Sustainable Tourism in Alberta: Métis Crossing’s Commitment to the Future

September 11, 2025

Rooted in Métis Values, Driven by Sustainability

At Métis Crossing, every decision begins with the land. The stories of our ancestors are written in the riverbanks and prairie grass, and they guide the way we welcome visitors today. As Alberta’s first major Métis cultural destination, we carry the responsibility of protecting these lands while sharing them with future generations. Sustainability isn’t an initiative—it’s a way of life. It is woven into everything we do, from our cultural programming to how we build, grow, and operate.

Why Sustainability Matters

Sustainability is about more than reducing environmental impact. At its core, it is about balance, honouring traditions, protecting ecosystems, and living in relationship with the land. For the Métis people, these values have always been an intrinsic part of life: living from the land with care, respect, and gratitude.

Within this framework, tourism becomes a way to express and share these values. As interest in cultural and heritage tourism grows, the way we welcome guests can influence how they see and value the land. That is why Métis Crossing has made sustainability the foundation of its visitor experience. Every person who comes here is invited to connect more deeply with the land and leave with a renewed sense of responsibility for its future.

Pioneering Sustainability at Métis Crossing

Our commitment to sustainable tourism includes a series of innovative, practical initiatives designed to make a meaningful difference. These efforts reduce our footprint while strengthening our community’s resilience.

Vertical Gardening: A New Way to Grow

Métis Crossing is proud to host a hydroponic vertical gardening system. This state-of-the-art system reduces the need for traditional farmland by growing produce in vertically stacked layers. It allows us to grow fresh herbs, greens, and vegetables year-round, regardless of Alberta’s challenging seasons.

This approach offers several benefits:

• Local ingredients: Our chefs incorporate produce grown on-site into seasonal menus, making every meal a celebration of freshness.
• Reduced transportation: By growing close to the kitchen, we cut down on shipping and the emissions that come with it.
• Education: Guests can see how modern techniques align with Métis traditions of self-reliance and care for the land.

Visitors touring Métis Crossing can experience the hydroponic garden first-hand, learning how technology and tradition can work hand in hand to create a sustainable food system.

Closed-Loop Water Management

Water is life. At Métis Crossing, we have introduced a closed-loop water and waste management system that ensures a reliable, self-sustaining source of clean drinking water. This system captures, treats, and reuses water on-site, reducing waste and protecting the North Saskatchewan River.

This initiative does more than provide for our needs—it also demonstrates how thoughtful infrastructure can protect natural waterways while supporting tourism growth.

Harnessing Solar Power

In addition to water conservation and food sustainability, Métis Crossing has committed to renewable energy. A solar farm generates clean electricity to power our buildings and operations, offsetting thousands of tons of carbon emissions annually.

This transition reduces reliance on fossil fuels and demonstrates our responsibility to future generations. As the sun powers our site, visitors can see a working example of how tourism destinations can integrate clean energy without compromising the guest experience.

Experiencing Sustainability First-Hand

Sustainability is part of the experience at Métis Crossing—not hidden behind the scenes. When you visit, you’ll see, taste, and feel its presence in everything we do:

• In your meal: Fresh greens harvested from the hydroponic gardens.
• In the landscape: Trails and outdoor spaces designed to protect natural habitats.
• In your stay: Sky Watching Domes and lodge accommodations designed for comfort with minimal environmental impact.
• In the stories: Cultural interpreters share how Métis values inspire modern approaches to caring for the land.

Through guided tours, seasonal workshops, and educational programming, guests gain an understanding of how these practices fit into a broader vision of responsible tourism.

How You Can Support Sustainable Tourism

Every visitor can be part of this journey. When you visit Métis Crossing, you:

• Choose accommodations that prioritize the environment.
• Support local producers and Indigenous-owned businesses.
• Participate in cultural experiences that help share knowledge.
• Share your learning, inspiring others to make responsible travel choices.

We also encourage guests to travel mindfully—whether carpooling to our site, respecting natural spaces, or making use of recycling facilities while here.

Recognized for Sustainability Leadership

Métis Crossing’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2023, we were proud to receive the Leading the Way in Sustainability Award from the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada. This recognition honours tourism operators who have shown measurable leadership in social, cultural, and environmental sustainability.

This award reflects the dedication of our entire team and community. It reminds us that while the work of protecting the land is never done, every step forward matters.

Visit Métis Crossing and Be Part of the Future

Métis Crossing is more than a destination; it’s a living example of sustainable tourism in action. When you visit, you aren’t just exploring a cultural site—you are entering a space where values guide action, and action protects the future.

Come and:

• Walk trails that follow the same paths as our ancestors.
• Learn about Métis traditions and sustainability practices.
• Participate in workshops that teach skills to bring home.
• Enjoy accommodations and meals created with care for the environment.

Sustainability isn’t just part of the story at Métis Crossing—it is the story. Every guest becomes part of that story the moment they arrive.

Now is the time to be part of something meaningful.

Book your stay today and help shape a future where tourism uplifts communities, protects the land, and inspires generations to come.