Métis Crossing has family activities and a new luxury lodge  

By Alan Kausy

During the remaining winter months, Métis Crossing is offering families, couples and individuals the chance to relax and enjoy a variety of unique outdoor experiences as well as opportunities to engage in stimulating culture learning sessions.

Groomed cross-country ski trails are available in various distances, wind through picturesque scenery, and are perfect for skiers of all experience levels. While an outdoor skating rink beside the North Saskatchewan River is accessible and worthwhile spending time.

A snowshoeing adventure is possible for everyone as rentals are available on-site for those who do not have equipment. An adult snowshoes rental is $25 for a full day, while a half-day rental costs $15. Youth rental prices are $20 and $12, respectfully.

 Snow-tubes and toboggans are provided to anyone wanting a ride on the riverbank, and horse-drawn sleigh rides are also being offered. Visitors can learn about Métis culture, history and art by viewing displayed exhibits and daily ‘Métis spotlights’ regularly. The Gift Shop is well-stocked with related books clothing and features art productions created by Métis artists.

All the activities mentioned above are included in the general admission price. Members of the Métis Nation of Alberta receive free entry, as do people who reside on Settlements.

The Family Day long weekend at Métis Crossing will also feature a children’s play area and hot chocolate complimented with a fire-roasted bannock. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for youth and senior citizens.

Throughout the weekend, hide tanning demonstrations will take place, and this serves as an opportunity to learn the 13 steps involved in fashioning traditional Métis smoked and tanned leather hides.

Individuals and families can book a ‘Signature Experience’ Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride, which takes visitors on a 30-minute scenic tour of the historic 688-acre Métis Crossing site. This can be booked for the February 26/27 weekend, with 11 am, 12:30 pm, or 3 pm available time slots. Adult price is $20, youths are $16, and a family rate of $50.

A brand new dinner/evening program entitled ‘Whispers from the stars’ is an in-depth examination of how the Métis people relied upon astronomical observations and cycles to plant crops, plan hunting trips and till the land.

Following an indigenous-styled dinner, participants will be able to go outside and observe the night sky with telescopes while a Métis Knowledge Holder explains how their people used the stars as a clock, calendar and for navigation purposes. This Signature Experience runs from 5 pm to 8 pm, costs $89 and includes full admission to Métis Crossing for the day, a full dinner, and the ‘Whispers from the stars’ program.

Now complete is the 40 room Lodge at Métis Crossing, where guests can choose from five different styles of rooms. The boutique suites within the two-story luxury lodge have private patios that offer spectacular views of the entire property.

Family suites come with a queen bed, while the bunk bed features a twin mattress on the top and a double bed on the bottom. Executive suites contain a king bed with an attached sitting room, private patio, plenty of closet and storage space, as well as a soaker tub and shower. Accessible suites are also a choice and are similarly equipped but feature roll-in showers and eye-level storage.

A Bistro patio is on the main floor, while a Lounge exists on the second floor where guests can enjoy Indigenous cuisine and beverages while looking out the floor-to-ceiling windows. Elevators are available, and the entire building is accessible to anyone with mobility issues. The Cultural Gathering Centre is a short walk down a covered pedway where visitors can enjoy a meal or beverage in the licensed restaurant-style kitchen.

The Cultural Gathering Centre is 11 000 square feet has a second-level deck and a large covered lower deck with both outside areas facing the North Saskatchewan River Valley. The architecturally impressive building has an indoor stone fireplace comfortable furniture and remains an ideal booking venue for corporate retreats, weddings, education sessions, meetings or celebratory events.

To complete Lodge or Cultural Gathering Centre bookings or schedule a Signature Experience, visit the website at metiscrossing.com. Program information and ski trail conditions are available here as well.