Stay at Métis Crossing

MÉTIS CROSSING CULTURAL GATHERING CENTRE

Completed in 2020, the 11000sqft Cultural Gathering Centre located at Métis Crossing is simply stunning. Sitting amongst 688-acres of land and designed by a Métis architect, the new Cultural Gathering Centre incorporates traditional craftsmanship with modern materials to create a stunning structure that hints at the building style of the fur trade era river lot homes with the functionality of a contemporary place to gather, learn, and share the Métis story.

The state-of-the-art centre includes a central dining hall with cozy stone fireplace, a separate classroom, certified restaurant style kitchen, and modern technology. Additionally, the covered outdoor deck is the perfect place to enjoy the fresh air overlooking the North Saskatchewan River.

The Cultural Gathering Centre is the perfect place for cultural gatherings, weddings, corporate retreats, and other events, big or small.

STAY AT MÉTIS CROSSING
Relaxing and reconnecting on the banks of history

Métis Crossing offers a variety of accommodations, suiting the varied needs and desires of their visitors. Their Accommodations include camping, trapper’s tents, the Lodge at Métis Crossing, and luxury sky watching pods.

Each of Métis Crossing’s accommodation options are an opportunity to escape your busy everyday life, relaxing and reconnecting amongst the land, river, and stars.

When you stay at Métis Crossing your accommodation reflects and shares the story of traditional Métis life on the land, at the very spot our Métis ancestors arrived ahead of Western Settlers.

All accommodations at Métis Crossing are conveniently located adjacent to our Cultural Gathering Centre, overlooking the North Saskatchewan River, on traditional Métis riverlots.

THE LODGE AT MÉTIS CROSSING
Relaxing and reconnecting on the banks of history

What to Expect

• A space created to immerse guests in a unique historical place amongst the land.
• Traditional and contemporary Métis craftmanship, creating a special blend of comfort, culture and Métis history.
• Custom, handmade traditional Métis quilts.
• Located directly adjacent to the Cultural Gathering Centre and connected by a covered pedway.
• Views of the North Saskatchewan River and across our 688-acre property.

 The Lodge at Métis Crossing is a 40-room, boutique luxury lodge overlooking the North Saskatchewan River. Guests to the lodge will inevitably find themselves summoned by a sense of nostalgia and wonder about what came before… Looking out across the horizon from your in-room patio, you can’t help but be curious about the ancestors who discovered this place, paddling along that river as early fur traders.

The Lodge at Métis Crossing was designed and built to honour the adventurous, entrepreneurial, and resilient spirit of our Métis ancestors.

Family Suites

Perfect for the whole family or a small group, the family suites include one queen bed, one double bed, and a twin bed. Family suites are conveniently located just steps from the Métis Crossing River lot playground.

Accessible Suites

Designed with wider doors, roll-in showers and accessible bathrooms, eye level storage and wall hangers, king beds, and private patios.

King Suites

The King suites include one king bed or two twin beds, offered with both river views and river lot views.

Executive Suite

The second floor executive suite includes a signature suite with a connected sitting room. The space features river views, a private patio, and a soaking tub with an attached glass shower.

CAMPING AT MÉTIS CROSSING

Métis Crossing offers camping and trapper’s tents directly onsite, just a short distance from their Cultural Gathering Centre, overlooking the North Saskatchewan River.

Their campground includes:

• Powered (30-AMP) RV Sites
• Non-powered sites
• Tent sites in tree

Métis Crossing also provides the opportunity to ‘glamp’ in traditional Métis trapper’s tents. Each tent includes two sets of single bunk beds and a wood stove.

• Trapper’s tents for four
• Trapper’s tents for two

Reconnect with the land and explore over 688-acres of traditional Métis river lots along the North Saskatchewan River.

SKY WATCHING PODS AT MÉTIS CROSSING

This luxury experience is the perfect combination of reconnecting with the land and traditional Métis life, while also enjoying all the finer luxuries of life.

Métis Crossing is pleased to offer their guests a truly unique, luxury experience that will connect visitors with the night’s sky and stars. Their luxury Sky Watching Pods include a king bed, running water, bathroom, and electricity. With nearly zero light pollution in the region, guests will spend the night gazing into the sky from the comfort of their luxury accommodation.

The sky, stars, and constellations served as guiding lights for our ancestors. Learn how the Métis people used the stars to navigate and how the sky was used as a clock, calendar, and would provide critical instructions for understanding when to plant, hunt, and work the land.

INDIGENOUS INSPIRED CUISINE AT MÉTIS CROSSING

Their Approach

Métis Crossing is a place for Métis people to share Métis stories with the world. These stories come from their families, and like every culture, these stories are best shared around the kitchen table. The stories of our food harvesting and preparation tell a lot about who they are as a people, what they value, and how their traditions have shaped them.

