Aboriginal
Alberta is home to 43 First Nations in three treaty areas—their cultures are distinct and diverse. Explore 10,000 years of First Nations life at ancient sites and museums around Alberta. Paddle the same waterways of original Métis fur trappers. Discover ancient petroglyphs and rock art, learn to make hand drums or sleep in a tipi next to North America’s best-preserved buffalo jump.Museums and Historic Sites
Learn about Aboriginal native culture at numerous historic sites, parks, forts, missions, cultural centres and museums. Edmonton’s Royal Alberta Museum has world-renowned collections and exhibits. Fort Edmonton Park is a piece of living history, where costumed interpreters recreate the 1846 Hudson’s Bay Fort and the Native Encampment. Learn about the lives and experiences of the Métis who played a role in Edmonton's development.
In our Canadian Rockies Jasper-Yellowhead Museum entices you to immerse yourself in ancient ways.
Experience Traditional Native Culture
If you’re looking for a First Nations or Métis experience, your primary resource is Alberta Aboriginal Tourism. History, hands-on activities, special events, guided tours—it’s all here. Experience traditional Canadian Aboriginal tribal lifestyle in the company of guides and elders. Book a one-day trek or a multi-day camp and learn about nature and culture.
Creative Western Adventures offers several holidays designed to put you in touch with Aboriginal ways. Discovering the Blackfoot Confederacy is a nine-day immersion program in which visitors explore the history and culture of the plains tribes. Live on reserves, take part in pow wows, dancing and drumming, search for berries and bear tracks, ride horses and paddle canoes—it’s an unforgettable experience.
Buffalo Spirit Aboriginal Experiences, less than an hour's drive from Edmonton in Elk Island National Park, offers a variety of excellent activities and interpretive programs for the whole family. The park is a treasure trove of more than 200 prehistoric aboriginal camping and stone tool making sites.
The Rainmaker Rodeo and Exhibition - This event is anticipated to attract over 35,000 greater Edmonton and area fans for the weekend in May. Featuring a rodeo with events such as chuckwagon and chariot races, saddle bronc, bareback and bull riding, barrel racing and team roping, the rodeo also features live musical entertainment, a parade and a midway...there is fun for all!
