Indigenous Shopping and Experiences in Banff and Lake Louise: Celebrate Culture and Tradition

Banff and Lake Louise are known worldwide as breathtaking destinations in the Canadian Rockies. They are also the ancestral homelands and traditional territories of Indigenous peoples, including the Îyârhe Nakoda Nations (Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Goodstoney First Nations), the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Rocky View District of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government (District 4).

Long before this area became the world-famous destination it is today, this valley was home to Indigenous groups, who nurtured a deep connection to the land that continues today.

The establishment of Canada’s first national park in the late 1800s, sparked by the "discovery" of the Cave and Basin hot springs by three Canadian Pacific Railway workers, forever changed the region. For over 10,000 years, these thermal waters had served as a sacred meeting place for Indigenous communities, used for trading, ceremonial gatherings, and cultural practices.

As the Canadian government took control of the region, this laid the initial boundary of Banff National Park, sparking a trajectory for tourism and forever impacting how Indigenous Peoples would access and interact with the land within its borders.

Today, visitors to Banff and Lake Louise have the unique opportunity to honour this complex history, celebrate Indigenous cultures, and engage responsibly by supporting Indigenous-led, owned, or supported businesses and initiatives. Here's how you can celebrate and engage with this culture and history responsibly.

Immerse in Indigenous Cultural History With Banff Guided Tours

Understanding Indigenous culture begins with listening to the stories and wisdom passed down through generations. In Banff, guided tours and outdoor experiences provide opportunities to learn directly from Indigenous guides while exploring the natural beauty of the area.

Guided E-Bike Tours with Buffalo Stone Woman

Led by Indigenous tour company Buffalo Stone Woman in partnership with Bikescape, join a 2 to 3-hour e-bike tour blending Indigenous cultural history with a thrilling adventure. Explore the breathtaking trails of Banff while immersing in the profound history and significance of the land to its original inhabitants.

Buffalo Stone Woman engages visitors with Indigenous teachings that illuminate the cultural, historical, and spiritual relationship between Indigenous peoples and the natural world. Don’t miss this unique blend of adventure and cultural storytelling and the opportunity to experience Banff through an Indigenous perspective.

Medicine Walks with Mahikan Trails

Take a Guided Medicine Walk near Cascade Gardens with Mahikan Trails guide Brenda Seeley-Holder (Cree/Iroquois Métis), born and raised in nearby Jasper National Park. After beginning the journey with cultural practices and laying tobacco, she shares the fascinating history of the area with visitors while identifying local plants of the meadows and forests, sharing her knowledge of their traditional uses.

Indigenous Mural Tours at the Whyte Museum

Each summer, the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies offers guided Indigenous tours of mural artwork hosted on both the museum grounds and at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site.

This joint initiative with Parks Canada supports emerging Indigenous artists with mentorship and research resources to tell stories of their connections to the Cave and Basin area.

Celebrate Authentic Culture by Supporting Indigenous Artisans

Supporting Indigenous artisans and authors is a meaningful way to celebrate their cultures and ensure your contributions have a direct impact. Whether through handcrafted art or literature, every purchase tells a story and helps sustain traditions for future generations.

• The Whyte Museum Book Shop supports Indigenous authors with an entire section dedicated to their publications in fiction and non-fiction genres.
• Banff Trading Post carries various pieces, like jewelry and hand-beaded bags crafted by Indigenous artists.
• While vendors at the Banff Christmas Market change every year, it is often attended by Indigenous artisan vendors.
• Carter-Ryan Gallery showcases paintings and carvings of Jason Carter, a Canadian Indigenous Artist from Little Red River Cree Nation.

It’s important to ask questions when making purchases to ensure you’re supporting an authentic Indigenous product and that the economic benefits go to the Indigenous creator. Purchasing authentic Indigenous art and craftsmanship supports the culture and history of Indigenous Peoples while retaining high value in their work.

Try asking about the story behind a piece, as most creators and shop owners are happy to share the stories behind the pieces they carry.

Deepen Your Understanding of Canadian and Indigenous History

To fully understand Banff National Park’s history, it’s essential to learn about the impact of colonization and the resilience of Indigenous communities. Museums and archives in the area provide valuable insights and a chance to engage with this important history.

Both the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum and Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies offer resources and displays to deepen your understanding of Indigenous culture and the impacts of colonialism on local nations.

The Whyte Museum archives reading room offers many resources relating to Truth and Reconciliation, as well as the history of the removal and resilience of Indigenous communities from the national park.

Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum is owned and operated by the Buffalo Nations Cultural Society, which is comprised of Treaty 6 and 7 and Metis members, and offers displays for visitors to learn and appreciate Indigenous culture and traditions. The museum also shares how Indigenous people lived prior to and after contact with European culture.

Experience Immersive Indigenous Stories, Art, and Celebrations

Many events in Banff and the surrounding area celebrate local Indigenous artists and culture.

Banff Iniskim Cross-Cultural Powwow: A Community Experience for Everyone

Powwows are a true celebration of Indigenous culture and community, where everyone—Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike—are welcome to experience the vibrant traditions.

The Banff Iiniskim Cross-Cultural Powwow takes place each summer, hosted by the Buffalo Nations Museum. Join a day of competitive dancing, drumming, and singing and appreciate the beauty of Indigenous regalia and talent.

Nightrise: An Experiential Light and Sound Experience

Nightrise at the Banff Gondola is an immersive nighttime experience produced with the Stoney Nakoda Nation. This immersive experience incorporates sound, lighting and video effects for an evening of storytelling under the stars. Select evenings offer enhanced experiences with live performances and marshmallow roasting.

In Search of Christmas Spirit

In Search of Christmas Spirit is another immersive storytelling experience in Banff’s Cascade Gardens, best explored after night falls. A joint production by creative director Bridget Ryan and Indigenous sculptor/painter Jason Carter, the experience tells tales of Banff’s wildlife brought to life through illuminated sculptures and sound effects.

Plan Your Trip with Purpose

Visiting Banff and Lake Louise offers more than stunning landscapes; it’s an opportunity to connect with the rich Indigenous heritage of the region. By supporting Indigenous businesses, participating in cultural experiences, and learning about the land’s history, you honour the legacy and contributions of its original inhabitants. Make your journey meaningful—immerse yourself in the stories, traditions, and beauty of Indigenous culture.