Indigenous Tours in Banff: 5 Amazing (and Meaningful) Adventures with the Region’s Original Guides

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When planning a trip to Banff, Jasper, and beyond, Indigenous tours are the best way to feel connected to the land.

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When I head into the mountains, either the Wasatch range near my home, the Austrian or Swiss Alps, or the Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park, I am always moved. Sure, I love to move fast and summit peaks as much as the next outdoor lover, but for years immersing myself in nature has been as much about the peace and calm I find there, enjoying the majestic scenery, and taking time to bear witness to the power of nature. But when I got to go to Alberta, Canada recently and spend time in the Rockies around Banff and Jasper (the tailbone of Turtle Island–a.k.a. North America), the wonder I have always felt in the outdoors was amplified each time I set out to explore with the region’s Indigenous guides.

Because as much as I feel a connection and duty to the land, it pales in comparison to the respect and honor many Indigenous cultures give to the wild places where they and their ancestors celebrate history, memory, and meaning. Lands that were taken from them. Which is why it felt so significant to explore by foot, by bike, and yes, even by helicopter, with the region’s original guides, people who are celebrating their heritage and their living culture and sharing it with travelers looking to experience more in a destination.

So if you’re planning a trip to Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, and their surrounds, I highly recommend exploring with some of the regions’ original guides. It’s an experience that’s not only a blast, but offers a more holistic view of history plus meaningful cultural significance as you’re encouraged to see these stunning paces through new eyes. So hire one of these Indigenous guides in Banff and its surrounds and experience more.

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5 Adventurous Indigenous Tours near Banff

While there are plenty of Banff guided hiking tours, not all experiences are created equal. These five I can endorse whole-heartedly. They all made this trip one of the most meaningful in recent history for me. So pack your bags and get to Canada. You won’t regret it.

Mahikan Trails Plant Walk

On the Banff Medicine Walk with Mahikan Trails, Jordan, a Cree man whose mother is a traditional Knowledge Keeper, led us along a flat trail, pointing out plants and telling stories of how his ancestors used (and still use) many of the plants that grow in the Canadian Rockies. He pointed out buffalo berries beloved by both bears and humans; aspen bark dust that is a natural sunscreen, wild yeast, and pain killer; and wild rose, which has edible seeds, the name of which in Cree apparently roughly translates to “itchy bum berry.” They are entirely edible, but apparently get a bit stuck at the exit, which is what earned them such a riotous name.

You’ll learn that the spruce tree is a pharmacy, grocery, and hardware store in one and may even hear about how many Indigenous people groups don’t name things like mountains and rivers as much as they describe them. Naming implies ownership, and “The land doesn’t belong to us, we belong to the land,” Jordan said. The short hike takes two hours or less, making it a great way to kick off the day or fill out an afternoon. Tours are $65 (Canadian) per person.

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IceWalks on the Athabasca Glacier

Ever wanted to hike on a glacier (safely)? And maybe learn a little something about the people who first walked and lived in and around this frozen landscape in the process? Join IceWalks for an Indigenous-guided 5km hike to and on the Athabasca Glacier led by Tim Patterson, a member of the Lower Nicola Indian Band. He is a delight to spend time with (getting him to laugh was my favorite pastime) and full of Indigenous wisdom and a wealth of anthropologic knowledge.

You’ll learn about the hydrological importance of the glacier, how fast it’s receding, how the regions’ first residents lived and worked around it, and how some Indigenous belief systems see the hoodoos flanking the glacier as guardian spirits of those who have lost their lives there. Plus, you get to be up close and personal with deep crevasses, blue-green meltwater, and stunning natural sculptures. What’s not to love? And there’s plenty to eat (including for vegans) at the Visitor center across the highway. Tours are $158 (Canadian) per adult and last about 3 hours.

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Warrior Women Fireside Chat

There may be no more intimate a setting to hear Matricia Brown (Cree) play her beloved drums. When she does, she says it’s like speaking with the Creator. She shares stories and beliefs from her living culture, and guests can ask questions about heritage, history, and more at weekly Fireside Chats. It is a beautiful time to ask questions, learn about the struggles and triumphs of local communities, and deepen your understanding of Indigenous culture.

Also make a new friend, because Matricia is warm, open, and welcoming. The chats take place at Tekarra Lodge every Wednesday from 7:30-8:30 pm June through August. The experience is $45 per person and sparked many meaningful and enlightening conversations. Bonus: there are s’mores available to roast while you listen and learn. (She also makes an Indigenous line of Bitters.)

Heli-Alpine Camping with Girth Hitch Guiding and Zuc’min Guiding

If there’s one type of adventure that may have changed my perception regarding the absolute best way to spend time in the mountains, it’s this one. This multi-day experience was my first time taking a helicopter into the mountains and it was absolutely magical. Once we landed, base camp was set up and waiting for us next to a series of alpine lakes at the base of towering cliffs. Food and supplies were all provided so we could focus on basking in the glow of mountains.

During the day we went hiking in the Rockies and mountaineering toward peaks and had the option to go climbing on sheer cliffs and polar plunge in still-frozen lakes. Guides Tim Patterson (Interior Salish Speaking) from Zuc’min Guiding and Tim Taylor (Métis) of Girth Hitch Guiding shared their heritage, invited us into their practices of honoring the landscape and the places in which we were recreating, and created a beautiful atmosphere to just be together, laugh, learn, and absorb the beauty all around us. Plus, real talk: They were a delight to spend a few days with. Absolutely amazing. It’s not a cheap experience ($1,999 Canadian), but as frugal as I am, not only would I happily pay it to take part in the experience again, but I’ve convinced my dad it’s more than worth it, too (birthday trip next year??). Find out more HERE.

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E-Biking with Bikescapes and Indige-Scape

Want to take an e-bike tour in Banff? This is the one. In fact, it’s the only Banff tour by bike that takes place within the boundaries of the national park and that’s co-guided by an Indigenous guide: Heather Black, aka Buffalo Stone Woman of the Blood Tribe Nation. She and Clare McCann from Bikescape guide you on off-road e-bike rides in winter or summer through less congested areas of the park for a couple of hours.

Along the way, you’ll get tips for riding, plus participate in a pre-ride blessing and a smudge ceremony, which create a feeling of deeper connection to the beautiful places you’ll ride. Also, Clare and Heather are energetic and joyful, and so warm and welcoming, which makes the experience that much more enjoyable. Book a Banff guided tour by e-bike HERE. It’s $160 (Canadian) per person for a 2-3 hour ride and hang.

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Bottom Line: Indigenous Tours near Banff

Want more ideas, info, or recommendations on Indigenous tours and guides in Banff and its surrounds? Or do you want to check out whether Indigenous tours are legit? Check out Indigenous Tourism Alberta’s website and then head to Alberta, Canada and get adventuring already! Wander on.