AFAR Magazine recognizes 7 Indigenous‑owned hotels and resorts in Canada

More than 70 different Indigenous languages are spoken by the Indigenous Peoples of Canada, which includes First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.

The list:

1. Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations, Wendake, Que., located at 5 Pl. de la Rencontre, Wendake, Qué.—the 79-room boutique resort is designed with Indigneous art, and the on-site Huron-Wendat Museum and the Ekionkiestha’ National Longhouse offer well-curated exhibits about the history and culture of the Wendat People.

2. Manitoulin Hotel & Conference Centre, Little Current, Ont., located at 66 Meredith St. E., Little Current, Ont.—the 58-room hotel is owned by the six First Nation communities of Mnidoo Mnising (Manitoulin Island), the largest freshwater island in the world, located in Lake Huron.

3. The Lodge at Métis Crossing, Smoky Lake, Alta., located at 17339 Victoria Trail, Smoky Lake, Alta.—the 40-room boutique lodge on historical Métis River lots that were designed by Métis architect Tiffany Shaw to convey Métis culture and historical character, suggesting the area’s original buildings.

4. Wyndham Garden Winnipeg Airport Hotel, Winnipeg, Man., located at Long Plain First Nation, 460 Madison St., Winnipeg, Man.—the 132-room hotel has an east-facing main entrance and a curved design, which reflects Indigenous traditions. The 5,800 square feet of meeting space includes a Knowledge Keepers’ area where Elders and Indigenous leaders can gather.

5. Dakota Dunes Resort, Whitecap, Sask., located at 203 Dakota Dunes Way, Whitecap, Sask.—the 155-room hotel has amenities including a casino, golf course, a swimming pool, a restaurant, and multiple conference rooms. The expansive lobby has gathering spaces centered around fires, and Indigenous art is spotlighted throughout the property.

6. St. Eugene Resort, Cranbrook, B.C., located at 7777 Mission Road, Cranbrook, B.C.—the 125-room hotel used to operate as St. Eugene Mission, one of the 130 residential schools for Indigenous children in Canada. After the school was closed, local Indigenous Peoples decided to turn the painful legacy into something positive for future generations—by transforming the structure into a hotel, they could provide income and jobs for the community.

7. Klahoose Wilderness Resort, B.C., located at qathet Regional District, B.C.—the four lodge room and three cedar cabin resort is on Klahoose territory that the community has protected for centuries. Activities include Indigenous-led grizzly bear tours, wood-carving lessons from Klahoose interpreter Klemkwateki Randy Louie, as well as a participatory smudging and brushing ceremony around a fire.

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