INDIGENOUS ALBERTA : A 6-DAY JOURNEY THROUGH LAND AND CULTURE
6 DAY SELF DRIVE THROUGH INDIGENOUS ALBERTA
Embark on a self-drive through Indigenous Alberta, home to 45 First Nations and over 85,000 Métis—a distinct group of people in Canada who have both Indigenous and European ancestry. Open your heart and mind to incredible teachings and experiences that will spark a whole new perspective on the history of Alberta and Turtle Island (North America).
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Start Location: Calgary
End Location: Calgary
TOP HIGHLIGHTS
- Painted Warriors Archery Experience
- Painted Warriors Glamping
- Metis Crossing Cultural Experience Package
- Elk Island National Park
- Fort Edmonton Park - Indigenous Peoples Experience
- Calgary Heritage Park
- Studio Bell
- Wildlife Experiences including white Bison and Elk
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 for the night. Enjoy a day of leisure in Calgary with an abundance of Indigenous experiences offered in the city such as a featured exhibit, “Speak Up!” at the Studio Bell – Canada's National Music Centre. This experience highlights Indigenous artists making social and political impacts in Canada. Another fantastic option is to head to Calgary Heritage Park and explore the 1860s Fur Trading Fort and First Nations Encampment alongside a journey through history.
Overnight: Calgary
Day 2: Painted Warriors Ranch
Begin the day by driving 1.5 hours from Calgary to the Paint Warriors Ranch in the foothills of the beautiful Rocky Mountains. This ranch features a wide range of unique experiences, such as the Bimose Stories of the Forest – where a local guide will share knowledge on their traditional medicinal and edible plants used for healing, hunting techniques and fire lighting skills to Archery lessons from. There are also many other outdoor experiences like Archery lessons, guided snowshoeing with Metis storytelling and horseback riding. After a day of adventure, spend the night in a beautiful one-of-a-kind “Glamping” experience. Sleep in a canvas year-round tent, with a woodfire stove and cozy interior for a great night's rest.
Day 3: Edmonton – Indigenous Peoples’ Experience
In the morning after a hearty breakfast, depart for Edmonton for a three-and-a-half-hour drive to the Capital city of Alberta. Check into your Edmonton hotel before heading out. Enjoy a hearty lunch at Pei Pei Chei Ow – a contemporary Indigenous cuisine, inspired by the land, life, and seasons. After lunch, head to the Indigenous Peoples Experience in Fort Edmonton Park for an opportunity to explore life through the eyes of First Nations’ and Métis peoples’. Listen to the stories that came from over fifty Indigenous Elders, historians, educators and community members each with their own personal experiences and perspective. These stories, teachings, and memories have been passed through millennia. Open your heart and mind to these eye-opening teachings.
Overnight: Edmonton
Day 4: Metis Crossing Cultural Experience Package
Enjoy a morning of exploring Edmonton at your own leisure. This afternoon, you will head to the Metis Crossing, just an hour and a half north of Edmonton to experience this wonderful interpretive centre. Being the first major Métis cultural interpretive centre in Alberta, it is a hub for cultural experiences including canoe day trips, traditional Metis hunting lessons, snowshoeing with teachings about the traplines and much more. For day one of the Métis Cultural Experience Package, you will check into your King suite with a private in-suite patio that offers breathtaking views of the Heritage North Saskatchewan River. Once you are settled in, enjoy the Meet the Métis Signature Experience, a one-of-a-kind opportunity to go on a journey through the history, traditions and river-lot life of Métis people. Next, enjoy a traditional Métis dinner in this delightful culinary experience that celebrates the richness and diversity of Métis culture. Guests will be treated to a delicious three-course meal that features locally sourced ingredients. Dine in the warm and inviting ambiance of the Bistro on the main floor or take in breathtaking views of the pristine river valley from the Lodge’s Lounge on the 2nd floor.
