Why you should visit Alberta in 2023 /

National Geographic recently released its “Best of the World 2023” list. It reveals 25 incredible cities and towns to inspire your next trip. The community category in the list includes community-led conservation initiatives and sustainable travel.

Alberta is listed for the community category in 2023 for its efforts in indigenous tourism. They are leaders in encouraging people to study the ways of life of the First Nations of North America. There are many reasons to visit the beautiful area of ​​Alberta, Canada in 2023. One is the chance to learn about the indigenous culture and traditions. If you’re looking for a meaningful experience, add it to your itinerary.

Edmonton

Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, is the gateway to the north. It runs along the banks of the North Saskatchewan River and is three hours north of Calgary. Due to its location in the north, winters are cold and gloomy. Still, summers can get hot and the sun is visible until midnight.

For thousands of years, Edmonton’s riverside setting has been a traditional meeting place. And it is the ultimate urban Indigenous cultural experience. Here you can enjoy the gastronomic delights of an indigenous inspired restaurant. Pei Pei Chei Ow is a delicious breakfast or lunch to take away. It offers native food with the aim of evoking memories and comfort.

The Boreal Forest Natural Region covers more than 58% of Alberta’s land area. In addition, it is a diverse wilderness that is critical to conserving Alberta’s biodiversity. More than 85 species of mammals live in the boreal forest. The wood bison, the largest land mammal in North America, is one of them. Explore the vast northern reaches of the boreal forest to spot bison.

Visit Métis Crossing for a day and learn how the Métis lived as trappers. See their traditional homes and discover the medicinal purposes of plants. Métis Crossing is Alberta’s first major Métis cultural interpretation center. It sits on a 512-acre site designed to engage visitors in immersive experiences. The building reflects the values ​​of the Métis community; self-reliance, respect and cultural pride.

Canoe vacations are a Canadian tradition. Fur traders helped map Canada as far back as the 17th century. They explored the rivers and lakes in what is now known as the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The Voyageurs were French Canadians who traveled by canoe from the 17th to the 19th century. They sold things like blankets and flour for furs. It was the First Nations who showed the Voyageurs how to build boats. Paddle in a canoe traveler in the summer midnight sun and experience history on the water. You will see a variety of wildlife along the way.

Edmonton has something for everyone. Fort Edmonton Park is ideal for history buffs and the Art Gallery of Alberta is excellent for art lovers. If you like science, go to the TELUS World of Science building.

The Rockies

The native peoples call the snow-capped Rockies, “The Backbone of the World.” The area is a spiritual landscape of mountains, lakes and abundant wildlife. Walk through valleys with a native guide in search of bears, moose, and moose. Learn about primitive survival techniques, the effectiveness of herbal medicine and bushcraft. Visit art and cultural attractions in Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper.

Banff National Park

The land and rivers of Banff National Park are sacred to the indigenous peoples. They collect plant medicines and use the natural hot springs for healing. And for decades they have been fishing, capturing and hunting bison in the Rocky Mountains.

When Banff National Park was established, hunting and gathering was no longer possible. This policy has changed in recent decades. Parks Canada works with Indigenous peoples to honor traditional values ​​and land stewardship. Take a medicine walk through the forest with a native guide and learn about plants. Get a better understanding of how to use them to survive.

Jasper

Jasper National Park is a beautiful location with many outdoor adventures. A great way to explore the park is with a guided native tour. It will teach you about Jasper’s rich native history. You will discover the original names of mountains, animals and plants in the area.

Central Alberta

Central Alberta’s grassland landscape is made up of farms, ranches, and historic towns. Ride horses for a day or a week with skilled native guides. Learn about their culture and traditional bush survival skills. Try snowshoeing or archery. Hike trails through birch forests in search of wildlife and paddle down a serene river. At night, gaze up at the canopy of dazzling stars in the night sky.

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Southern Alberta

You will find everything in one location. First, there’s the Dinosaur Provincial Park to learn about Alberta’s dinosaur history. Next is the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Interpretive Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park (snai’pi) is an iconic place not to be missed. It has huge sandstone formations known as ‘hoodoos’ and a sandy beach. A must-see on any Southern Alberta road trip. This destination is not only beautiful, but also rich in culture and history. Enjoy plenty of options for adventure and wildlife viewing.

The old meeting place on the Bow and Elbow Rivers is now the modern center of Calgary. It is complete with hotels, restaurants and galleries.

Enter the fascinating Canadian Badlands to see First Nations culture. The area extends to the border with Saskatchewan and south to the United States. It is home to the world’s largest dinosaur bone deposits.

Immerse yourself in the motivational exhibits and performances at the Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park. It is an hour’s drive from Calgary and is dedicated to preserving the traditions of the Siksika Nation. Visitors can explore interactive displays to understand how Siksika First Nation culture has evolved. The restaurant serves traditional indigenous dishes and the gift shop sells locally made products. Watch drumming and dancing as you travel back in time with stories from the past. Plus, you can camp in a teepee outside the museum for an in-depth Blackfoot cultural experience.

It’s not often that we get the chance to fully learn, engage and study the native cultures and traditions while on vacation. Take a trip to a beautiful place and have a life-changing experience.

Andrew Morten is the founder of Little America. Little America makes tailor-made trips to the United States and Canada.

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