The culinary experience at Métis Crossing has been created to share their distinct Indigenous story through your tastebuds. They plan to grow and harvest many ingredients from their own land and are committed to procuring the highest quality ingredients in the most sustainable manner possible. This commitment is what has led us to grow their own food forest and build local procurement agreements. Bison, saskatoons, trout, raspberries –like their experiential programs, their meals change with the seasons and what nature has to share with you.

One example of traditional Métis cuisine is Bannock. This traditional delight was a combination of Scottish bread and Indian fry bread that could be baked in an oven and cooked in a skillet over a fire or fried.

The lodge Bistro

The perfect place to keep your spirit fueled as you explore their history, relax, and reconnect. The Bistro is beautifully built with wood detailing and provides our guests with snacks, boxed lunches, coffee, and refreshments. The Bistro includes tables to gather around, seating by the rock fireplace and direct access to their riverfront patio.

The Lodge Lounge

Offers guests spectacular views of the North Saskatchewan River or a seat next to their two-story rock fireplace. The lounge provides guests with refreshments and dining options just steps away from their room. After a long day in meetings or out exploring the land, the lounge is the place to be. Join your friends, family, or colleagues in their stunning lounge to relax, reconnect, and take in the views as the sun sets across this land steeped in history.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES AT MÉTIS CROSSING

Métis Crossing strives to share the distinct Indigenous story of the Métis people through experiential or hands-on learning experiences. Their Signature Experiences provide an opportunity for unique experiences on the land at Métis Crossing, sharing Métis stories with visitors in an interactive way.

Signature Experiences are geared towards individuals of all ages.

• Visons, Hopes, and Dreams Wildlife Park at Métis Crossing
• Tales from the Trapline
• Paddle into the Past
• Meet the Métis
• Through the Eye of the Hunter (Formerly Walk in Our Mocs)
• Whispers from the Stars
• Métis Crossing Horse-drawn Sleigh or Wagon Rides

VISIONS, HOPES AND DREAMS WILDLIFE PARK AT MÉTIS CROSSING

Visions, Hopes and Dreams at Métis Crossing Wildlife Park offers guests a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the beauty of Métisheritage species. The wildlife park is home to white bison, wood bison, plains bison, elk, and Percheronhorses.

The bison, or “bufloo” in Michif, the language of the Métis, last roamed these hills in 1865. The historical relationship between the Métis people and bison stems from the bison hunt that brought thousands of Métis people together each spring and fall. Through the gathering of these large communities, the Métis Nation took shape with the development of their own laws, democratic, and judicial systems.

Experiences includes :

• A 1.5 –2 hour guided tour with transportation
• An educational experience highlighting the significance of these heritage species to the Métis people
• The opportunity to enter the paddocks in a Metis Crossing vehicle alongside the animals for an intimate view of the animals.

TAKES FROM THE TRAPLINE AT MÉTIS CROSSING

Tales from the Trapline is a 3-hour immersive Indigenous experience that explores Métis traditional winter activities and skills on a historic Métis river lot farm. Strap on a set of snowshoes, set a snare, build a survival shelter, and learn a traditional art as you create your own unique and beautiful keepsake.

This experience is led by a Métis interpreter and will provide participants with an opportunity to explore the cultural significance of life on the land and the traditional Métis way of life.

Experiences includes :

• A 3-hour guided experience
• Snowshoeing on a traditional Métis river lot, overlooking the North Saskatchewan River
• Learning and practicing traditional Métis hunting and gathering practices
• Traditional art workshop

PADDLE INTO THE PAST AT MÉTIS CROSSING

Paddle Into the Past is a 4-hour immersive Indigenous experience linking two historic sites with an authentic Voyageur canoe trip along an historic fur trade route. Embark on this unforgettable adventure that offers a perfect blend of Métis history, culture, and the great outdoors!

Learn about the fur trade and its importance to Métis history and ways of life. Then, get a taste for life on the river as you enlist as a Voyageur-in-training! Paddling in time with the beautiful North Saskatchewan River, you’ll travel by Voyageur canoe along a traditional fur trade route, discovering important landmarks and local wildlife as you journey from Métis Crossing to Fort Victoria. Finally, you’ll explore the Victoria Settlement Provincial Historic Site and learn more about how Métis people and settlers lived, worked, and traded together on these lands.

Experiences includes :

• A 4-hour guided experience
• Cultural experiences and tours
• Canoeing on the North Saskatchewan River
• Learning and practicing traditional Métis knowledge and skills

MEET THE MÉTIS AT MÉTIS CROSSING

Experience life on a traditional Métis River Lot in this one-of-a-kind Signature Experience! Led by one of their Métis interpretive guides, you’ll visit featured locations around Métis Crossing for an inside look at Métis life, history, and traditions.