Meals: Dinner
Day 5: Metis Crossing Cultural Experience Package
Energize yourself for a day of adventure at Métis Crossing and enjoy a Métis inspired breakfast prepared fresh each morning, using locally sourced ingredients. Next, you will experience the thrill of archery while also gaining a deeper understanding of Métis culture and traditions. During this immersive cultural experience, guests will have an opportunity to learn about Métis harvesting traditions, join a guided river-side trail walk to learn about diverse plants and animals, hear stories of how the Métis people survive on the land and practice bow hunting skills on a scenic archery course. Indulge in a hearty Métis inspired lunch while enjoying scenic views of the Heritage North Saskatchewan River at the restaurant in the Cultural Gathering Centre. Experience the unforgettable adventures at Visions, Hopes and Dreams at Métis Crossing Wildlife Park and connect with both nature and culture like never before. Be immersed in the breathtaking natural beauty of Métis heritage species, including the rare white bison and elk, wood bison, plain bison, and majestic Percheron horses. Cap off a day of adventure with the delights of authentic indigenous cuisine in the Metis Crossing Dining Experience - A mix of modern cuisine featuring delicious Métis flavours. Lastly, as the night falls and the stars start to twinkle, guests are invited to join a riverside campfire experience to relax and unwind in the peaceful ambiance of the North Saskatchewan River.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Metis Crossing - Elk Island - Drive to Calgary
After a hearty Métis inspired breakfast in the beautiful dining area of the lodge, take in some fresh air and explore the 10 km of trails at Metis Crossing for a self-guided walk to take in everything you just experienced before your departure. On your way back to Calgary, Head to Elk Island - a UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserve and known as a place that played a great role in Canada’s bison conservation story. Watch herds of plain and woods bison roam around the tall grass prairies and learn about the history of how this beautiful creature was brought back from near extinction. This is where Cree and Métis have lived and hunted for generations and a place of gathering – a place where connections are made. Today marks the end of your journey through Indigenous Alberta. Depart south to Calgary for a 3-hour drive to catch your connecting flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
DATES & PRICES
Availability:
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
ACCOMMODATION
START PLACE
END PLACE
PRICE FROM
All prices are per person based on double occupancy and subject to local taxes - GST, PST or HST.
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
- 6 day car rental
- 5 nights of accommodation
- Day trips as mentioned in itinerary
- Admission to experiences
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
EXCLUSIONS
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection (strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- Airfare unless specified as included within the itinerary
- Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
- Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
- Taxes as applicable
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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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
5DTIA
Indigenous Alberta : A 6-Day Journey Through Land and Culture
6 days
Created On: 21 Nov 2024
Highlights
- Painted Warriors Archery Experience
- Painted Warriors Glamping
- Metis Crossing Cultural Experience Package
- Elk Island National Park
- Fort Edmonton Park - Indigenous Peoples Experience
- Calgary Heritage Park
- Studio Bell
- Wildlife Experiences including white Bison and Elk
Inclusions
- 6 day car rental
- 5 nights of accommodation
- Day trips as mentioned in itinerary
- Admission to experiences
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
Exclusions
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection (strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- Airfare unless specified as included within the itinerary
- Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
- Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
- Taxes as applicable
Dates & Prices
ACCOMODATION
START PLACE
END PLACE
PRICE FROM
Double/Twin
Calgary
Calgary
$1,920 USD
All prices are per person based on double occupancy and subject to local taxes - GST, PST or HST.
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 for the night. Enjoy a day of leisure in Calgary with an abundance of Indigenous experiences offered in the city such as a featured exhibit, “Speak Up!” at the Studio Bell – Canada's National Music Centre. This experience highlights Indigenous artists making social and political impacts in Canada. Another fantastic option is to head to Calgary Heritage Park and explore the 1860s Fur Trading Fort and First Nations Encampment alongside a journey through history.
Overnight: Calgary
Day 2: Painted Warriors Ranch
Begin the day by driving 1.5 hours from Calgary to the Paint Warriors Ranch in the foothills of the beautiful Rocky Mountains. This ranch features a wide range of unique experiences, such as the Bimose Stories of the Forest – where a local guide will share knowledge on their traditional medicinal and edible plants used for healing, hunting techniques and fire lighting skills to Archery lessons from. There are also many other outdoor experiences like Archery lessons, guided snowshoeing with Metis storytelling and horseback riding. After a day of adventure, spend the night in a beautiful one-of-a-kind “Glamping” experience. Sleep in a canvas year-round tent, with a woodfire stove and cozy interior for a great night's rest.
