by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 3:00 PM ET, Mon January 26, 2026
At the 2026 IMPACT Conference in Victoria, B.C. today (Jan. 26, 2026), Intrepid Travel took the stage to announce a major investment in Indigenous tourism in Canada.
Over the next five years, the world’s largest adventure travel company has committed $500,000 to the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) to help support and grow Indigenous tourism offerings here.
TravelPulse Canada was pleased to be in attendance at the conference, and spoke with some of the Intrepid folks, all of whom are enthusiastic about the partnership. Over the next five years, Intrepid will invest $50,000 in ITAC tourism offerings and $50,000 in marketing each year, explains Christian Wolters, President of Canada at Intrepid Travel. Through the partnership, Intrepid will increase the number of Indigenous-led experiences across its Canadian itineraries, co-develop community-led products and co-create new signature Indigenous-centered adventures.
By the end of 2026, 75 percent of Intrepid's Canadian tours will include at least one Indigenous experience with a long-term goal of 100 percent inclusion across all itineraries. Wolters said roughly half of the company’s tours presently include an Indigenous experience and realizes that is a steep goal for the year, but is eager to meet the challenge. “Every traveller who visits Canada with Intrepid should leave with a deeper connection and understanding of Indigenous culture," he says.
Leigh Barnes, President of Americas at Intrepid told TravelPulse that the company has also worked with Indigenous travel offerings in Australia with great success. He expects to see similar results here.
The announcement is part of Intrepid Travel's wider expansion plans in Canada. In 2026, Intrepid will also open a new operational hub in Squamish, B.C. to boost local hiring in Canada and broaden the range of travel experiences offered nationwide. At the heart of this growth is this new partnership, designed to create lasting economic opportunities for Indigenous communities.
"Demand is higher than ever, yet Indigenous-led businesses continue to navigate challenges around limited funding and infrastructure," said Keith Henry, Chief Executive Officer and President of ITAC. "Partnerships like this create tangible opportunities and ensure communities gain direct economic and cultural benefits, while supporting our vision of Canada becoming a world leader in Indigenous tourism by 2030."
By committing to five years, rather than a one and done or short-term investment, Intrepid Travel is looking to ensure the businesses they are working with in conjunction with ITAC are seen, supported and set up for long-term success.
"For over 30 years, Intrepid Travel has used small-group adventures to empower communities around the world,” Wolters continued. "Now, as we embark on our biggest expansion in Canada, we're excited to help travellers connect more deeply with Indigenous cultures here and ensure tourism creates meaningful benefits for communities."
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