the communities themselves, these new tourism initiatives allow Indigenous peoples to create impactful experiences that help to preserve their culture and educate visitors.
For travelers interested in more diverse and intentional travel experiences, it’s important to seek out authentic opportunities led by people of that culture. Doing so will not only enrich the life of the traveler but also help with the ongoing fight for Indigenous self-determination and understanding.
The rise of Indigenous-led tourism experiences
What sets the newest trend of Indigenous tourism apart is that the businesses leading the charge are owned or led by members of Indigenous communities themselves. This means the experiences generally are more genuine, less exploitative and give back directly to the community.
Interest in Indigenous culture and communities is not new. There have been tourism experiences in Indigenous communities for hundreds of years. Unfortunately, these experiences, mostly initiated by others, were often exploitative, appropriative or outright destructive, rather than beneficial.
Historical examples like the famous “Buffalo Bill’s Wild West” show of the late 1800s and the existence of so-called ethnological exhibitions or human zoos, which featured Indigenous peoples held and placed on display until the mid-20th century, perpetuated racist stereotypes.
Even today, companies owned by outsiders often exploit and appropriate Indigenous communities and religious practices for tourist dollars, such as the popular Ayahuasca tours in South America.
Fortunately, the majority of Indigenous-led tourism experiences nowadays specifically seek to use tourism as a vehicle for cultural preservation. In the last 10 years, hundreds of such businesses have cropped up around the world, and several tourism organizations have formed in order to help them succeed.
What types of experiences are available?
The Indigenous tourism experiences cropping up across the Americas and around the world reflect the diversity of Indigenous communities themselves.
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“Probably the most important thing to know about visiting Indian country is that there really is no such thing as one Indian country,” said Sherry Rupert, chief executive officer of the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association.
No one type of activity or location makes a tourism experience more or less Indigenous. Instead, it’s the communities themselves that make the experiences unique. The breadth of opportunities available is representative of the diversity of experiences, locations and cultures found within Indigenous communities themselves.
Because of the variety of options available, there is an Indigenous-led activity or experience available for every type of traveler.
For example, adventure travelers interested in remote experiences can travel to the Arctic with a company like Arctic Bay Adventures, an Inuit-owned and -operated company that runs polar expeditions in Canada’s rural Nunavut province.
Those more interested in cultural experiences might enjoy the award-winning Wukalina Walk, a four-day, three-night hiking experience guided by Australia’s Indigenous Palawa community. Visitors traverse Wukalina, also known as Mount William National Park, in the Australian state of Tasmania while learning more about the land, the Palawa community and the culture.
For something more modern and urban, the Agua Caliente band of Cahuilla Indians has opened a multimillion-dollar cultural plaza right in the middle of downtown Palm Springs, California.
“Look, we’re contemporary, we’re traditional, we’re urban, we’re remote. People just don’t realize … because a lot of their images come from movies, right?” Keith Henry, president and CEO of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, said of the diversity of experiences available.
Why supporting these businesses matters
In 2021, AIANTA released the results of an economic impact study of tourism in Indigenous communities in the U.S. That study concluded that Native-owned hospitality businesses are a $14 billion industry.
While job creation matters regardless of which destination you look at, it’s especially important in more rural communities, where jobs are often extremely limited. As a result, tourism tends to play a major part in the local economy by introducing a sizable number of jobs. However, this isn’t what many communities see as the most important factor when it comes to offering Indigenous experiences.
“Tourism also supports cultural workers, such as guides, artists, dancers and presenters, as they share their culture and traditions,” Rupert said. “It allows for the tribe to support cultural training programs so that culture can be passed down from generation to generation and shared with visitors.”
Both Rupert and Henry also stressed the educational opportunities inherent in taking part in these kinds of tourism experiences, which allow Indigenous peoples to share their own stories with visitors. After all, much of what we have learned about Indigenous peoples around the world is incorrect and based on racial stereotypes.
