Stay at an Indigenous-owned property for a great trip that supports community
One way to make your vacation more meaningful and sustainable is to be more intentional about the places you stay. You might not see it from the outside, but a number of hotels and overnight accommodations in Alberta are owned by Indigenous nations and entrepreneurs, which means your stay directly supports Indigenous communities and families. Sometimes the local culture is part of the obvious look and feel of the property, and sometimes the connection is more subtle. Either way, your stay helps the economic vitality of Indigenous nations. Here’s a guide to get you started.
Indigenous-owned unique stays
Bannock N Bed Inn: Bannock ‘n Bed Inn is a quiet and comfortable place to stay on Treaty 8 Sucker Creek First Nation land. Here, you’ll get a chance to experience some Cree culture and taste some traditional food in a warm environment that feels as welcoming as your kokum’s (grandmother’s) house.
Water Spirit Spa & Retreats: An Indigenous-owned holistic health and outdoor retreat center located on the Fishing Lake Metis Settlement that also offers therapeutic massage and holistic services in St. Paul Alberta. As part of the holistic wellness services that nurture the mind, money and spirit, deeply ingrained into every part of the company are land-based teachings that share Metis-Indigenous knowledge and practices.
Pale Horse Tipi Camp: Located on the Piikani Nation, which is part of the Blackfoot Confederacy, in southern Alberta, Pale Horse Tipi Camp offers overnight stays in tipis and a chance to experience authentic Blackfoot culture in a beautiful environment. It’s a chance to experience true Indigenous culture in a welcoming and enlightening setting.
Willow House: Willow House is a historic cabin on a 21-acre farmstead. Reimagined with modern amenities and quiet luxury, the house has undergone a full restoration boasting three full bathrooms, three private bedrooms, two living areas, and a fully equipped kitchen and wet bar. Willow House is 15 minutes from the park gates of Jasper National Park and 50 minutes from Jasper town site. The premise behind Willow House is to create a fusion between hospitality and cultural understanding.
Metis Crossing: This multimillion-dollar cultural centre includes a boutique hotel, skywatching domes with clear tops that maximize views of the night sky, and some traditional trappers’ tents with wood-burning stoves for a more rustic experience. Staying here will give you insight into Metis culture and language, and let you reconnect with nature.
Indigenous-owned resorts and casinos
River Cree Resort and Casino: Located just west of Edmonton on Enoch Cree Nation, the River Cree Resort & Casino is a four-star full-service destination resort offering two casinos, six restaurants, three lounges, a lobby coffee café, 24,000 square feet of meeting space, and a concert venue.
Grey Eagle Resort and Casino: Located on the beautiful Tsuut’ina Nation, Grey Eagle Resort & Casino is Calgary’s entertainment destination featuring authentic Indigenous experiences. The resort features a four-star hotel, and casino with 84,000 square feet of gaming action, four outstanding restaurants, world-class concerts and state-of-the-art conference space.
Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino: A vibrant combination of affordable comfort, premier casino gaming, family-friendly adventure, and entertainment with first-class service and warm hospitality in at the gateway to Kananaskis Country and on the outskirts of Canmore and Banff National Park. Surrounded by stunning views, the mountain resort playground offers countless amenities, including 110 newly renovated rooms and suites, a state-of-the-art casino, an exhilarating pool and waterslide, two restaurants, and adventures throughout the year. Watch for a new event centre opening in 2024.
Dene Resort and Casino: Eat, play, and be entertained at the hottest spot in Lakeland in northeast Alberta. With two restaurants, free live entertainment every weekend, and over 250 different games to choose from there is always something to do at Casino Dene.
Indigenous-owned hotels
Westin Calgary Airport: Engage with Canada at The Westin Calgary Airport. Departing and arriving is easy with free parking and shuttle service from Calgary International Airport, less than two kilometers from their hotel. Cross Iron Mills outlet shops and the Calgary Zoo are also in easy reach.
Towne Place Suites Fort McMurray: This extended-stay hotel in Fort McMurray designed to balance work and pleasure while offering comfort, flexibility and affordability. Conveniently located just minutes from Fort McMurray International Airport, our hotel offers ample parking and easy access to the highway for those travelling by road.
Sawridge Travel Centre Slave Lake: Located just off Highway 88 on the Sawridge First Nations Reserve and serving as a stop for local residents as well as travelers heading to the resource-rich area to the north of Slave Lake. The Travel Centre is comprised of a restaurant, convenience store / gas bar, and Platinum Cardlock Operation. Commercial tenants include Fountain Tire, Cold Shot Courier and Bus Services, Vape 88 and Calvin’s Barber Shop.
Element by Westin Edmonton West: Located minutes from West Edmonton Mall’s shopping, dining and entertainment, as well as a short drive from downtown Edmonton. The University of Alberta is 10 kilometers away and Edmonton International Airport YEG is 38 kilometers away. Maintain your balance. Bright, open, contemporary multipurpose public spaces are inspiring settings for work, play, socializing and unwinding.