Edmonton may be known as Alberta's winter city, but it can also be the starting point for memorable winter road trips. Lac La Biche, about 200 km (124 mi) northeast of Edmonton, is an ideal place to experience Indigenous cultures, pristine Nordic ski trails and local restaurants serving up homemade meals, baked goods and local craft beer.
Here are seven things to discover in Lac La Biche — which was given that name by French fur traders who picked up on the name Indigenous Peoples gave it: Elk Lake.
Hideaway Adventure Grounds
You'll find Hideaway Adventure Grounds just 20 minutes south of Lac La Biche and situated on 160 acres of land on the Kikino Métis Settlement. It's a place where people can learn about Indigenous cultures on a day trip or a multi-day visit.
Guests cozily sleep in Métis-style canvas-wall tents, warmed by kerosene heaters and wool blankets. You can spend a day snowshoeing with owner and operator John Ritchie, who teaches the art of bush-crafting, and learn skills such as making a temporary shelter or how to start different types of fire for warmth or as a signal. Local knowledge keepers share Métis customs and traditions, like making tea from plants in the forest or demonstrating traditional dances and crafts. Ritchie can also help you customize an itinerary from a long list of experiential activities.
Portage College Indigenous Gallery
Lac La Biche has the largest Métis settlement in Western Canada, so it's no surprise you'll find an impressive collection of Indigenous art at the Portage College Museum of Aboriginal Peoples' Art & Artifacts. The museum has the world's only permanent collection of the Professional Native Indian Artists Inc., also referred to as the Indigenous Group of Seven, which includes well-known artists such as Norval Morrisseau.
