Beavers, Bison, and People: Our Promise to Wahkotowin

Immersive three days two nights all Inclusive guided bus tour package

All inclusive guided bus tour package

Summer experience

3 days
Groups of up to 20

Elk Island National Park, Métis Crossing and Talking Rock Tours have collaborated to deliver an immersive, educational, and entertaining travel experience that will create memories to last a lifetime.

The Beaver, Bison, and People: Our promise to Wahkotowin tour gives participants an in-depth insight into the cultural, social and ecological factors that led to the establishment of Edmonton and the surrounding communities. Beginning in the present day Edmonton, travel back in time and understand how ecological factors made this region a successful area to trap furs and establish settlement. Learn about the Métis: one of three Indigenous groups of people in Canada. Discover how this Nation of families was birthed from the beaver and born into the Nationhood through the bison. Feel inspired to explore the world of bison and beaver, interconnectedness of human relationships with the land, and what walking a path of reconciliation means to you.

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Itinerary at a glance

Day one

ÎNÎW Art Park in Edmonton; Bison Backstage Tour at Elk Island National Park; Turning Deserts into Gardens: A Beaver Tales at Elk Island National Park.

Day two

Overnight stay at the Lodge at Métis Crossing; Visions, Hopes and Dreams at Métis Crossing Wildlife Tour.

Day three

Overnight stay at the Lodge at Métis Crossing; Connecting Worlds: Beaver Tales of the Fur Trade at Métis Crossing.

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What you will experience

Discover past
and present

Deepen your understanding of Métis heritage through stories from our experienced guides and traditional knowledge-keepers.

Find your
connection

Connect to the Métis way of life through the sharing of practices, traditions, and foods central to Métis culture.

Learn by
living

Participate in unique activities designed to bring you closer to Métis past, present and future.

Feed your
understanding

Experience the healing potential of this powerful place, through a new appreciation for our land, wildlife and shared history.

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Day one

ÎNÎW Art Park

The journey begins at ÎNÎW Art Park in Edmonton. Explore the pivotal role the Métis and First Nations played in shaping the city’s identity. As you explore the park, learn the story of River Lot 11, delving into the rich history and cultural significance of the Métis River Lot systems. The Métis served as integral intermediaries between First Nations Communities and European settlers, contributing to the development of Edmonton as a burgeoning hub through trade and cultural exchange. The tour unfolds the resilient spirit of the Métis. Connect with the vibrant artworks of ÎNÎW Indigenous Art Park, each piece telling the story of this sacred place.

Bison Backstage Tour at Elk Island National Park

Bison backstage is the exclusive, behind the scenes look at bison conservation at Elk Island. Our friendly and knowledgeable interpreters will lead you through the Plains Bison Handling Facility and along the way you will learn about the history of bison, how they affect the prairie landscape around them, and how parks staff continue the ongoing role in bison conservation efforts.

Turning Deserts into Gardens: A Beaver Tale (Beaver Pond Exploration) at
Elk Island National Park

Step into a beaver’s perspective to explore the land that gave rise to Edmonton. Elk Island National Park is part of the Beaver Hills (called amiskwaciy in Cree), which provided the beaver critical to the fur trade in Fort Edmonton (or amiskwaciwâskahikan, Beaver Hills House in Cree). Our guides will share with you the home of the amisk, the beaver, and how these industrious creatures continue to shape and support the land and its inhabitants, turning deserts into gardens, in the internationally important and critically endangered aspen parkland.

Day two

Stay at the Lodge and savour Indigenous-Inspired Cuisine

Your journey at Métis Crossing begins with checking into your spacious and comfortable suite with a private in-suite patio that offers breathtaking views of the Heritage North Saskatchewan River.

As part of the package, you will embark on a culinary journey and savor delightful offerings throughout your stay.

Connecting Worlds: Beaver Tales of the Fur Trade

Signature Experience

Connecting Worlds: Beaver Tales of the Fur Trade starts with displays featuring snares, pelts and trapping outerwear to support a discussion of the fur trade and its importance to Métis history and way of life. Through this journey you will explore the parallel plight and perseverance of the beaver and the Métis Nation. Step into the realm of beaver lore, forge a deeper connection to the land, grasp the significance of upholding responsibilities, and recognize principles of sustainable resource management within Métis culture.

Visions, Hopes and Dreams Wildlife Tour

Signature Experience

Join us for an immersive wildlife tour showcasing the rich culture and traditions of the Métis community. Our knowledgeable Métis Interpreter will accompany you on an SUV tour to the paddocks, where you can immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty of the Métis heritage species, including the rare white bison and elk, woods bison, plains bison, and majestic Percheron horses. Throughout this journey, you will gain an understanding of the interconnected nature of relationships, communities, and natural systems in Métis Culture, as well as the significant role of bison in Métis heritage.

Day three

Walking the trails

Self exploration

Taking in some fresh air before heading back and exploring the nearly 10 km of cross country skiing and walking trails at Métis Crossing is a fantastic way to wrap up your package experience. Nestled within the National Historic Site of Canada and along the Historic Victoria Trail, this picturesque site is enveloped by a myriad of trails, pristine boreal forests and stunning valley vistas.

Don’t forget to explore our Cultural Centre with interactive displays, historical artifacts and one of a kind Gift Shop, where you can browse a range of Métis and locally crafted items.

Beavers, Bison, and People: Our Promise to Wahkotowin