Your journey begins with an exploration of the rich history of the Métis Nation at their Veteran’s Monument. Walk along the Old Victoria Trail, following in the footsteps of the Métis families who came west to settle here on the beautiful North Saskatchewan River, and travel back in time at our Historic Village. Here, you’ll meet the animals in their traditional River Lot farmyard, learn about the iconic Métis Red River Cart, explore the original River Lot homes of the Sinclair and Cromarty families, and experience first-hand how Métis families lived on these very lands.

Finally, get in touch with your artistic side and learn a traditional art project that you can take home as a reminder of your experience at Métis Crossing! This Signature Experience is a perfect introduction for guests of all ages to immerse themselves in the unique Indigenous story of the Métis people.

THROUGH THE EYE OF THE HUNTER AT MÉTIS CROSSING

Get in touch with the land and learn about Métis harvesting traditions in this invigorating Signature Experience. See through the eye of the hunter as your Métis interpreter leads you on a river-side trail walk. Discover the diverse plants of the boreal forest, learn about their traditional uses and seasonal cycles, and look for signs of the many animals that call Métis Crossing home. Learn of how Métis people survive on the land and how we relate to the plants and animals that help sustain our communities.

In the second half of this exciting experience, you’ll get to practice your bow hunting skills on our natural archery course! These essential skills were passed down by Métis people, from generation to generation, so we could all learn to provide for our communities, practice sustainable harvesting, and show our respect and gratitude for the lands we call home.

*Formerly Walk in our Mocs

WHISPERS FROM THE STARS AT MÉTIS CROSSING

The sky, stars, and constellations serve as guiding lights from their ancestors. Hear why the skies were so important to the Métis in settling the west, during the fur trade and how the skies were a guide that was relied upon for survival. Listen to how the sky was used as a clock, calendar, and how it provides critical instructions for understanding when to plant, hunt, and work the land

Listen to legends and folklore about the Metis and stories that relate to their culture

Join their Métis interpreters for a dinner of Indigenous inspired cuisine before we head outside to explore the sky.

HORSE-DRAWN SLEIGH OR WAGON RIDES AT MÉTIS CROSSING

Métis Crossing welcomes you to experience the beauty of the North Saskatchewan River on a traditional Métis river lot. Celebrate the land by exploring by horse-drawn sleigh or wagon rides with your friends and family.

Their horse-drawn sleigh or wagon ride is the perfect opportunity to explore the over 688-acres of traditional river lots that our ancestors once called home. This land was discovered by Métis people as they travelled West ahead of the European settlers. When you visit the Crossing you should expect to be summoned by a sense of wonder and curiosity about who and what has come before.

DAILY EXPERIENCES AND SELF EXPLORATION AT MÉTIS CROSSING

Métis Crossing is pleased to offer daily experiences included in the price of general admission. These activities include seasonal activities, historical exhibits, art installations, and daily Métis spotlights.

The daily experiences at Métis Crossing change with the seasons, reflecting Métis life on the land.

Winter programming includes :

• Riverside Skating Rink
• Snow Tubing on the Riverbank
• Snowshoeing (rentals available)
• Cross-country Skiing (bring your own skis, rentals not available)
• Métis Cultural Exhibits
• Gift Shop

Summer, Spring and Fall programming includes :

• Historical village
• River lot Farmyard
• Hiking and trails
• River lot playground
• Métis Cultural Exhibits
• Gift Shop

TRADITIONAL ART WORKSHOPS AT MÉTIS CROSSING

Métis Crossing offers a variety of Traditional Art Workshops, providing an opportunity for interactive, hands-on learning experiences. Their workshops change with the seasons and reflect the shifting needs and practices of the Métis people.

Join a Métis artist for a variety of traditional art workshops, encouraging cultural discussions and teachings. These workshops are held on the weekends with some being 2 days.

Métis Traditional Art worksqhop includes :

• Beading
• Fingerweaving
• Birchbark baskets
• Hair tufting
• Silverberry Jewelry
• Porcupine Quill work
• Capote making
• Fish scale art
• Embroidery
• Doll Making
• Soapstone carving

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AT MÉTIS CROSSING

Métis Crossing offers a variety of educational programs tailored specifically for students. These programs are for students ranging from kindergarten to post-secondary.

Métis Crossing’s hands-on educational programs allow students to develop a knowledge, understanding, and respect for, the history, culture, languages, experiences and contexts of the Métis people.

Educational programs are available year-round and can accommodate varying group sizes and age groups.