Pre FAM tours

Tour description: Experience Alberta through the lens of its Indigenous peoples, where history, culture, and adventure foster a deep connection to both nature and self. Hosted by Indigenous Tourism Alberta, this tour begins in Edmonton at Bernadette's, an Indigenous-owned restaurant then heads out for a geo-adventure tour in Elk Island National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Immerse yourself in Métis culture at Métis Crossing, before you continue into the foothills of the Canadian Rocky Mountain where you will learn about navigation, geology, animal tracking, medicinal plants, horse riding, and backcountry skills. Then, end on a high note, with a 4-hour helicopter tour over the majestic Rocky Mountains, guided by an Indigenous expert. The  tour concludes in Jasper.

Accommodation: September 9-14

Transportation, meals and activities are included per itinerary. 

Physical restrictions: While this adventure is not overly strenuous, participants must be of “fair” physical fitness. 

Tour description: Immerse yourself in Anishinaabe culture on Manitoulin Island, the world’s largest freshwater island, where the land, language, and traditions come to life. Explore the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory through heritage, cuisine, and stunning landscapes, showcasing Indigenous resilience and sustainable tourism. Join cultural leaders, artists, and Knowledge Keepers as they share stories blending traditional wisdom with modern sustainability. Savor traditional meals crafted from locally sourced ingredients, reflecting the deep connection between food, land, and water. This journey fosters a deeper understanding of Indigenous heritage, leaving a lasting impression of the strength and beauty of the Anishinaabe people.

Accommodation: September 10-14

Transportation, meals and activities are included per itinerary. 

Physical restrictions: While this adventure is not overly strenuous, participants must be of “fair” physical fitness. 

Tour description: In Greater Victoria the pull of the Salish Sea is palpable, and the connection to the water shapes the rhythm of the city. On the southern tip of Vancouver Island, witness orcas in their natural habitat from a whale and wildlife watching boat as the sun drops into the sea, lighting the sky in pink and purple. Feast on local, sustainable Dungeness crab and seasonal produce harvested locally, as chefs both honour and invent. Tingle, as you try a Nordic circuit or natural cold plunge, joining locals who make it a regular practice. Bask in blooms at the world renowned Butchart Gardens, where colour and fragrance abound, and beauty is a tradition. Touch the treetops at the Malahat SkyWalk where the gentle cylindrical climb culminates with views of forests, water and mountains. Experience the texture of architecture as you explore storied alleyways and learn about Canada’s first Chinatown.

Accommodation: September 10-14

Transportation, meals and activities are included per itinerary

Physical restrictions: While this adventure is not overly strenuous, participants must be of “fair” physical fitness. Note: Please let us know if you have a fear of heights or experience motion sickness. Cold plunge is an option, not a requirement.

Tour description: If nature feeds your soul, then this journey along BC’s Rainforest to Rockies is for you. From Vancouver, follow the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler, home to North America’s preeminent mountain resort. Experience Whistler's biking culture, via a thrilling downhill descent or a gentle pedal along the paved Valley Trail. Immerse yourself in old-growth forest and learn about the local wildlife on a bear viewing tour. Engage in an Indigenous Tea Ceremony at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre and indulge in Whistler’s acclaimed culinary scene. Take in shifting landscapes travelling from alpine peaks to canyons and cactus, with a visit to McAbee Fossil Beds – now an Indigenous-managed Heritage Site. Travel north to Wells Gray Provincial Park and spend the day exploring waterfalls and mineral springs. Continuing on to Mount Robson Provincial Park, experience the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies on a flightseeing tour and hike before heading north to Jasper.

Accommodation: September 8-14

Transportation, meals and activities are included per itinerary

Physical restrictions: While this adventure is not overly strenuous, participants must be of “fair” physical fitness. NOTE: Be prepared for cycling and moderate hiking.

Tour description: Embark on a wellness journey through the Canadian Rockies aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, traversing the Continental Divide and winding through mountain passes and canyons as you travel from Vancouver to The Rockies amid autumn’s serenity. Rejuvenate at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise’s new Thermal Wellness Facility for tranquil mountain scenery. Connect with nature on an Indigenous plant medicine walk with Mahikan Trails. Ending in Jasper, you’ll gaze at the stars at the Jasper Dark Sky Preserve and flow though restorative yoga poses on stunning mountain peaks. This journey blends relaxation, cultural connection, and the Rockies’ breathtaking beauty for a deeply restorative experience.

Accommodation: September 8-15 

Transportation, meals and activities are included per itinerary. 

Physical restrictions: While this adventure is not overly strenuous, participants must be of “fair” physical fitness. NOTE: The hardest activity is yoga, but one doesn’t need strong physical ability to participate. 

