Three nights connecting to Indigenous culture in the Edmonton region
Day 1: Wilderness Retreat
Afternoon & Overnight: The Woods Experience
- Location: West of Edmonton on 80 acres of northern boreal forest.
- Description: The Woods Experience offers a unique escape into nature with a blend of wilderness, community, and culture. You can choose from various accommodations including cozy cabins and traditional tipis, each providing a unique connection to the natural environment. Enjoy outdoor activities, engage in workshops, or explore the Native Wild Trading Post, which features local artisanal products and gifts.
Booking: thewoods.ca | (780) 913-8539 | info@thewoods.ca
Evening:
- Activities: Experience a variety of outdoor activities or relax with a wilderness spa treatment that includes an off-the-grid wood-fired sauna, along with hot and cold plunges all nestled in a gorgeous wilderness forest. The spa offers packages designed to rejuvenate and refresh, integrating the natural beauty of the forest into its treatments.
- Accommodation: Stay in a tipi or cabin, enjoying the tranquil surroundings of the boreal forest.
Day 2: Edmonton Exploration
Morning: Indigenous People’s Experience
- Location: The city of Edmonton’s river valley.
- Description: Drive east to Alberta’s capital city and head to Fort Edmonton Park, a living history museum that brings Edmonton’s past to life. It features historical exhibits, interactive displays, and costumed interpreters. The park’s newest exhibit, the Indigenous People’s Experience, provides deep insights into Indigenous culture through stories, music, artwork, and community voices, reflecting a rich history and connection to the land.
Website: fortedmontonpark.ca
Lunch: Bernadette’s
- Location: Downtown Edmonton at 10114 104 St NW.
- Description: Bernadette’s is an elegant restaurant and wine bar that offers Indigenous-inspired sharing plates. Chef Scott Iserhoff, known for Pei Pei Chei Ow, continues to celebrate Indigenous culture through elevated dishes made with local, seasonal, and traditional ingredients. The menu evokes memories and provides comfort with every bite.
- Website: Instagram | (587) 879-4317
Afternoon: Talking Rock Tours
- Location: Edmonton’s urban river valley.
- Description: Talking Rock provides educational small-group tours focusing on the geological wonders of Alberta with an Indigenous perspective. The River Valley Discovery Tour includes a hike through Edmonton’s river valley, highlighting unique geological features and the significance of the area to Indigenous peoples. The tour includes a sharing circle with Indigenous music and storytelling.
- Website: talkingrocktours.com | 780-298-7992
Evening & Overnight: River Cree Resort & Casino
- Location: West Edmonton, on Enoch Cree Nation.
- Description: The River Cree Resort & Casino is a 4-star full-service resort offering a range of amenities including two casinos, six restaurants, three lounges, a coffee café, and a large meeting space. The resort features 249 non-smoking guest rooms with premium bedding and modern amenities, a fitness center, a swimming pool, hot tub, and NHL-sized skating rinks. The casino area includes 950 slot machines, table games, and a poker room, as well as the smoke-friendly Embers casino expansion.
- Website: rivercreeresort.com | 1-866-440-7500
- Accommodation: Stay at the River Cree Resort & Casino, enjoying the blend of relaxation and entertainment offered by the resort.
Day 3: Nature and Culture
Morning: Elk Island National Park
- Location: One hour drive east of Edmonton.
- Description: Elk Island National Park is a serene natural area located in the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve. It offers exceptional opportunities for stargazing and experiencing nature. The park is known for its high density of hoofed mammals, including bison, and plays a significant role in Canada’s bison conservation efforts. The park also incorporates Cree heritage into its programming, highlighting the cultural significance of the area.
- Website: parks.canada.ca | 1-780-922-5790
Afternoon: Métis Crossing
- Location: Smoky Lake, Alberta, on 512 acres of Métis settlement land.
- Description: Métis Crossing provides an interactive cultural experience showcasing Métis heritage. Visitors can engage in guided interpretive activities such as “Walk in Our Mocs,” “Paddle into the Past,” and “Meet the Métis.” The site is designed to offer an immersive experience into Métis culture and history, with seasonal activities that reflect the traditional ways of life.
- Website: metiscrossing.com
Evening & Overnight: Hideaway Adventure Grounds
- Location: Kikino Métis Settlement near the city of Lac La Biche.
- Description: Head north from Metis Crossing to Hideaway Adventure Grounds for a tranquil retreat for camping and cultural immersion. Located on a Métis Settlement, the grounds provide an opportunity to reconnect with nature and participate in adventure activities if desired. It’s a perfect place to relax and reflect on the journey while enjoying the quiet wilderness.
- Website: hideawayadventuregrounds.ca | 780-623-8885
- Accommodation: Stay at Hideaway Adventure Grounds, enjoying a peaceful night in a natural setting in a trappers tent or cabin.
Do you work in Travel-Trade and have questions? Contact Brittany Lonechild at brittany@indigenoustourismalberta.ca