Partake of the ancestral knowledge of Indigenous and Métis communities of the region on this trail of ancient stories and legendary traditions. Acquaint yourself with the arts, chants, dances and rituals that have made these native peoples so unique for generations. Welcome to the gathering places that honour their cultural heritage and advocate for the reconciliation of all.
Métis Crossing is the first major Métis cultural interpretive center in Alberta. This world-class site celebrates and shares a distinct Indigenous story thanks to a wide range of activities and gatherings. Metis Crossing incorporates traditional craftsmanship with modern materials to create a stunning structure that hints of the building style of the fur trade era river lot homes with the functionality of a contemporary place to gather, learn, and share the Métis story.
Two Museums in One! First, St. Paul Historical Museum showcases the rich history of St. Paul. This area was important to First Nations groups and fur traders. The important Winnipeg Trail from Fort Winnipeg to Fort Edmonton passed through here; Father Lacombe established a Metis settlement on the shore of the local lake in 1896. Then, the Peoples’ Museum Society of St. Paul & District uses a variety of displays to illustrate how farming has changed since the first homesteaders settled here.
A 7-metre high statue of Angus Shaw, a late 1700s fur trader and explorer and stands for posterity’s sake as a reminder of Shaw’s contribution to the fur trade in Western Canada. On site are two churches, a replica of Durlingville School House and a 1907 house that typifies pioneer life as it was in the early years of settlement.
Visitors will discover the history of 4 Wing Cold Lake in the Air Force Museum. The Oil and Gas Interpretative Centre exhibits the development of the oil sands industry in Cold Lake. The Heritage Gallery is a step back in time and pre-dates WWII. The Aboriginal Gallery exhibits the history of the Dene Suline, Cree Nations, and Metis people with an assortment of displays and artefacts.
The Aboriginal Artifacts collection containing nearly 2000 Indigenous artworks and artifacts began as a teaching collection. In 1978, the acquired pieces were catalogued as an artifact collection. The museum is housed at the Portage College Corporate Centre, which is situated in the beautiful Lac La Biche County, Alberta.
Operated by the Lakeland Interpretive Society, the Lac La Biche Museum & Visitor Information Centre is a facility for discovery, participation, and appreciation of the Lac La Biche region’s heritage. Stop by to explore the rich history of our region. Explore the Boreal Forest, imagine life as a voyageur, envision travelling by train to stay at the luxurious Lac La Biche Inn, and take in the sights and sounds of our mid-century kitchen.
Established in 1853 – making it one of the oldest communities in Alberta – the Lac La Biche Mission is a beautiful National Historic Site located on the shores of picturesque Lac La Biche lake. This 45-acre site, including several restored historical buildings, numerous displays and an interpretive centre, offers visitors a link to the past through guided tours, all just a short drive away.
Hideaway Adventure Grounds & Family Retreat is a rustic camping experience where you can learn to build a shelter, find food and water, perfect your fire building techniques, cook on an open fire and use traditional tools. A personal guide is also available to help you explore the wildness of this mixed aspen forest.
Kikino Silver Birch Resort and Campground features cozy cabins as well as RV and tent sites surrounded by birch forest right on the shores of Whitefish Lake. “Kikino” is Cree for “our home” and you’ll feel it when you arrive. Bring your own boat and go fishing or spend your days on the sandy beach, complete with a shared barbecue hut just steps from the water. Groups can rent the conference centre and kitchen for family reunions, special events, and more. The property also features 24/7 security, a general store, coin-operated showers and a playground. Kikino Silver Birch Resort is just a 30-minute drive from Lac La Biche, 45 kilometres south on Highway 36, on the Kikino Metis Settlement.