Edmonton 
Looking for a fun day trip from Edmonton this winter?
Tales from the Trapline Tours/Métis Crossing
The Métis Crossing Cultural Heritage Centre is only a 1.5-hour drive east of Edmonton (near Smoky Lake) and has programming that could keep you busy all winter long. Métis Crossing is located on the scenic riverbanks overlooking North Saskatchewan River where it is surrounded by prairies and rural areas.
It is an Indigenous tourist destination that everyone in Alberta should experience – and they’re open year-round. Over the summer, they offer camping and lodging, and they’re always open for event space rentals. This winter, Métis Crossing is introducing a few new signature experiences to go along with their existing offerings.
When you arrive, you can tour Métis Crossing’s cultural and artistic exhibits before you decide on how to spend your time here. We encourage you to get there as early as possible so you have time to try it all.
1. Tales from the Trapline Tours
Learn the ways of the land, the ways of the Métis, and the ways to survive winter with this interactive three-hour tour. You’ll get to explore areas of forest or riverbanks on snowshoes while learning essential and historical Métis winter survival skills. These include setting snares, building shelters, and artistic practices. There is an additional charge on top of admission for the tours.
2. Traditional Art Workshops
Credit: Métis Capote Making Workshop/Métis Crossing
Get hands-on during your Métis Crossing visit with one of their artist workshops! The workshops guide you through finger-weaving, sewing together ribbon skirts, creating your own moss bag, beading, Métis Capote workshop and more. In some cases, you will need to bring some materials, but you’ll always get to keep what you make!
3. Riverside Skating
You can get in a recreational skate before, in the middle of, or after exploring the other exhibits. Or you can spend your entire time here on the rink, with skating included in the price of general admission. The rink is located next to the river and provides gorgeous winter views for your exercise break. Skate rentals are not available.
4. Riverbank Tubing
The most adventurous way to experience Métis Crossing is also one of their newest: snow tubing! This is also included with the regular price with the tubes provided for you and is something most family members can take part in. Whip down the North Saskatchewan’s banks on a slick tube as many times as you feel up to it!
5. Explore the Grounds on Snowshoes or Skis
Credit: Métis Crossing
You are free to explore the Métis Crossing area with your own cross-country skis or snowshoes, but you can also rent snowshoes from the Cultural Centre. You’ll get the chance to follow riverside trails, explore the wooded areas, and watch for winter wildlife. There are groomed ski trails, and plenty of open areas for snowshoe adventurers.
Planning Your Trip to Métis Crossing
When:
Winter season hours: Métis Crossing is open Thursday -Monday from 9:30 am – 5:00 pm.
Upcoming traditional art workshops
How Much:
Admission: $15.00 for adults, $10.00 for seniors and youth, $45.00 for a family, and free to MNA Citizens and settlement members
Included in your price of admission are access to our outdoor skating rink on the riverbank, snow tubing on the riverbanks, snowshoeing (rentals are available), and the exploration of historical exhibits.
Rentals cost:
$25 full-day, $15 per half-day. Youth pricing: $20 full-day, $12 half-day
Where: Métis Crossing, 17339 Victoria Trail, Smoky Lake
