A walk through a mountain meadow or forest with Mahikan Trails is an eye-opening experience. Owner Brenda Holder points out plants, trees and bushes and explains how they can be used to make traditional Indigenous medicines or as a food source or fire starter.

Holder is following in the footsteps of her family lineage as a Cree guide of the Kwarakwante people of Jasper, where she grew up. Passing along her knowledge is part of her passion for supporting Indigenous tourism. Holder offers workshops and courses, including her medicine walks, designed to educate people about how her ancestors survived off the land for millennia. Over two days in the hands-on workshop, guests learn how to identify a variety of plants and learn how to make simple medicines. Walks are offered in Sundre, Canmore or Banff.