Skip to main content

Indigenous Experiences

What is known today as Banff National Park is a place of breathtaking natural beauty, deep history, and vibrant cultural heritage. Since long before it became Canada’s first national park, this has been home to Indigenous Peoples whose profound connection to the mountains, forests, and waterways has shaped its story for millennia.

As a visitor to Banff National Park, you’ll find many opportunities to immerse yourself in cultural learning through Indigenous experiences. Embark on a medicine walk or an e-bike tour with an Indigenous guide, explore Indigenous arts and crafts, discover rich histories at museums, and participate in vibrant Indigenous events.

Indigenous Experiences

Indigenous Cultural & Learning Experiences

Banff National Park offers a range of opportunities to engage with Indigenous cultural experiences and deepen your understanding of the area’s rich history. From museums to guided tours, these experiences provide meaningful ways to learn about the traditions, stories, and contributions of the Indigenous peoples who have called this land home for generations.

Guided Medicine WalkGuided Medicine Walk

Guided Medicine Walk

Duration
1-3 hrs
See details about Guided Medicine Walk
Indigenous E-bike TourIndigenous E-bike Tour

Indigenous E-bike Tour

Duration
1-3 hrs
See details about Indigenous E-bike Tour
Indigenous Mural Walking ToursIndigenous Mural Walking Tours

Indigenous Mural Walking Tours

Duration
1-3 hrs
See details about Indigenous Mural Walking Tours
An exhibit at the Buffalo Nations Luxton MuseumAn exhibit at the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum

Visit the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum

Duration
1-3 hrs
See details about Visit the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum
A person looking in a display case at the Whyte Museum of the Canadian RockiesA person looking in a display case at the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies

Visit the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies

Duration
1-3 hrs
See details about Visit the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity

Arts & Galleries
Location
Banff Town Area
See details about Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity

The Historic Luxton Home

Museums & Historic Sites
Location
Banff Town Area
See details about The Historic Luxton Home

Indigenous Events

Indigenous events, or events created in collaboration with Indigenous peoples and communities, provide a unique opportunity to celebrate and learn about the vibrant cultures, histories, and traditions of the first peoples of this land. These events often feature storytelling, music, dance, and ceremonies that honour Indigenous knowledge and connection to nature.

Cave and Basin National Historic SiteCave and Basin National Historic Site

Indigenous Voices

Culture & Art
Date
May 15 - Oct 13, 2025
See details about Indigenous Voices
Leela Gilday, photo by Pat Kane.Leela Gilday, photo by Pat Kane.

Leela Gilday Live

Culture & Art
Date
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
See details about Leela Gilday Live
Metis Plant Walk near Cave and Basin in Banff National ParkMetis Plant Walk near Cave and Basin in Banff National Park

Métis Plant Walk at Cave and Basin National Historic Site

Nature & Wildlife
Date
Sunday, June 22; Sunday, July 13; and Sunday, August 17, 2025
See details about Métis Plant Walk at Cave and Basin National Historic Site
National Indigenous History MonthNational Indigenous History Month

National Indigenous History Month

Culture & Art
Date
June 1 - 30, 2025
See details about National Indigenous History Month
Art In Nature TrailArt In Nature Trail

Art In Nature Trail

Culture & Art
Date
Jul 1 - Sep 30, 2025
See details about Art In Nature Trail
Banff Iiniskim Cross-Cultural PowwowBanff Iiniskim Cross-Cultural Powwow

Banff Iiniskim Cross-Cultural Powwow

Culture & Art
Date
May 31, 2025
See details about Banff Iiniskim Cross-Cultural Powwow
Fairmont Banff SpringsFairmont Banff Springs

Indigenous Marketplace

Indigenous Experience
Date
June 1, 2025
See details about Indigenous Marketplace
Nightrise at the Banff GondolaNightrise at the Banff Gondola

Nightrise at the Banff Gondola

Events & Festivals
Date
Returning November 2025
See details about Nightrise at the Banff Gondola

Indigenous Arts & Crafts

Local businesses that are Indigenous-owned, operated, or that support Indigenous artisans by showcasing their arts, crafts, and goods play a vital role in fostering cultural exchange and supporting Indigenous communities. These businesses offer visitors a chance to connect with authentic, handcrafted items, from beadwork and carvings to textiles and jewelry, each piece reflecting rich traditions and storytelling.

Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum

Museums & Historic Sites
Location
Banff Town Area
See details about Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum

Banff Trading Post

Souvenirs & Gifts
Location
Banff Town Area
See details about Banff Trading Post

Carter-Ryan Gallery and Live Art

Arts & Galleries
Location
Banff Town Area
See details about Carter-Ryan Gallery and Live Art

Whyte Museum Book Shop

Books & Music
Location
Banff Town Area
See details about Whyte Museum Book Shop

Canada House Gallery

Arts & Galleries
Location
Banff Town Area
See details about Canada House Gallery
An interior of the displays at the Buffalo Nations Museum in Banff showing traditional clothing and a teepee. An interior of the displays at the Buffalo Nations Museum in Banff showing traditional clothing and a teepee. An interior of the displays at the Buffalo Nations Museum in Banff showing traditional clothing and a teepee.

Featured Stories

Indigenous Shopping and Experiences in Banff and Lake Louise

Shop authentic Indigenous art, join cultural tours, and experience rich traditions through local makers & events.

Read More about Indigenous Shopping and Experiences in Banff and Lake LouiseSee all Stories