By partaking in these Indigenous-led experiences, travelers gain a better understanding of these communities and their culture, which they can then share with others to help dispel this misinformation.
How to find an Indigenous tourism experience
“We know that there is very strong interest internationally for Indigenous experiences,” said Phil Lockyer, head of Indigenous affairs at Tourism Australia. “I think that people … not just travelers, but partners and distribution as well, don’t necessarily know how to access them effectively.”
So, how do you find authentic Indigenous travel experiences?
The most important thing to consider when searching for an Indigenous tourism experience is that you find one that’s actually run or at least led by Indigenous peoples. This ensures that the information you’re receiving is accurate and the experience itself is helpful, rather than harmful, to that community.
Most businesses that are run or led by Indigenous peoples will specifically make mention of it on their websites. Look for businesses that specifically identify the particular tribe or community with which the business is associated. Another option is to check out organizations like ITAC and AIANTA, which work with Indigenous peoples to help grow and market tourism businesses in Indigenous communities.
On the consumer side, these organizations also host websites that make it easier to find experiences that are owned or led by Indigenous entrepreneurs. NativeAmerica.travel, which serves as a resource for those searching for authentic Indigenous travel experiences in the U.S., including in Alaska and Hawaii, is one such website.
ITAC has a similar website for Canadian experiences called Destination Indigenous and works with a host of other Indigenous tourism organizations that are organized by province.
Likewise, Tourism Australia has a section on its website called Discover Aboriginal Experiences that allows visitors to explore options to connect with Indigenous tourism businesses across the country.
There are numerous Indigenous-led travel experiences across Latin America as well, though these are currently easiest to find by individually searching for them on Google.
Keep in mind that when searching for these kinds of experiences, not every tourism business that focuses on Indigenous cultures and peoples is Indigenous-led. Many companies will offer Indigenous experiences and perhaps even hire a few members of an Indigenous community to lend credibility to something that isn’t necessarily helpful or even respectful to the group at large.
To avoid doing more harm than good, it’s generally best to steer clear of anything that seems to allow unfettered access to sacred sites, such as climbing Uluru in Australia, or promises to allow outsiders access to religious ceremonies.
“Indigenous perspective isn’t really driven necessarily by economics,” Henry said. “I find the biggest benefit has been in our communities … realizing this is a very powerful engine to support cultural revitalization.”
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This week’s Heads Up has the scoop on rental sports gear in the Outaouais, a farm-to-table dinner in Munster, a new bus to the Ottawa airport, a new restaurant in Kemptville, a bike ride near Eganville, açaí treats at St. Laurent Shopping Centre, day tripping to New Edinburgh and Rockcliffe, and more. Enjoy!
Cheese shop getting close to 100 percent Canadian stock
As you already know, I’m a big fan of supporting Canadian products—just check out my big guide to shopping locally. So a recent Facebook post by the Balderson Village Cheese Store, just outside Perth, caught my eye. The store’s owners have been making a concerted effort to stock 100 percent made-in-Canada foods. They’re about 75 percent of the way there and hope to have 100 percent Canadian stock by the end of the year. Well done!
You can rent scooters, pontoon boats and more in the Outaouais
Want to explore the great outdoors in the Outaouais, but you don’t have the gear? Tourisme Outaouais has this handy list of companies that rent out kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, electric bikes, scooters, pontoon boats and more.
OC Transpo to launch new bus to the airport
Perhaps finally realizing that folks travelling from Ottawa’s east end to Ottawa International Airport don’t much fancy taking three trains to reach their destination, OC Transpo is launching a direct bus service connecting the St. Laurent, Train and Hurdman stations to the airport. According to this CTV Ottawa story, Route 105 will launch on Sunday, August 24, and will run every half hour, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The bus is anticipated to take 33 minutes to travel from St. Laurent to the airport.
