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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 Walk

Duration
1-3 hrs
See details about Guided Medicine Walk

Indigenous E-bike Tour

Duration
1-3 hrs
See details about Indigenous E-bike Tour
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

Duration
1-3 hrs
See details about Visit the Whyte

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

Art & Culture
Date
May 15 - Oct 12, 2026
See details about Indigenous Voices
Banff CentreBanff Centre

Story Sharing

Indigenous Experience
Date
Jun 3, 2026
See details about Story Sharing
Mini MoccasinsMini Moccasins

Workshop - Making Mini Moccasins

Indigenous Experience
Date
Jun 17, 2026
See details about Workshop - Making Mini Moccasins
Medicine PouchMedicine Pouch

Workshop - Making a Medicine Pouch (June 18)

Indigenous Experience
Date
Jun 18, 2026
See details about Workshop - Making a Medicine Pouch (June 18)
Waihona Kino (Body Archive) featuring (Tau) Peter Rockford Espiritu.Waihona Kino (Body Archive) featuring (Tau) Peter Rockford Espiritu.

First Looks: Waihona Kino (Body Archive)

Indigenous Experience
Date
Jun 19, 2026
See details about First Looks: Waihona Kino (Body Archive)
Jules Koostachin and Shane BelcourtJules Koostachin and Shane Belcourt

Decolonizing the Narrative Conversation Series with Jules Koostachin & Shane Belcourt

Art & Culture
Date
Jul 15, 2026
See details about Decolonizing the Narrative Conversation Series with Jules Koostachin & Shane Belcourt
Tasha Faye Evans, Emily Solstice Tait, Kelly McInnes, Indigenous World Dance Residency 2024.Tasha Faye Evans, Emily Solstice Tait, Kelly McInnes, Indigenous World Dance Residency 2024.

Indigenous World Dance Open Studios

Indigenous Experience
Date
Aug 20, 2026
See details about Indigenous World Dance Open Studios
From the film Iikaiksimatsa'pao'p (Grateful to Be on the Land).From the film Iikaiksimatsa'pao'p (Grateful to Be on the Land).

Iikaiksimatsa'pao'p and Siksikakowan: The Blackfoot Man

Art & Culture
Date
Sept 11, 2026
See details about Iikaiksimatsa'pao'p and Siksikakowan: The Blackfoot Man
Catherine BlackburnCatherine Blackburn

Decolonizing the Narrative Conversation Series with Catherine Blackburn

Art & Culture
Date
Sept 16, 2026
See details about Decolonizing the Narrative Conversation Series with Catherine Blackburn

Indigenous Artisan Goods

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