Algoma Country in Northern Ontario is home to vibrant Indigenous cultures and communities, and peoples who have stewarded this land for generations. Today, visitors can explore this living heritage through a growing number of Indigenous-owned businesses offering everything from immersive outdoor adventures to handcrafted art and traditional foods. These experiences not only honour the deep relationship between land and people, they also help sustain Indigenous economies, culture, and storytelling. Here’s your guide to must-visit Indigenous-owned businesses in and around Sault Ste. Marie, St. Joseph Island, Serpent River First Nation, and Chapleau.
A local favourite, Chummy’s Grill at Noel’s Place is where hearty comfort food meets Indigenous pride with all-day breakfast, bannock burgers, fresh-cut fries, and traditional dishes served up in a welcoming, community-focused space. The menu features seasonal specials that often reflect Anishinaabe culinary traditions. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or staying for stories, this cozy eatery offers a warm slice of local Indigenous culture right in the Soo.
Tucked away on tranquil St. Joseph Island, Giizhigat Maple Products blends traditional Anishinaabe harvesting techniques with small-batch maple syrup production and offers award-winning syrup, maple butters, and other treats made with sustainability and cultural values in mind. Visitors can tour the sugar bush during syrup season, shop at the on-site store, or order online. It’s a sweet way to support Indigenous agriculture and enjoy a taste of tradition.
Just outside Chapleau, Moose Horn Lodge offers a wilderness experience rooted in Indigenous respect for the land. This longtime outfitter provides fishing and hunting packages, boat rentals, and lakeside lodging on McLennan Lake. Guests can enjoy peaceful mornings on the dock, evening paddles under pink skies, and expert-guided wilderness outings. Whether you’re here for moose hunting or just to unplug, the lodge encourages a deeper appreciation for nature and Northern Ontario's rich biodiversity.
Craving an adrenaline rush with purpose? Mukwa Adventures offers guided ATV tours through the rugged Northern Ontario backcountry with an Indigenous twist. Owner Arthur Trudeau combines trail-riding excitement with teachings on Indigenous history, cultural perspectives, and land stewardship. Each small-group tour invites riders to connect not just with nature, but with the stories and knowledge of the people who have called these lands home for millennia.
Thrive Tours provides eco-friendly, Indigenous-led outdoor experiences on the waterways, forests, and trails around Baawaating (Sault Ste. Marie). Founded by Brad Robinson and Amanda Cora, Thrive Tours offers kayaking, canoeing, snowshoeing, and hiking adventures that integrate cultural teachings and environmental awareness. Focused on building relationships with the land, with each other, and with Indigenous worldviews, these trips are ideal for solo travelers, families, or school groups looking for a meaningful outdoor experience.
Located along Highway 17 near Pancake Bay, this family-run institution is one of Ontario’s largest Indigenous-owned gift shops and galleries. Agawa Crafts & The Canadian Carver showcases authentic Anishinaabe art, hand-beaded jewelry, moccasins, wood carvings, dreamcatchers, and more. The shop partners with Indigenous artists and carvers across Canada, providing visitors with the opportunity to purchase work that’s meaningful, handmade, and deeply rooted in culture. It’s a must-stop on the Lake Superior Circle Tour.
This Indigenous-owned gallery and shop, on Highway 17 between Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury, is both a roadside attraction and a cultural destination. The Serpent River Trading Post features a rotating selection of fine art, beadwork, woodcraft, and gifts made by Indigenous artisans. Visitors can also enjoy fresh bannock or chat with artists when available. It’s an ideal stop to learn, browse, and bring home a piece of Indigenous artistry.
Traveling through Algoma Country offers scenic drives and outdoor adventure and a chance to connect with Indigenous communities in a way that’s authentic, respectful, and unforgettable. Whether you're exploring the waterways with Thrive Tours, tasting syrup on St. Joseph Island, or picking out artwork near Pancake Bay, each business on this list offers a warm welcome and a unique window into local Indigenous life. Make your next Northern Ontario road trip one that supports Indigenous stories, stewardship, and successes.
For more Indigenous travel experiences across Ontario, visit Indigenous Tourism Ontario
Learn more about the region at Algoma Country Tourism