Day 3: Edmonton – Indigenous Peoples’ Experience
In the morning after a hearty breakfast, depart for Edmonton for a three-and-a-half-hour drive to the Capital city of Alberta. Check into your Edmonton hotel before heading out. Enjoy a hearty lunch at Pei Pei Chei Ow – a contemporary Indigenous cuisine, inspired by the land, life, and seasons. After lunch, head to the Indigenous Peoples Experience in Fort Edmonton Park for an opportunity to explore life through the eyes of First Nations’ and Métis peoples’. Listen to the stories that came from over fifty Indigenous Elders, historians, educators and community members each with their own personal experiences and perspective. These stories, teachings, and memories have been passed through millennia. Open your heart and mind to these eye-opening teachings.
Overnight: Edmonton
Day 4: Metis Crossing Cultural Experience Package
Enjoy a morning of exploring Edmonton at your own leisure. This afternoon, you will head to the Metis Crossing, just an hour and a half north of Edmonton to experience this wonderful interpretive centre. Being the first major Métis cultural interpretive centre in Alberta, it is a hub for cultural experiences including canoe day trips, traditional Metis hunting lessons, snowshoeing with teachings about the traplines and much more. For day one of the Métis Cultural Experience Package, you will check into your King suite with a private in-suite patio that offers breathtaking views of the Heritage North Saskatchewan River. Once you are settled in, enjoy the Meet the Métis Signature Experience, a one-of-a-kind opportunity to go on a journey through the history, traditions and river-lot life of Métis people. Next, enjoy a traditional Métis dinner in this delightful culinary experience that celebrates the richness and diversity of Métis culture. Guests will be treated to a delicious three-course meal that features locally sourced ingredients. Dine in the warm and inviting ambiance of the Bistro on the main floor or take in breathtaking views of the pristine river valley from the Lodge’s Lounge on the 2nd floor.
Meals: Dinner
Day 5: Metis Crossing Cultural Experience Package
Energize yourself for a day of adventure at Métis Crossing and enjoy a Métis inspired breakfast prepared fresh each morning, using locally sourced ingredients. Next, you will experience the thrill of archery while also gaining a deeper understanding of Métis culture and traditions. During this immersive cultural experience, guests will have an opportunity to learn about Métis harvesting traditions, join a guided river-side trail walk to learn about diverse plants and animals, hear stories of how the Métis people survive on the land and practice bow hunting skills on a scenic archery course. Indulge in a hearty Métis inspired lunch while enjoying scenic views of the Heritage North Saskatchewan River at the restaurant in the Cultural Gathering Centre. Experience the unforgettable adventures at Visions, Hopes and Dreams at Métis Crossing Wildlife Park and connect with both nature and culture like never before. Be immersed in the breathtaking natural beauty of Métis heritage species, including the rare white bison and elk, wood bison, plain bison, and majestic Percheron horses. Cap off a day of adventure with the delights of authentic indigenous cuisine in the Metis Crossing Dining Experience - A mix of modern cuisine featuring delicious Métis flavours. Lastly, as the night falls and the stars start to twinkle, guests are invited to join a riverside campfire experience to relax and unwind in the peaceful ambiance of the North Saskatchewan River.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Metis Crossing - Elk Island - Drive to Calgary
After a hearty Métis inspired breakfast in the beautiful dining area of the lodge, take in some fresh air and explore the 10 km of trails at Metis Crossing for a self-guided walk to take in everything you just experienced before your departure. On your way back to Calgary, Head to Elk Island - a UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserve and known as a place that played a great role in Canada’s bison conservation story. Watch herds of plain and woods bison roam around the tall grass prairies and learn about the history of how this beautiful creature was brought back from near extinction. This is where Cree and Métis have lived and hunted for generations and a place of gathering – a place where connections are made. Today marks the end of your journey through Indigenous Alberta. Depart south to Calgary for a 3-hour drive to catch your connecting flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
