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Indigenous experiences you can enjoy in Toronto
What are the best Indigenous experiences in Toronto?
The capital city of Ontario is famed for its attractions, sports teams, food, and entertainment, making it a must-visit holiday destination. Toronto, however, is also steeped in indigenous history.
Toronto is home to the biggest Indigenous population in Ontario and the fourth biggest in the country. If you want a glimpse at the culture, traditions, art and goods of the people who first inhabited this land, there are plenty of Indigenous experiences in and around the city.
In this guide, we look at the best indigenous experiences you can enjoy on a Toronto holiday.
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Indigenous experiences in Toronto
McMichael Canadian Art Collection
This art gallery is the only major one that exclusively collects, preserves, and celebrates Canadian art. The permanent collection has over 7,000 pieces of work on display, ranging from historic paintings to some famous artists from the present day.
The McMichael Canadian Art Collection has a vast collection of Indigenous art of Canada, and you can see artwork from First Nations, Métis, Inuit and contemporary artists.
The venue doesn’t just offer an unrivalled collection of artwork; there is a Sculpture Garden and hiking trails that you can enjoy, and it overlooks more than 100 acres of picturesque woodland.
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Art Gallery of Ontario
The Art Gallery of Ontario is a must-visit, and whilst it is more famous for being home to works from the likes of Van Gogh, Andy Warhol, and Yayoi Kusama, it has a fine collection of Indigenous art.
In fact, the Indigenous collection is the largest in the world, and you can see an array of art from the First Peoples of North America and Indigenous art from Africa, Australia and the Torres Strait Islands.
After browsing the Indigenous and Canadian art, you can explore art from Europe as well as modern and contemporary art.
Arnette, a solo traveller and the writer behind the Round The World Girl blog, highly recommends people visit the art gallery: “I enjoyed the special exhibits as well as the contemporary galleries in the Art Gallery of Ontario. There are several areas and floors, and they also have a great gallery shop, restaurant, and cafe. On Wednesdays, the gallery is open late until 8 pm.”
ALSO READ: The best museums in Toronto
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Go on a walking tour of Toronto
The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto runs a free tour that explores the deep Canadian Indigenous cultural roots of Tkaronto (Toronto).
As part of the tour, you will visit the most extensive collection of Canadian Indigenous artwork in the city of Toronto, learn key phrases from the traditional languages that are used in the city, visit major local landmarks and historical events as well as discover the traditional ceremonies and sacred practices that take place.
These tours can be organised for small groups or individuals, and although this is a free tour, you are requested to donate around $2-$5 per person.
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Bata Shoe Museum
The Bata Shoe Museum is one of Canada’s most unique museums, as you can explore the world of feet through a collection of around 15,000 shoes and related artefacts that span 4,500 years of history.
This internationally acclaimed museum has exhibits ranging from rare European footwear to eye-catching high heels, but there is also a huge collection of Native American footwear.
In the exhibition, ‘All About Shoes’, you can journey through the ages to see how shoes developed from the Ancient Egyptians to the more modern shoes we wear today.
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Try some Indigenous food
If you want to taste First Nations cuisine, then you need to head to Tea-n-Bannock, a Native American restaurant that serves a range of traditional dishes that reflect culture both from the past and present.
On the menu, you can enjoy Bison Burgers, Bison or Elk Stew, Navajo Indian Tacos, Wild Rice Salad and lots more. The restaurant provides a platform for indigenous chefs and traditional cooks so that you can experience some authentic indigenous flavour.
It is regarded as one of the best places to try food that native Canadian tribes would have eaten, and whilst you can eat inside the restaurant, there is a takeaway service on offer, too.
ALSO READ: Toronto guide for first-time visitors
Attend an Indigenous festival
Toronto is home to a variety of Indigenous festivals, ranging from art and film festivals to month-long celebrations of the culture.
Here are some of the most popular festivals celebrating Indigenous culture:
- Indigenous Arts Festival: This festival celebrates National Aboriginal Day at the Fort York National Historic Site. At this festival, you can enjoy traditional and contemporary music, educational programming, storytelling, dance, theatre and food through a series of free events. The highlight is all the contemporary creations on display from Indigenous artists.
- Indigenous History Month Celebration: The annual Indigenous History Month Celebration occurs in Yonge-Dundas Square, with local Indigenous craft vendors exhibiting and selling their goods.
- Na-Me-Res Traditional Pow Wow: Organised in recognition of National Aboriginal Day and the Summer Solstice, thousands of people attend this event to see more than 100 drummers and dancers perform. You can also see First Nations crafters and vendors.
- ImagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival: This yearly festival showcases and promotes Indigenous filmmakers and media artists. It is the largest event of its kind in the world and is a popular event to attend.
ALSO READ: Canada Advocate Q&A: My Toronto City Break
Indigenous experiences in Toronto
As this guide highlights, Toronto is full of Indigenous experiences and attractions. For a glimpse at the culture, traditions, art and goods of the people who first inhabited Canada, these are the best things you can do.
If you want to visit this amazing city, speak to one of our experts, and we can help you book your Toronto flights and organise your dream holiday.
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