Indigenous Alberta : A 6-Day Journey Through Land and Culture

Begin the day by driving 1.5 hours from Calgary to the Paint Warriors Ranch in the foothills of the beautiful Rocky Mountains. This ranch features a wide range of unique experiences, such as the Bimose Stories of the Forest – where a local guide will share knowledge on their traditional medicinal and edible plants used for healing, hunting techniques and fire lighting skills to Archery lessons from. There are also many other outdoor experiences like Archery lessons, guided snowshoeing with Metis storytelling and horseback riding. After a day of adventure, spend the night in a beautiful one-of-a-kind “Glamping” experience. Sleep in a canvas year-round tent, with a woodfire stove and cozy interior for a great night's rest.

In the morning after a hearty breakfast, depart for Edmonton for a three-and-a-half-hour drive to the Capital city of Alberta. Check into your Edmonton hotel before heading out. Enjoy a hearty lunch at Pei Pei Chei Ow – a contemporary Indigenous cuisine, inspired by the land, life, and seasons. After lunch, head to the Indigenous Peoples Experience in Fort Edmonton Park for an opportunity to explore life through the eyes of First Nations’ and Métis peoples’. Listen to the stories that came from over fifty Indigenous Elders, historians, educators and community members each with their own personal experiences and perspective. These stories, teachings, and memories have been passed through millennia. Open your heart and mind to these eye-opening teachings.

Enjoy a morning of exploring Edmonton at your own leisure. This afternoon, you will head to the Metis Crossing, just an hour and a half north of Edmonton to experience this wonderful interpretive centre. Being the first major Métis cultural interpretive centre in Alberta, it is a hub for cultural experiences including canoe day trips, traditional Metis hunting lessons, snowshoeing with teachings about the traplines and much more. For day one of the Métis Cultural Experience Package, you will check into your King suite with a private in-suite patio that offers breathtaking views of the Heritage North Saskatchewan River. Once you are settled in, enjoy the Meet the Métis Signature Experience, a one-of-a-kind opportunity to go on a journey through the history, traditions and river-lot life of Métis people. Next, enjoy a traditional Métis dinner in this delightful culinary experience that celebrates the richness and diversity of Métis culture. Guests will be treated to a delicious three-course meal that features locally sourced ingredients. Dine in the warm and inviting ambiance of the Bistro on the main floor or take in breathtaking views of the pristine river valley from the Lodge’s Lounge on the 2nd floor.

Energize yourself for a day of adventure at Métis Crossing and enjoy a Métis inspired breakfast prepared fresh each morning, using locally sourced ingredients. Next, you will experience the thrill of archery while also gaining a deeper understanding of Métis culture and traditions. During this immersive cultural experience, guests will have an opportunity to learn about Métis harvesting traditions, join a guided river-side trail walk to learn about diverse plants and animals, hear stories of how the Métis people survive on the land and practice bow hunting skills on a scenic archery course. Indulge in a hearty Métis inspired lunch while enjoying scenic views of the Heritage North Saskatchewan River at the restaurant in the Cultural Gathering Centre. Experience the unforgettable adventures at Visions, Hopes and Dreams at Métis Crossing Wildlife Park and connect with both nature and culture like never before. Be immersed in the breathtaking natural beauty of Métis heritage species, including the rare white bison and elk, wood bison, plain bison, and majestic Percheron horses. Cap off a day of adventure with the delights of authentic indigenous cuisine in the Metis Crossing Dining Experience - A mix of modern cuisine featuring delicious Métis flavours. Lastly, as the night falls and the stars start to twinkle, guests are invited to join a riverside campfire experience to relax and unwind in the peaceful ambiance of the North Saskatchewan River.

After a hearty Métis inspired breakfast in the beautiful dining area of the lodge, take in some fresh air and explore the 10 km of trails at Metis Crossing for a self-guided walk to take in everything you just experienced before your departure. On your way back to Calgary, Head to Elk Island - a UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserve and known as a place that played a great role in Canada’s bison conservation story. Watch herds of plain and woods bison roam around the tall grass prairies and learn about the history of how this beautiful creature was brought back from near extinction. This is where Cree and Métis have lived and hunted for generations and a place of gathering – a place where connections are made. Today marks the end of your journey through Indigenous Alberta. Depart south to Calgary for a 3-hour drive to catch your connecting flight home.