April 6, 2023 Alberta Connected

Real Connections in Rural Alberta: Métis Crossing

Marketing Assistant

Métis Crossing and MCSnet

MCSnet invites you to discover M étis Crossing, a premier Métis cultural destination in rural Alberta. Located in Treaty 6 territory, it’s easily accessible off HWY 855, east of the Smoky Lake bridge, and just a 1.5-hour drive northeast of Edmonton.

Métis Crossing is more than a travel destination; it’s a vibrant hub for cultural gatherings, corporate events, weddings, and traditional art workshops. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing road trip with loved ones or a unique venue for your next event, Métis Crossing offers an unforgettable experience.

MCSnet provided the infrastructure to install a Custom Fiber connection from Smoky Lake, Alberta, Canada, to this beautiful, premier tourist destination. This dedicated connection gives the facility a reliable and fast broadband connection to connect them to the world and share the offerings of this sanctuary.

Explore Métis Crossing

Get ready to discover the hidden gem of Alberta! This blog explores how high-speed internet is bringing a unique cultural experience to the world – Métis Crossing. We’ll share the secrets of this rural destination and learn about Métis heritage and the beauty of Alberta’s traditional lands. Thanks to Métis Crossing for sharing their story.

What is Métis Crossing?

Métis Crossing is a major initiative of the Métis Nation of Alberta and it is working on becoming an entirely self-sustaining tourism destination. Métis Crossing is a premier Alberta destination built for Métis cultural interpretation, education, and gatherings. This cultural destination is built on 688 acres of traditional Métis River lots and farmland.

View of Métis Crossing from across the North Saskatchewan River in Smoky Lake, Alberta.

At Métis Crossing, all programming is designed to excite and engage guests through active participation in activities and experiences while promoting an appreciation of Métis people, customs, and celebrations.

The driving force behind Métis Crossing is to share the distinct Indigenous story of the Métis people with the world through experiential or hands-on learning opportunities. We want guests to explore and stay in our overnight accommodations to connect with the Métis Culture.

How vital is MCSnet broadband to Métis Crossing?

Being a premier Alberta tourism destination, having a fiber optic connection is vital to our management and operations teams. We understand that many rural Alberta communities face the challenge of having strong and reliable broadband. We were fortunate to partner with MCSnet to install a Custom Fiber connection to combat this everyday struggle of rural living.

Broadband is essential because it allows us to operate more efficiently and communicate with clients and partners. An operation of this size requires cutting-edge software and technologies to streamline business operations and provide transformational experiences. As an accommodation offering, it is often expected that all guests will have wifi access. MCSnet offers visitors a stable and consistent internet connection.

Cultural Gathering Centre at Métis Crossing in Smoky Lake, Alberta.

How is Métis Crossing growing?

Métis Crossing is continually growing. The Cultural Gathering Centre at Métis Crossing was completed in 2019 and has since been the venue of choice in the region for everything from cultural gatherings to AGMs, corporate meetings, weddings, graduations, and traditional art workshops.

The Lodge at Métis Crossing in Smoky Lake, Alberta.

In 2021, The Lodge at Métis Crossing was completed, and this new boutique lodge includes 40 rooms, a lounge, and a bistro, all overlooking the North Saskatchewan River.

Rare White Bison from the Visions, Hopes, and Dreams at Métis Crossing Wildlife Park at Métis Crossing.

Also, in 2021, Métis Crossing opened the Visions, Hopes, and Dreams at Métis Crossing Wildlife Park and welcomed home its heritage species. This incredible experience allows guests of the Crossing to learn more about the heritage species that once roamed free in this region and played a significant role in the culture of Métis people.

Finally, Métis Crossing is offering a new luxury accommodation option, the Sky Watching Domes at Métis Crossing. These unique luxury accommodation options will allow guests to connect with the night skies and the stars.

Sky Watching Domes at **Métis Crossing** in Smoky Lake, Alberta.

The other major initiative underway is the 4.9-megawatt solar farm under construction. This project, in partnership with the Métis Nation of Alberta and the Town of Smoky Lake, will offset the carbon footprint of the entire Métis Nation of Alberta, making Métis Crossing a net zero destination. The details about this project can be found on the website.

What do you want people to take away from Métis Crossing?

Métis Crossing is a gathering place to share the Métis story, which is, in many ways, the Alberta story. By sharing the Métis story with Albertans, Métis Crossing is adding to the richness of diversity that is the present-day face of Alberta. The deeper understanding that all Albertans have about Métis people and culture, the greater sense of collective pride we can all have.

We love the rewarding experience of seeing how Métis Crossing becomes a place of home and belonging for those Métis people who just discovered their ancestry. When you come to Métis Crossing, we hope that no matter your background or previous knowledge, you will leave with a better understanding and connection with your heritage and the Métis people.

What is your advice for organizations looking to improve connectivity in rural Alberta?

Métis Crossing thinks everyone should open up and speak with their neighbours to build a line of trust and communication to support one another. Finding projects to be involved with and celebrating collective achievements is beneficial.

What kind of future do you imagine for rural Alberta?

Métis Crossing imagines Alberta as a diverse place to live, work, and play. In the future, this rural Alberta destination will be an international destination where visitors from around the world visit to experience our unique culture and landscapes.

Stay Connected

Watch our Commercial about Connecting the World to Northeastern Alberta and share with your family and friends about this rural Alberta destination. Stay updated by following Métis Crossing on Facebook and Instagram. Visit the website regularly to learn about seasonal celebrations and events.

Jenna Willert

Marketing Assistant

Jenna is the dedicated Marketing Assistant behind CMO Rhonda Lafrance and MCSnet. She joined MCSnet in August 2022 and is instrumental in communicating the company's technical offerings to the countryside residents through social media platforms. Jenna helps with administrative duties and the planning and execution of marketing initiatives. Born in Calgary and raised in Edmonton, Jenna works a hybrid between home and in the Edmonton office. She comes from a background in promotional marketing in the media industry. She loves sports and being a mother to her two children ages 13 and 7.