5-DAY URBAN JOURNEY OF INDIGENOUS ALBERTA
5-DAY URBAN JOURNEY OF INDIGENOUS ALBERTA
Embark on a self-drive through the urban side of Indigenous Alberta, home to 45 First Nations and over 85,000 Métis.
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Start Location: Calgary
End Location: Calgary
TOP HIGHLIGHTS
- Studio Bell – Speak Up! Exhibit
- Calgary Heritage Park – Fur Trading Fort and First Nations Encampment
- Fort Edmonton Park – Indigenous Peoples Experience
- Royal Alberta Museum
- Métis Crossing
- ᐄᓃᐤ (ÎNÎW) River Lot 11
SAMPLE ITINERARY (CUSTOMIZABLE)
Day 1: Arrive in Calgary
Arrive in Calgary and pick up your rental car for the next several days and then check into your accommodation.
Overnight: Calgary
Day 2: Calgary
In the morning, make sure to spend some time at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre of Canada, which honours and preserves Canadian Music’s diverse history through interactive exhibits and displays showcasing all musical genres. Currently, there is a featured exhibit called Speak Up! It is both an online and physical exhibition at Studio Bell that highlights Indigenous artists making social and political impacts in Canada.
In the afternoon, head to Calgary Heritage Park for a journey through time and specifically check out the 1860s Fur Trading Fort and First Nations Encampment. Calgary Heritage Park shares the stories of both the fur traders and First Nation People.
Enjoy another evening of leisure in your downtown Calgary hotel.
Overnight: Calgary
Day 3: Drive to Edmonton
In the morning depart for Amiskwaciwâskahikan, the’ traditional name of Edmonton meaning Beaver Hills, for a three-and-a-half-hour drive to the Capital city of Alberta. Check into your Edmonton hotel before heading out for a day of activities.
We recommend enjoying a hearty lunch at Pei Pei Chei Ow – a contemporary Indigenous cuisine, inspired by the land, life, and seasons.
After lunch, drive to Fort Edmonton Park for the Indigenous Peoples Experience, a brand-new interpretive centre that tells the true story of living as an Indigenous person and the struggles they faced in both modern times and the past. Visitors will be immersed in rich cultural experiences through Indigenous narrators, and interactive and engaging audio-visual components.
We recommend also visiting ᐄᓃᐤ (ÎNÎW) River Lot 11∞ located in Edmonton's Indigenous Art Park. ᐄᓃᐤ (ÎNÎW) is a Cree word meaning, “I am of the Earth.” The Art Park is situated on the ancestral lands of the Indigenous peoples whose descendants entered into the Treaty with the British Crown, resulting in territory opening for settlement. The Art Park features artwork by 6 Canadian Indigenous artists.
Enjoy an evening of leisure in the city of Edmonton.
Overnight: Edmonton
Day 4: Edmonton
Start your day by heading to the Royal Alberta Museum, taking you through time as you learn about the history of Alberta’s people, animals and landscape. The Human History Hall showcases the history of the province through the eyes of Indigenous people. The exhibit shows how the resiliency, spirituality and innovative use of the natural world that has kept the culture alive during colonization. Learn about the intricate floral beading techniques used by Métis people or gaze into a 1600-year-old roasting pit, which Blackfoot people cooked their feast.
After lunch, depart for Metis Crossing for the night to Alberta’s first major Métis cultural interpretive destination. Created as a place for Métis people to share Métis stories, they welcome everyone to join for family-fun and cultural learning! Enjoy a wide range of activities from the “Through the eyes of the Hunter” Experience showcasing Métis harvesting traditions to Métis Dance Parties.
Stay overnight in one many accommodations styles at Métis Crossing, including geometric dome tents or a brand new, boutique lodge.
Overnight: Edmonton
Day 5: End of Journey
Today marks the end of your Urban Indigenous experience in Alberta. In the morning, depart south to Calgary for a 3.5-hour drive to catch your connecting flight home or alternatively fly out of Edmonton.
DATES & PRICES
Availability:
AVAILABLE ALL YEAR
Interested in this trip? Contact Us for 2025 dates and prices
Applicable taxes vary depending on travel destination and are not included. Please ask your sales agent what extra taxes will be payable for your tour.
WHY CHOOSE ANDERSON VACATIONS?
