Elk Island National Park & Métis Crossing
Head north from Edmonton to discover Indigenous cultures, creatures and constellations.
Bison Backstage Experience
Just 50 minutes from downtown Edmonton, Elk Island National Park is a refuge for bison, elk and more than 250 bird species. Tour behind the scenes at the Plains Bison Handling Facility, where you’ll learn the history of these magnificent animals and find out how the species was brought back from near extinction. Elk Island National Park is in the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve, which means optimal conditions for catching a glimpse of the bright, pulsating chorus of lights known as aurora borealis.
Whisper from the Stars Experience
With almost no light pollution in the area, this a rare opportunity to view the clear night sky. At this special event, you’ll explore the Métis people’s traditional relationship with the land and how Indigenous ancestors understood the sky, stars and constellations. Learn how the Métis people used the stars to navigate and how the sky was used as a clock and calendar, as well as a celestial instruction manual for when to plant, hunt and work the land.
Overnight at Sky Watching Domes
As part of your experience at Métis Crossing, you’ll sleep under the sky and stars that served as guiding lights for Métis ancestors. With nearly zero light pollution in the region, you might just stargaze all night instead of sleeping—despite your luxurious bed. Sky Watching Domes are available in two configurations: family and single suites.