Quebec loves its Nordic spas
Quebec seems to have embraced the Nordic spa concept—the circuit of hot tub or sauna, cold pool or shower, relaxation and repeat—more strongly than just about anywhere else in Canada. I’ve written a post about some of my favourite Quebec Nordic spas, and it barely scratches the surface. My friend Hilary Nangle recently wrote a post about her favourite Quebec Nordic spas and while there’s a bit of overlap between the two pieces, she’s discovered quite a few spots that I haven’t made it to … yet.
Science fiction, fantasy and horror book convention is coming to Kanata
I wanted to mention this event on the website last year, but by the time I heard about it, it had sold out! So if you’re a fan of Canadian science fiction, fantasy and horror novels, you might want to get your ticket to Can*Con now. You can meet authors, buy books, take classes, pitch your own book to agents and more. It’s happening at the Brookstreet Hotel in Kanata from October 17 to 19.
New restaurant opens in Kemptville
Named for a famous local Holstein bull, Goldwyn’s restaurant opened this past weekend at 25 Clothier Street East in downtown Kemptville. It promises diners “a modern take on the Wild West at our elevated country western saloon.” Sounds like fun!
You can take a staycation in New Edinburgh and Rockcliffe
Fancy staying close to home? I have just the suggestion: a day spent exploring New Edinburgh, Lindenlea and Rockcliffe. From the new(ish) NCC River House on the Ottawa River to a posh grocery store and a great place to pick up consignment designer clothes, you can read my day trip tips in the Ottawa Business Journal.
Saunders Farm Pig and Corn Roast tickets are available
Most years, the farm-to-table Pig and Corn Roast at Saunders Farm in Munster sells out. So if you want to go to this year’s event on Sunday, August 24, you might want to get your tickets now.
Scenic August bike ride will take cyclists along Eganville backroads
If you want to challenge yourself to a self-supported, non-racing bike ride through the hills and along the backroads near Eganville, now’s the time to register for this year’s Tour de Bonnechere on Sunday, August 24. You can choose from 50km, 65km and 100km routes, as well as a 20km family ride.
You can try a superfood at St. Laurent Shopping Centre
Perhaps açaí berries are old hat to you. I’d heard of them but hadn’t had a chance to taste the Brazilian “superfood” until I was invited to try it at Rio Açaí at St. Laurent Shopping Centre. (The owners also have a location at 35 allée de Hambourg in Gatineau.)
Açaí berries have become trendy in recent years for their health benefits. At Rio Açaí, you can try them in a bowl with your choice of other fruits (I picked mangoes, strawberries and blueberries). The consistency of puréed açaí is a bit like tapioca pudding and it isn’t super sweet, so it made a nice combo with the sweet, dense fruit. You can also try other Brazilian specialties at the takeout spot, such as warm cheese bread (it’s really good) and, of course, coffee.
(Disclosure: I received free products for review purposes. The shop did not review or approve this post. All opinions are my own.)
Looking for more tips on things to see and do in and around Ottawa? Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter or order a copy of my book, Ottawa Road Trips: Your 100-km Getaway Guide.
As the owner of Ottawa Road Trips, I acknowledge that I live on, work in and travel through the unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation. I am grateful to have the opportunity to be present on this land. Ottawa Road Trips supports Water First, a non-profit organization that helps address water challenges in Indigenous communities in Canada through education, training and meaningful collaboration.