Anderson Vacations
Other Companies
Independent Travel
See what you want, where you want, how you want. Solo, with a friend, or with a group of friends.Canadian Travel Experts
With at least 30 years of experience.Min. 95% Satisfaction Rate
From past guests.Accreditation and Consumer Protection
Feel confident booking because of a membership in all the following organizations:
Sustainability
Planting one tree for every passenger that travels with us.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 4 nights of accommodation
- Car rental
- Admission to attractions mentioned in itinerary
EXCLUSIONS
- Airfare unless specified as included within the itinerary
- Taxes as applicable
- Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection (strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- Gratuities for Local Guides, Tour Managers, and/or Bus Drivers
- Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
- Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
Why Take A Custom Tour?
Private & Customizable
You can see what you want, when you want, how you want. A trip that's perfectly timed and well organized.
Unique Experience
Experiences that help you take in the region in a different way. Can combine your trip with our group tours. Advice to help you get the most out of your trip.
Freedom to Explore
Time to enjoy and take in each place. Add days in places you want to explore. Do only the activities you want to do.
Can't find what you're looking for?
Our specialists can take away the stress and create a custom trip tailored to your exact interests and budget.
Get A Custom Quote
OR CALL
1.866.814.7378
Custom Trip Plans
You can see what you want, when you want, how you want.
Unique Experiences
Experiences that help you take in the region in a different way.
Freedom To Explore
Time to take in each place with only the tours you want to do.
Booking & Flight Questions
Do you arrange airport transfers?
Yes! We can certainly assist with booking airport transfers for you! Some tours have airport transfers included already. Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Can you assist with booking additional accommodation?
Yes! We can certainly assist with booking additional nights of accommodation for you before and/or after your fully escorted tour! Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Can you assist with booking flights?
Yes! We can certainly assist with booking your flights for you! We do not recommend you book any flights until you receive your booking confirmation directly from Anderson Vacations Tours, as some tours are not pre-guaranteed. Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Is it possible to book a triple share accommodation?
Yes, it is possible to book triple share accommodations on select trips. Please inquire about this option, as pricing may also vary and it will be subject to availability.
Can we book this tour with our exclusive group?
Anderson Vacations Tours can work with private groups to customize a tour to your needs. Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Tour Questions
What is the average age of passengers for this tour?
Our tours are suitable for all age demographics. The average age of travelers is typically 45+
I am a solo traveler. Is there a single surcharge?
There are options for single travelers to join most tours. Solo Travelers can choose to pay the single supplement and have their own room throughout the tour. For those willing to share, we also have a Twin Share option that is offered for the majority of our tours. This means you will be sharing the hotel rooms with another single, same gender traveller who also books the Twin Share option. If this is the case, there will be no single supplement charged to either of you. If we are unable to match you with another Twin Share traveler, there may be a single surcharge applied to cover the full cost of the rooms on some of our longer tours. Please enquire before finalizing your booking for full details.
How physically demanding is this tour? Are you able to accommodate people with mobility restrictions/limitations?
This tour has a low level of physical demand, although there may be some activities or sightseeing tours that require walking short distances. Please inquire if you have any mobility restrictions before completing your booking to ensure this tour is right for you.
How much luggage should I bring?
Each passenger may bring one large suitcase and one carry-on bag. The weight limit for this suitcase is 32 kilograms/60 pounds. Baggage handling is provided at the hotels in our tour packages. Please advise our reservations staff if you will be bringing additional items such as a cane, walker or wheelchair. You may also bring one small soft-sided carry-on bag, which should easily fit into the overhead shelf of the coach. Each person is responsible for his/her own carryon luggage. Remember to check your airline baggage restrictions if you are flying, as they may differ from Anderson Vacations Tours guidelines.
What is your recommended spending amount for non-included meals?
The suggested allowance for non-included meals is $40.00 — $60.00 CAD per day (includes tipping).
Can you accommodate passengers with dietary restrictions (food allergies, vegan, vegetarian etc.)?
Yes! There are many meals included on our fully escorted tours. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking so we can ensure there are alternative meal choices and arrangements made for you.
Are gratuities included in the tour cost?
For your convenience, gratuities for local guides and meals stated on the itinerary are included in the price of the tour. For meals not included in your tour package please remember that it is customary to tip your server 15-20% in North America. Gratuities for your Motorcoach Driver and Tour Director are left to your discretion. We recommend $4.00 - $5.00 CAD per person, per day for your Motorcoach Driver and $6.00 - $7.00 CAD per person, per day for your Tour Director. if you can't find your
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Over 25 years offering custom trips and small group tours.
