July 7, 2025
Canada is vast, breathtaking, and filled with cultural gems waiting to be explored. Now, a new initiative is making it easier than ever to explore those places. The Canada Strong Pass, a national rail pass, is opening doors to affordable, flexible travel across the country—and it’s a game-changer for access to destinations like Métis Crossing.
“A new national initiative is making cultural travel more accessible—and Métis Crossing is proud to be part of the journey.”
As domestic tourism continues to grow, more Canadians are seeking meaningful ways to connect with the land and its stories. Métis Crossing, Alberta’s premier Métis cultural destination, is now more reachable than ever thanks to this innovative travel solution.
What Is the Canada Strong Pass?
The Canada Strong Pass is a national rail pass developed in partnership with VIA Rail that connects major Canadian cities by train. It’s designed to make travel not only affordable, but also incredibly convenient for those exploring the country.
With this pass, travellers can hop on and off trains across Canada, opening up new ways to experience the country from coast to coast. It offers:
- Affordability: Flat-rate pricing makes it easier to plan multi-city trips without breaking the bank.
- Flexibility: You choose your destinations and timeline.
- Ease of Travel: Say goodbye to airport hassles and hello to scenic, comfortable rail journeys.
Whether you’re searching for the best Canada travel deals, looking to explore Indigenous destinations, or simply want a stress-free way to see more of the country, the rail pass Canada travellers have been waiting for has arrived.
How It Supports Cultural and Heritage Tourism
While major cities are often top of mind for travellers, the Canada Strong Pass is uniquely positioned to promote cultural tourism in Alberta and beyond. It encourages travellers to go beyond the typical tourist hubs and engage with communities that offer deep, meaningful experiences.
Heritage travel has seen a surge in popularity, with Canadians looking to connect with the stories, landscapes, and cultures that shape this country. Indigenous tourism in Canada is also gaining momentum as travellers seek authentic and respectful experiences.
Métis Crossing, just 90 minutes from Edmonton, is ideally situated for those venturing off the beaten path. With the Canada Strong Pass bringing travellers as far as Edmonton with ease, it’s never been simpler to extend your journey to include a visit to our cultural destination rooted in Métis history.
Visiting Métis Crossing with the Canada Strong Pass
Once you’ve arrived in Edmonton via VIA Rail, you’re just a short scenic drive away from Métis Crossing. Here’s a sample itinerary for a trip from Eastern Canada:
- Day 1-2: Depart from Toronto or Montreal and travel westward, enjoying Canada’s landscapes from the comfort of the train.
- Day 3: Arrive in Edmonton. Rent a car or arrange transportation to Métis Crossing.
- Day 4-5: Stay at the Lodge at Métis Crossing or in one of our Sky Watching Domes. Enjoy hands-on workshops, traditional arts, and explore the Visions, Hopes and Dreams Wildlife Park.
- Day 6: Return to Edmonton and continue your rail journey or head home.
Visitors often describe Métis Crossing as “transformative,” praising the immersive cultural experiences, warm hospitality, and sense of connection to the land. Whether you’re trying your hand at beading, learning traditional harvesting techniques, or dining on Indigenous-inspired cuisine, there’s a unique sense of place that stays with you.
Why This Matters for Métis Communities and Cultural Preservation
For Métis communities, initiatives like the Canada Strong Pass are about more than just travel. They represent opportunities for Canadians to engage with and better understand Métis culture in ways that are immersive and grounded in community.
As more visitors seek Indigenous experiences in Alberta, Métis Crossing stands out as a place of learning, connection, and preservation. Located on ancestral lands, our site is a living, breathing testament to the contributions, resilience, and traditions of the Métis people.
Bringing more Canadians to these spaces helps sustain cultural programming and supports the broader goal of cultural revitalization. Every visit helps ensure that these stories, crafts, and traditions are not only shared but carried forward.
How to Plan Your Visit
Booking your Canada Strong Pass is simple through VIA Rail’s website or authorized partners. Once you’ve mapped out your journey and planned your stop in Edmonton, it’s time to book your Métis Crossing experience.
Accommodation options include:
- The Lodge at Métis Crossing, offering boutique rooms steeped in culture.
- Sky Watching Domes, perfect for stargazing in fall or winter.
- Trapper’s tents and camping for those seeking a rustic experience.
Seasonal highlights to consider:
- Summer: Cultural events, hands-on workshops, wildlife park visits.
- Fall: Stargazing, storytelling, and the changing colours of the North Saskatchewan River valley.
- Winter: Cosy up in the Lodge, enjoy snowshoeing, and learn winter survival skills the Métis way.
No matter when you visit, the atmosphere at Métis Crossing is one of warmth, respect, and welcome.
Make your Journey Meaningful
With the Canada Strong Pass, travel is no longer a barrier to connecting with the heart of this country. It brings you not just across distances, but closer to the stories and cultures that define us.
At Métis Crossing, we invite you to experience the journey in every sense of the word. From train tracks to riverbanks, let your travels deepen your understanding of who we are.
Book your stay today and let your travels bring you closer to Canada’s heart.
NT4