Walk five minutes south of the monastery, past one former synagogue – Santa Maria La Blanca, reputed to be Europe’s oldest – and you arrive at another. The magnificent carved wooden ceilings and plasterwork walls of El Transito blend Mozarabic decorative influences. Constructed in 1355, El Transito houses the Sephardic Museum, which accounts for Toledo’s long Jewish history. You’ll find good information sheets in English and the museum has some especially beautiful ceramics. Pause afterwards in the synagogue’s small memorial garden. See spain.info
Take in the art at Hospital de Tavera
Patio in Hospital de Tavera museum.Credit: Alamy
Don’t like monuments and art? Better skip Toledo, which has them in spades. This Renaissance palace, built by a cardinal for the needy, is a whopper. The architectural highlight is the symmetrical double courtyards, while a wealth of paintings includes masterpieces by El Greco, Tintoretto and Zurbaran. Cardinal Tavera’s marble tomb is a sculptural work of art too, with no sign of humility other than a little memento mori skull tucked under his pillow. See fundacionmedinaceli.org
Admire El Greco paintings
Museum El Greco.Credit: iStock
Toledo is associated with El Greco, the 16th-century painter whose works seem astonishingly modern. You can see quite a few of his paintings in Toledo, and all are odd and electrifying. The church of Santo Domingo Monastery where the painter is buried has top examples including the altarpiece Assumption of the Virgin showing Mary springing from her tomb like a jack-in-the-box. El Greco Museum (in a house where El Greco never lived, despite claims) has several superb later works. See museodelgreco.sacatuentrada.es
Fill up at Confiteria Santo Tome
Santo Tome shop in Zocodover Square, Toledo.Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
If El Greco’s elongated, hollow-cheeked saints make you peckish, take a break from gloomy painted art and indulge in happy edible art instead. Toledo nuns are said to have invented marzipan – which is disputed – but Toledo has certainly produced it for centuries. Santo Tome, in business since 1856, is Spain’s best-known marzipan maker. You can devour biscuits, pastries, cakes, sweets and marzipan fruit filled with lip-licking goo. Like El Greco’s saints, you’ll soon be in heaven. See mazapan.com
Take a hike to Mirador del Valle
There are sweeping views of Toledo and the Tagus River from Mirador del Valle.Credit: iStock
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In this old town of closed-in alleys, you’ll want to get beyond the walls to admire Toledo’s fabulous setting above the Tagus River, dominated by the whopping Alcazar, or fortress. This viewpoint is a 40-minute walk from Puente Nuevo bridge just below the fortress, but outlooks are fabulous all the way. Sunset and twilight are the most atmospheric. The lazy option is a taxi to nearby Parador de Toledo for a cocktail on the terrace. See paradores.es
The writer travelled at his own expense.
This could be because in that two and a half hours, parents can expect an average of three toilet stops, four requests for snacks, and three tantrums, Yoto’s survey of 2000 UK parents of children under 10 in July 2025 found.
What drives parents round the bend?
60% of the parents surveyed said that travelling with children is “quite” or “incredibly” stressful. But why is this?
The survey found that kids ask the infamous phrase ‘Are we nearly there yet?’ an average of 10 times in one car trip.
30% of the parents said that their kids getting bored in the backseat caused their stress, while 25% said that having to listen to the same song on loop was a factor in theirs.
To cope, 82% admitted to lying about when they would arrive to placate their kids. Other parents admitted to threatening to cancel the holiday (26%), confiscating sweets (26%), and even saying that they would leave their kids at the side of the road (17%)!
Yoto has a screen-free solution
To help frazzled parents everywhere Yoto has launched a 2.5 hour-long playlist, perfectly timed for the average car journey length.
It can be streamed for free through the Yoto app, and includes a mixture of music, stories, and fun facts to keep kids entertained without the need for screens.
Jess Tarrant, content director at Yoto, said: “We understand that summer road trips with children can often be a test of patience for many parents. Our research highlights just how quickly backseat chaos can set in, that’s why we’re doing what we can to help make those journeys a little smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.
“Our free 2.5-hour playlist, specially curated to match the average UK car journey, is packed with stories, music, and activities from our best-selling Yoto Originals series to keep kids entertained and engaged, all without the need for screens.”
And if you’re travelling between the 4th and 8th of August 2025, Yoto is hosting mini pit-stops at Welcome Break Service Areas in Rotherham, Gordano, Fleet South and South Mimms. Here, kids can trial a Yoto Mini, access an exclusive 20% discount, and get free goodies like a Yoto card.
For further information please visit the yoto.space website.
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