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Seasoned Tour Guides
Get a deeper understanding with storytelling tailored to your interests.
Space To Breathe
We never max out buses even if we use the same size bus as the competition.
All Inclusive
No hidden expenses along the way. Competitors offer activities as an extra - we don't
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Tour Code
UJIA
5-Day Urban Journey of Indigenous Alberta
5 days
Created On: 21 Nov 2024
Highlights
- Studio Bell – Speak Up! Exhibit
- Calgary Heritage Park – Fur Trading Fort and First Nations Encampment
- Fort Edmonton Park – Indigenous Peoples Experience
- Royal Alberta Museum
- Métis Crossing
- ᐄᓃᐤ (ÎNÎW) River Lot 11
Inclusions
- 4 nights of accommodation
- Car rental
- Admission to attractions mentioned in itinerary
Exclusions
- Airfare unless specified as included within the itinerary
- Taxes as applicable
- Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection (strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- Gratuities for Local Guides, Tour Managers, and/or Bus Drivers
- Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
- Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Calgary
Arrive in Calgary and pick up your rental car for the next several days and then check into your accommodation.
Overnight: Calgary
Day 2: Calgary
In the morning, make sure to spend some time at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre of Canada, which honours and preserves Canadian Music’s diverse history through interactive exhibits and displays showcasing all musical genres. Currently, there is a featured exhibit called Speak Up! It is both an online and physical exhibition at Studio Bell that highlights Indigenous artists making social and political impacts in Canada.
In the afternoon, head to Calgary Heritage Park for a journey through time and specifically check out the 1860s Fur Trading Fort and First Nations Encampment. Calgary Heritage Park shares the stories of both the fur traders and First Nation People.
Enjoy another evening of leisure in your downtown Calgary hotel.
Overnight: Calgary
Day 3: Drive to Edmonton
In the morning depart for Amiskwaciwâskahikan, the’ traditional name of Edmonton meaning Beaver Hills, for a three-and-a-half-hour drive to the Capital city of Alberta. Check into your Edmonton hotel before heading out for a day of activities.
We recommend enjoying a hearty lunch at Pei Pei Chei Ow – a contemporary Indigenous cuisine, inspired by the land, life, and seasons.
After lunch, drive to Fort Edmonton Park for the Indigenous Peoples Experience, a brand-new interpretive centre that tells the true story of living as an Indigenous person and the struggles they faced in both modern times and the past. Visitors will be immersed in rich cultural experiences through Indigenous narrators, and interactive and engaging audio-visual components.
We recommend also visiting ᐄᓃᐤ (ÎNÎW) River Lot 11∞ located in Edmonton's Indigenous Art Park. ᐄᓃᐤ (ÎNÎW) is a Cree word meaning, “I am of the Earth.” The Art Park is situated on the ancestral lands of the Indigenous peoples whose descendants entered into the Treaty with the British Crown, resulting in territory opening for settlement. The Art Park features artwork by 6 Canadian Indigenous artists.
Enjoy an evening of leisure in the city of Edmonton.
Overnight: Edmonton
Day 4: Edmonton
Start your day by heading to the Royal Alberta Museum, taking you through time as you learn about the history of Alberta’s people, animals and landscape. The Human History Hall showcases the history of the province through the eyes of Indigenous people. The exhibit shows how the resiliency, spirituality and innovative use of the natural world that has kept the culture alive during colonization. Learn about the intricate floral beading techniques used by Métis people or gaze into a 1600-year-old roasting pit, which Blackfoot people cooked their feast.
After lunch, depart for Metis Crossing for the night to Alberta’s first major Métis cultural interpretive destination. Created as a place for Métis people to share Métis stories, they welcome everyone to join for family-fun and cultural learning! Enjoy a wide range of activities from the “Through the eyes of the Hunter” Experience showcasing Métis harvesting traditions to Métis Dance Parties.
Stay overnight in one many accommodations styles at Métis Crossing, including geometric dome tents or a brand new, boutique lodge.
Overnight: Edmonton
Day 5: End of Journey
Today marks the end of your Urban Indigenous experience in Alberta. In the morning, depart south to Calgary for a 3.5-hour drive to catch your connecting flight home or alternatively fly out of Edmonton.