Tour description: Discover Alberta’s wild side, where city charm meets a retreat to breathtaking wilderness. Start in Calgary on tour around with Rocky Mountain Sidecar Adventures and explore Canada’s musical history at Studio Bell. Then head to Drumheller in the Badlands which offer breathtaking views of the hoodoos and some dinosaur discovery. In Waterton Lakes National Park, stay at the historic Kilmorey Lodge, enjoy high tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel. Here you will also take a hike on Bear’s Hump trail, cruise the alpine waters of Waterton Lake, and ride through wildflower-filled trails on horseback with Alpine Stables. This journey blends adventure, culture, and relaxation for an unforgettable escape into Alberta’s lesser-known wonders.

Accommodation: September 9-15

Transportation, meals and activities are included per itinerary

Physical restrictions: While this adventure is not overly strenuous, participants must be of “fair” physical fitness. NOTE: On this tour, participants may engage in hikes and horseback riding. 

Tour description: The Canadian Rockies offer breathtaking scenery and relaxed adventure. Start in Banff where towering peaks and crystal-clear lakes set the stage with a Radventures bike tour or a scenic Lake Minnewanka cruise. Drive the Icefields Parkway to Glacier View Lodge for luxury and panoramic vistas. Walk on ancient ice at the Columbia Icefields and take in a sweeping view from the Skywalk. In Jasper, connect with nature through a Warrior Women foraging experience, learning traditional land-based knowledge. Enjoy a Wildfire Peak picnic with Jasper Food Tours, featuring locally foraged flavors. Conclude with a Jasper Tour Company experience, discovering hidden gems. This journey blends soft adventure, culture, and serene exploration in the heart of the Rockies.

Accommodation: September 9-15 

Transportation, meals and activities are included per itinerary 

Physical restrictions: While this adventure is not overly strenuous, participants must be of “fair” physical fitness. NOTE: Tour involves E-biking.

Tour description: Feel the connection between land, history and culture in the longitudinal centre of Canada, where Indigenous roots run deep. Winnipeg is more than a destination – it’s a living story. Home to the largest urban Indigenous population per capita, the city is a hub of tradition, art, and resilience. Craft a soapstone carving with Peguis First Nation artist Frederick Spence as he shares his journey of reconnection. Explore Qaumajuq, home to the world’s largest contemporary Inuit art collection and discover deep ties between the North, its people, and the land. Walk Winnipeg’s riverbanks on a guided Red River  Métis tour. Savor dishes infused with tradition at Indigenous-owned restaurants and connect with nature at The Leaf – Canada’s Diversity Gardens. Visit Canada’s largest urban bison herd. Experience the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, where powerful stories of self-determination and community unfold. Then visit  The Forks, a gathering place for over 6,000 years, and meet with local artists. 

Accommodation: September 10-14

Transportation, meals and activities are included per itinerary

Physical restrictions: While this adventure is not overly strenuous, participants must be of “fair” physical fitness. NOTE: During this tour, expect walking tours on outdoor pathways, gravel or cobblestone.

Tour description: Meet northern Manitoba’s most remarkable locals – both wild and human – on a journey that invites you to connect with the land, people, and wildlife of Churchill, Manitoba. Spot polar bears shaking off summer slumber with expert guides. Settle into a yurt for an evening of tales shared by a local narrator, with the northern lights dancing above. Express creativity in an artisan session, crafting with traditional materials like caribou fur or beads. Gain insight at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre and Polar Bears International House, where researchers study Arctic conservation. Discover Inuit heritage at the Itsanitaq Museum and listen to Sayisi Dene history with Dene Routes. Churchill offers an extraordinary glimpse into the wild, the people, and the untamed beauty of Manitoba’s North.

Accommodation: September 9-14 

Transportation, meals and activities are included based on the itinerary

Physical restrictions: While this adventure is not overly strenuous, participants must be of “fair” physical fitness. NOTE: This tour includes walking in outdoor spaces on uneven or gravel terrain. The tour requires the ability to get into and out of a zodiac-style boat.

Tour description: In Ontario, explore Niagara beyond its postcard-perfect scenery through its food, wine, and rich cultural heritage. This journey offers a taste of the region through the eyes of those who call it home – the growers, chefs, and storytellers who shape its identity. Niagara’s unique microclimate fuels a thriving culinary scene. Dine at acclaimed restaurants like Pearl Morissette, Fat Rabbit, Trius, and AG Inspired Cuisine. Positioned at the same latitude as Burgundy and Oregon, Niagara produces world-class Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and sparkling wines. Taste exceptional vintages influenced by glacial deposits, with soils rich in limestone, shale, and minerals that add depth and character to every sip. Uncover Niagara’s layered history, from Indigenous roots to hydroelectric innovation, with visits to Niagara Gorge, Niagara Glen, Six Nations of the Grand River, and the Niagara Parks Power Station. Experience the Falls from land, water, and air, guided by experts revealing its geological wonders.

