Calgary 
The federal government is investing over $2.9 million in Alberta’s tourism industry to support projects that highlight the province’s landscapes, Indigenous experiences, and cultural attractions.
Chinook Blast
The announcement was made by Terry Duguid, Minister for PrairiesCan, as part of the Tourism Growth Program.
Nine projects across Alberta will receive funding, including initiatives in Indigenous tourism, cultural programming, and visitor experience enhancements.
Recipients include Tourism Calgary, which will use over $434,000 to expand inclusive programming for Chinook Blast, develop Indigenous programming for the 2026 Grey Cup, and launch a new Indigenous music festival. Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park in Siksika is receiving $350,000 to improve visitor spaces and exhibits showcasing Indigenous heritage. Parallèle Alberta will receive over $573,000 to establish six Économusées that promote traditional artisan trades.
Additional investments will support tourism infrastructure, such as Granary Road’s interactive Farm Discovery Centre and stargazing cabins, as well as Mahikan Trails’ development of outdoor Indigenous tourism experiences.
The funding is expected to create approximately 120 jobs and aligns with the federal strategy to foster economic growth and reconciliation.
PrairiesCan Investments:
- Tourism Calgary ($434,186): Expanding inclusive programming for Chinook Blast in 2025 and 2026, developing Indigenous programming for the 2026 Grey Cup, and creating a new Indigenous music festival.
- Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park, Siksika ($350,000): Enhancing visitor spaces, gallery displays, and exhibits to showcase Indigenous heritage.
- Parallèle Alberta ($573,760): Developing and marketing six new Économusées highlighting traditional artisan trades as sustainable business models.
- Black Sheep Ventures ($250,000 repayable): Adding modernized cabins and saunas to improve visitor experience.
- Granary Road ($500,000 repayable): Launching a Farm Discovery Centre, stargazing cabins, and a multi-purpose event space.
- Mahikan Trails ($210,000): Delivering new Indigenous outdoor tourism experiences during the shoulder and winter seasons.
- Whitecourt Isga Tourism Association ($250,000): Creating immersive Indigenous tourism experiences celebrating Nakota heritage.
- Travel Purposefully ($250,000 repayable): Establishing an all-season glamping site in Kananaskis.
- Rendez Vous RV Park ($110,540 repayable): Expanding accommodation options to cater to a wider range of travelers and budgets.
