Celebrate Indigenous culture on these amazing walking tours in Ontario
Gain unique insight into the past and a new understanding of the present on these fascinating guided and self-guided walks.
Indigenous Walks, Ottawa
Experience the nation's capital through an Indigenous lens. Indigenous Walks is a walk and talk through downtown Ottawa. Together, walkers and guide will explore social, political and cultural issues through architecture, landscape, monuments and art. Scheduled and private group tours available.
Petroglyphs Provincial Park, Woodview
Just east of Peterborough is one of the most historically significant and sacred places in Canada; the largest known concentration of Petroglyphs (rock carvings). During July and August, the park offers visitors a Petroglyphs tour program. Learn about Ojibwe traditions and watch 'The Teaching Rocks', an award-winning short film at the Visitor Centre. Guests are then led to the Petroglyphs site; your guide will explain the spiritual and cultural meanings behind the art which depicts turtles, snakes and birds, as well as humans.
Great Spirit Circle Trail, Manitoulin Island
Experience interpretive, nature-based Indigenous tours on majestic Manitoulin Island, the world's largest freshwater island and home to the Ojibwe, Odawa and Pottawatomi peoples. Your tour may include a visit to art galleries and museums, such as the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation in M'Chigeeng. Or opt for the guided Mother Earth Hiking Trail up to a site 280 feet high with a 180 degree panoramic view overlooking the island below. The kids will love speciality workshops like drum-making and storytelling.
Journey to Anishinaabe Knowledge Trail, Royal Botanical Gardens, Hamilton
The Royal Botanical Gardens is an extensive, year-round, natural attraction featuring sprawling gardens, an arboretum, trails and programs geared to educate on horticulture and conservation. Follow the Journey to Anishinaabe Knowledge trail that explores indigenous flora used by First Nations peoples. Interpretive nodes and audio devices offer information about the plants and their connection to culture, language, ecology and history. Starting in the Arboretum near the Nature Interpretive Centre, the trail extends just under 1.5 kilometres to Hickory Valley.
NOTE: Appropriate respect and appreciation is essential as you visit spiritually significant sites and learn about Indigenous culture.