Experience Métis Crossing and explore Alberta’s capital before making your way to the mountain town of Jasper.
This itinerary is ideal for those curious about Indigenous cultures and seeking great food and mountain views.
At a glance
- 5 day itinerary
- 1085 km (674 mi) total distance
- 13 hrs 15 mins drive time
- Your starting point is in Edmonton
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.
Vision, Hopes & Dreams Experience
Start your day with a seasonal, locally sourced breakfast at the Bistro in The Lodge. Next, immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of the Métis people on a guided tour with a knowledgeable Métis interpreter. Explore the bison paddocks in an SUV and spend time with magnificent Métis heritage species, including the rare white bison and elk, wood bison, plains bison and majestic Percheron horses. You’ll gain an understanding of the interconnected nature of relationships, communities and natural systems in Métis culture, as well as the significant role of bison in Métis heritage.
High Level Bridge Streetcar
Enjoy sweeping views of the Edmonton River Valley aboard a beautifully restored vintage streetcar. On this scenic tour, you’ll cross the High Level Bridge above the North Saskatchewan River while costumed Edmonton Radial Railway Society guides share the city's streetcar history. Tours run daily from mid-May through mid-October.
Lunch with Alberta Food Tours
Hungry? You may not have time to find Alberta’s best bites on your own, but fortunately, there’s Alberta Food Tours. Operating in Calgary, Canmore, Banff and Edmonton, you can take a public tour or hire a guide if you have a larger group.
Fort Edmonton Park
The largest living history museum in Canada, Fort Edmonton Park features costumed interpreters recreating scenes from five historical periods and characters from the region’s Indigenous and European communities. Relive Edmonton’s days as a trading post, learn about the diversity of First Nations and Métis peoples at the award-winning Indigenous Peoples Experience, or take a ride on a 1920s-style streetcar. Later, grab a patio spot at one of the many cocktail bars, eateries or fine dining restaurants in Edmonton’s vibrant ICE District—perfect for people watching.
Lunch with Jasper Food Tours
After heading from Edmonton to the heart of the Rockies, you’ll be ready for some mountain culture with your midday meal. Departing daily from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., the Downtown Foodie Tour is more than a convenient late lunch option—it’s a way to get acquainted with one of the world’s most charming mountain towns. On this 1.5-km (0.9-mi) guided walk, you'll visit four Jasper restaurants and sample handpicked dishes while listening to local lore.
Maligne Lake Cruise
Cruise the glacial waters of Maligne Lake on a 90-minute panoramic tour. Journey along the scenic shores with towering peaks and roaming wildlife before arriving at a spectacular overlook of Spirit Island. Back on shore, you can rent a canoe, hike a well-marked trail and grab a bite at the Waffle Hut, Lake House Café or The View restaurant.
Dinner at Aalto in Pyramid Lake Lodge
Ever tried lake-food? That’s Aalto’s specialty—a homegrown interpretation of seafood that spotlights Jasper’s finest regional flavours. Inspired by Pyramid Lake’s shimmering waters and the sky-scraping peaks that tower above, the Aalto menu is an opportunity to (almost) taste the scenery.
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge & Planetarium
Tour the world's largest accessible dark sky preserve in the Jasper Planetarium's 40-seat domed theatre. If you sign up for a combo tour, you’ll also head outside to view the stars through the largest telescope in the Rockies. Later, rest your head at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, an iconic 100-year-old luxury mountain resort with 700-acre grounds that wrap around pristine Lac Beauvert—and be sure to unwind at the Lodge’s beautiful spa. In the morning, start strong with homey, modern Canadian fare in The Great Hall.
Wapakwanis Plant Walk (Warrior Women)
Move to the heartbeat of Mother Earth, learn to read the language of the land, and listen to wisdom of the Cree people. On this 90-minute walk, guided by the Warrior Women, you’ll start with an exploration of Jasper's ecology and Indigenous medicinal plants, then learn how to make medicine of your own.
Jasper SkyTram
The Jasper SkyTram whisks you up Whistlers Mountain to an elevation of 2,263-m (7,425-ft), providing stunning vistas of mountain ranges. On a clear day, you can even see the white pyramid of Mount Robson in nearby British Columbia. Interpretive panels explain the alpine environment, and a 1.4-km (0.9-mi) hiking trail leads you to the summit of the mountain.
Dinner at Evil Dave's Gril
Not quite living up to its name, Evil Dave’s is as good as it gets. This family-owned restaurant is a Jasper institution, known for its blend of sophistication and local flavour, and its global twists on central Alberta specialties like bison meatballs and green onion cakes (invented and beloved in Edmonton). Takeout, vegan and gluten-free options are available.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
Traveling with kids? Evil Dave’s Grill is child-friendly.
Lunch with Food Bike Tour
After your drive from Jasper, you’ll be hungry. Explore Edmonton’s tasty culinary scene in a truly unique way—on two wheels. Follow friendly tour guides to some of the city’s best food destinations, where you’ll refuel with mouth-watering dishes and go behind the scenes at some of Edmonton’s best hidden gems.
River Valley Discovery Tour
Head back to Edmonton to experience the stunning River Valley with Talking Rock Tours. You’ll learn about the unique geological features exposed in the River Valley, walk in the footsteps of the Indigenous peoples who have been visiting this sacred place on Turtle Island for 10,000 years, and join in a sharing circle.
Explore ᐄᓃᐤ (ÎNÎW) River Lot 11∞ Indigenous Art Park
ᐄᓃᐤ (ÎNÎW) is a Cree word meaning “I am of the Earth”. This Indigenous art park—the first in Edmonton—is on the ancestral land of the Indigenous peoples whose ancestors entered into Treaty 6 with the British Crown, opening the territory for settlement. River Lot 11 acknowledges the historic home of Métis landowner Joseph McDonald. The park is in Queen Elizabeth Park in Edmonton’s North Saskatchewan River Valley.
Dinner at RGE RD
If fresh is what you're looking for, RGE RD is where you'll find it. Inspired by the wealth of seasonal ingredients available in Alberta, RGE RD is the definition of farm-to-fork dining and offers a constantly changing and evolving menu. It’s where farm, food and friends meet.