Canada prides itself on its tourism destinations. We’re known the world over for such landmarks as the CN Tower, Green Gables Heritage Place, and Whistler, BC. But one of the country’s most prized tourism destination may now be Métis Crossing, located on the shores of the North Saskatchewan River a short drive northeast of Edmonton, Alberta within the historic Victoria Settlement. Condé Nast Traveler magazine named this unique cultural site one of the top 22 tourist attractions in the world.
In a 2021 article, the magazine heralded the location’s 40-room guest lodge, Indigenous-led stargazing program, and cross-country ski trails. Visitors can paddle a voyageur canoe up the river to Victoria Settlement and visit a wildlife park that is home to a new free-roaming herd of bison, as well as elk and Percheron horses.
On a breezy afternoon overlooking the river, host David Wylynko spoke with Juanita Marois, the CEO of Métis Crossing, about why the project is a source of so much pride for the Métis, and how it is coming to represent not only a place of reconciliation and sustainability, but what she calls the phenomenon of regenerative tourism.
Notes
A 5-Day Road Trip Through Indigenous Alberta, Conde Nast Traveler, Dec. 3, 2021
The True Canadians website
Intro and outro music by Métis musician Alex Kusturok
Opening quote from an address by Métis leader Jim Sinclair during the 1987 Canadian constitutional talks
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