Accommodation: September 10-14

Transportation, meals and activities are included per itinerary

Physical restrictions: While this adventure is not overly strenuous, participants must be of “fair” physical fitness. NOTE: On this tour expect light hiking and stairs. 

Tour description: Nova Scotia may be Canada’s second-smallest province but it packs a knock-out punch with its culinary scene which is brimming with fresh seafood and produce, rolling farmlands and orchards, and a blossoming wine scene.

With thousands of kilometres of coastline and a legendary seafood industry, it’s the perfect destination for a food-focused adventure. Touch day in the seaside capital of Halifax before traveling along the scenic Lighthouse Route to Old Town Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a Tastes of Lunenburg Walking Tour in this picture-perfect town overflowing with marine heritageà. Explore Kejimkujik National Park, known for its old-growth forests, rare wildlife, and Mi'kmaw waterways, with a Campfire Cookout and overnight camping experience in an Otentik–  a blend of tent and A-frame cabin. Continue through the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia’s agricultural heartland, where you will rRelish an authentic lobster dinner with a tour of a working lobster pound, a wine tasting at Domaine de Grand Pré Winery, and a meal at Le Caveau (considered one of the world’s top winery restaurants). Along the way, explore Nova Scotia's Good Cheer Trail, Canada’s first and only trail featuring wineries, breweries, cideries, distilleries, and meaderies. Outdoor adventure, history and culture are all rolled into this visit as you learn why Nova Scotia truly is Canada’s Ocean Playground.

Accommodation: September 8-14 

Transportation, meals and activities are included per itinerary

Physical restrictions: While this adventure is not overly strenuous, participants must be of “fair” physical fitness. NOTE: Participants must be able to eat seafood and/or shellfish.

Tour description: Connect with the heart of Prince Edward Island (PEI) by exploring its charming small towns, where unique accommodations and the great outdoors await. The people of PEI are our true storytellers, and meeting them will reveal hidden, lesser-known gems scattered throughout its communities. Savor a traditional Indigenous cooking experience with a bannock and clam feast, and immerse yourself in the island’s rich history, from lighthouses to Acadian culture. Explore Summerside, the vibrant second-largest city by the sea, and experience the warmth and spirit of the island. This journey offers a deep dive into PEI’s culture and lifestyle, showcasing the best of its fall season.

Accommodation: September 10-14 

Transportation, meals and activities are included per itinerary 

Physical restrictions: While this adventure is not overly strenuous, participants must be of “fair” physical fitness. NOTE: On this tour there maybe some uneven ground and a fair degree of walking.

Tour description: Embark on a Yukon adventure that blends Indigenous culture, outdoor exploration, and culinary delights amidst stunning landscapes. Start with the Dakwäkäda Day Tour, led by Yukon Roots, an Indigenous-owned company, as you travel through Champagne and Aishihik First Nations’ traditional lands. You’ll visit Kluane National Park and Reserve, the Da Kų Cultural Center, enjoy a lakeside lunch at Mät’àtäna Män, and find rest in unique accommodations like Parks Canada oTENTiks, Mount Logan Ecolodge, and Black Spruce forest cabins. Hike through Kluane National Park and Reserve’s pristine wilderness and fish in its remote waters. Savour the region’s flavours by foraging wild plants and berries with local culinarians like Michele Genest and Shak, who incorporate Indigenous and local ingredients into their dishes and chocolates. Finally, chase the northern lights under the Yukon’s dark skies, experiencing the awe of this natural phenomenon during Solar Cycle 25, which promises is expected to bring increased chances of spectacular aurora displays. 

Accommodation: September 8-14 

Transportation, meals and activities are included per itinerary (alcohol not included)

Physical Restrictions: A higher level of physical fitness is required. NOTE: Tour requires moderate hiking ability on mountain trails. Trip also includes wild foraging which involves kneeling and bending low to the ground, using muscles one may not normally use. Fishing includes travel by boat which could involve choppy waters. Multiple nights of aurora tours (including on travel-in day) mean late nights and media must be willing to stay up until 2am or even as late as 4am for Aurora chasing. Efforts will be made for late morning starts on the subsequent morning but it will still be a short sleep. Participants must be comfortable/able to use outdoor washroom facilities (outhouse).