Winnipeg’s Indigenous population is the largest in Canada, with numerous Indigenous-owned and led tour operators offering an array of authentic cultural experiences.
From thrilling dog sledding adventures through ancestral forests, to immersive cultural workshops and culinary delights, Manitoba offers a unique opportunity to engage with Indigenous traditions firsthand.
Nanuk Operations offers the Aurora Snowshoe Adventure, inviting visitors to trek through the wintry boreal forest in search of the Northern Lights. These life-changing experiences are led by Indigenous storytellers such as Katie de Meulles, offering rich cultural and historical insights. Participants can indulge in traditional fry bread and enjoy the cozy warmth of a yurt, while contributing to sustainable eco-tourism.
Wapusk Adventures presents a thrilling dogsledding adventure through the boreal forest, the ancestral homeland of the Métis and Cree peoples. Owned by Indigenous musher Dave Daley, Wapusk Adventures welcomes guests to a cozy cabin for captivating stories of European explorers, the fur trade, and the emergence of Métis culture.
In Winnipeg, journeyers can participate in ancient Métis traditions through workshops hosted by Borealis Beading – including two-needle beading, quilt-making, and finger weaving. Led by artist Melanie Gamache, participants can create beautiful crafts while learning about native flora and their medicinal properties.
These adventures will require a good and hearty Canadian meal – available at Feast Café Bistro based in Winnipeg's West End. Chef Christa Guenther presents a culinary journey into Indigenous foods, from bison meat to Bannock (original Indigenous Canadian bread), celebrating local ingredients and Peguis First Nation culture.
This August is a perfect time to visit Manitoba, with fantastic weather, Northern Lights, and a plethora of local festivals and cultural celebrations.
