Victoria Settlement Provincial Historic Site

By Perry Mack

Photos courtesy Travel Alberta

“Some religious prospectors have done good, even amongst the Indians, and no longer do the elite of the different tribes call for missionary roast underdone, or a baby on a half shell, a Methodist stew, or similar delicacy, but now petition eagerly for a little more rum and a few more missionaries to render the district entirely civilized.” – Captain ‘Mac” 1840

The history of the old west isn’t always pretty and the prejudices and beliefs in the mid-1800’s shock us now, as I’m certain our culture would shock the early Methodists missionaries, including George McDougall, who came to the area to spread the word of God on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River.

The tiny settlement was the site of what would become Fort Victoria in 1864, when the Hudson Bay Company decided to support the missionary outpost in order to trade with the local Cree First Nations.

Today the Victoria Settlement Provincial Historic Site, near Smoky Lake Alberta, preserves some of the historic buildings and brings history to life with costumed interpreters re-enacting daily life. Fort Victoria was the hub for the exploration and settlement of east-central Alberta and was a key waypoint on the trail to Winnipeg.

Rather than opening a book, turning to a website or video for a history lesson, step inside the Methodist Church built in 1906 where the early settlers walked and hear how the community grew at the turn of the century and find out why it all but died in the ensuing years. Then spend some time exploring the other buildings including the Clerk’s Quarters and enjoy the trails, exhibits and activities.

2012 marked the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the McDougall Methodist Mission, isn’t it time you stopped in?  The site is open May through Labour Day weekend. For more information call (780) 656-2333 or email victoria.settlement@gov.ab.ca.

Métis Crossing

Nearby you can visit the other side of the cultural divide at Métis Crossing. The North Saskatchewan River, or Kis-is-ska-tche-wan, meaning the "swift current”, played a central role in Alberta’s history. It was the ‘highway’ used by the Métis as well as all aboriginal peoples, explorers, missionaries and fur traders. Any place where the river could be safely crossed became a vital intersection, in the same way as our current major highways intersect.

This was true for Métis Crossing where archaeological digs have unearthed evidence of 6,000-year-old campsites. Talk about not being the first to set up camp!  This is Canada’s largest cultural centre dedicated to the Métis, the descendants of French fur traders and Métis women. This 512-acre site includes 21 RV sites with power. Once you’ve set-up camp, drop in to the Métis cultural interpretive centre.

Visit the Métis Museum and historic village, where costumed interpreters take you back in time to early life on the prairie. Then wander through the restored homesteads with displays of early farm implements and gardens. Take the nature trail tour along the North Saskatchewan River and end your day cooking bannock over the fire and enjoying a hot cup of tea.

It’s not all a history lesson here at Métis Crossing; get a bird’s eye view and an adrenaline pump as you zip along the treetops on the Métis Crossing Zip Line. It’s great adventure for adults, especially those with children.

Activities, festivals and events occur throughout the summer season; Mteis Crossing is open May through Labour Day weekend - for more info visit www.metiscrossing.com or call (780) 656-2229.