Across Manitoba, Indigenous-owned tourism businesses are offering travelers more than just beautiful scenery or good food. They’re creating experiences grounded in story, community and connection to the land, redefining what tourism looks like in the province.
In Winnipeg’s West End, Bistro on Notre Dame has built a reputation for its inventive, locally sourced menu—but it’s the deeper values behind the business that truly set it apart. Métis chef and owner Dean Herkert designed the space and the menu with sustainability, culture and community in mind.
“When I opened the restaurant, I wanted to really keep an eye on sustainability and being part of the community,” Herkert says.
That intention can be seen in the details. The furniture is made from reclaimed wood that calls to mind historic Métis road allowance homes, while the dishes are inspired by what Herkert calls country foods—ingredients Indigenous to the land, used for generations by First Nations and Métis people. The result is a menu that blends tradition with global influence, offering a fresh but familiar experience.
Herkert sources many of his ingredients from Indigenous suppliers.
“My bison is from a Métis couple who are ranchers. I use Fireweed Food Co-op, which relies on Indigenous foragers. That part of it is just starting to build now,” he explained.
For Herkert, sourcing locally and from Indigenous businesses isn’t just a culinary choice—it’s part of a broader commitment to economic reconciliation.
“Developing those relationships is just as important as the food,” he says.
Standout dishes at Bistro include shareable plates like Lake and Steak, with steak, duck breast, onion rings, cranberry chutney, honey butter fries and smoked mushrooms. Another favourite is the Tomahawk, a four-course bison dinner curated by the chef.
Herkert sees Indigenous cuisine as an important piece of Manitoba’s tourism puzzle.
“If you want people to experience something unique, you have to give them something rooted in where they are,” he says.
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In Riding Mountain National Park, Turtle Village offers something very different—a quiet, off-grid retreat designed to help guests reconnect with nature and culture.
Ashley Smith, who is from Gambler First Nation, didn’t plan to work in tourism. She started her career as a housing manager, where she saw first-hand the need for safe, movable housing solutions for her community.
“That’s what led to the prototype for our turtle shells,” Smith says. “They’re low-maintenance, movable and safe. We wanted to build something that could be used during emergencies like floods or fires.”
Today, those same structures form the heart of Turtle Village — eight solar-powered, minimalist glamping cabins tucked into the woods, not far from shops and washrooms for those looking for a balance of off-grid and comfort.
Smith and her family live in one of the cabins year-round.
“Five of us in 400 square feet and we’re still married,” she laughed. “The kids still call me mom.”
The site offers year-round experiences. In summer and fall, guests can hike, bike, stargaze or explore the nearby town of Wasagaming. In winter, the area transforms into a peaceful fishing village, where guests can ice fish in cozy wood-stove-heated tents with pre-drilled holes and solar lighting.
Guests can also take part in cultural and culinary experiences like bannock-making kits, fire-cooked charcuterie and guided workshops that explore Indigenous food, medicine and storytelling.
Smith recently expanded into Winnipeg with Turtle Tours at The Forks. These walking tours share more than 6,000 years of Indigenous history and include a “Taste of Survival” experience focused on women’s roles in pre-contact trade and food systems.
“People don’t always know where to find authentic Indigenous experiences,” she says. “We’re trying to build something that helps people learn and feel connected—whether they’re at Riding Mountain or The Forks.”
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In the far north, Sub-Arctic Tours is helping visitors see Churchill through Indigenous eyes.
Founder Leroy Whitmore, who is Inuit, launched the company in 2017 with little more than a logo designed by his daughter and a dream to share the beauty of his homeland.
Today, Sub-Arctic Tours runs roughly 400 tours each year, guiding visitors to see polar bears, beluga whales, northern lights and migratory birds. Guests travel by truck, van, or snowmobile to explore sites like Cape Merry, the polar bear holding facility, the famous Miss Piggy airplane wreck and the shores where the Churchill River meets Hudson Bay.
Whitmore brings every tour to life with storytelling. He shares traditional knowledge from Inuit, Cree, Dene and Métis perspectives, explaining the meaning behind Inukshuks, ancient tent rings and local landmarks.
“I want to build a bridge between visitors and Indigenous culture,” he says.
Despite the challenges of running a business in the north—including rail line outages, blizzards and the pandemic—Whitmore has kept going. He still works at the local propane company to supplement his income, but his passion is guiding visitors and sharing his home.
He dreams of expanding with a shoreline lodge that could host more visitors and create more opportunities for cultural exchange.
Whether it’s fine dining in the city, an off-grid retreat in the forest or northern adventure on the sub-Arctic, these three Indigenous-led businesses offer more than a place to visit. They invite people to connect—to the land, to history and to community. They are reshaping Manitoba tourism with heart, intention and deep respect for the stories that came before and the futures they’re helping to build.
Plan Your Visit
Bistro on Notre Dame
Location: 1324 Notre Dame Ave.,
Winnipeg (Treaty 1 Territory)
Known for: Métis fusion cuisine, locally sourced ingredients
Hours: Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner
bistronotredame.ca
Turtle Village
Location: Riding Mountain National Park (Treaty 2 Territory)
Accommodations: Eight solar-powered glamping cabins
Seasonal features: Ice fishing tents with wood stoves and LED lighting (winter); hiking, biking, and beach access (summer)
Add-ons: Bannock kits, fire-cooked charcuterie boards ($45), cultural and culinary workshops
turtlevillage.ca
Turtle Tours at The Forks
Location: The Forks, Winnipeg (Treaty 1 Territory)
Tours: Guided walks focused on Indigenous history and culture; “Taste of Survival” experience
turtlevillage.ca/tours
Sub-Arctic Tours
Location: Churchill, Manitoba (Treaty 5 Territory)
Experiences: Polar bear viewing, northern lights, beluga whales, cultural storytelling
subarctictours.ca
