The Métis Crossing grounds sit on a 512-acre site – river lot titles from the original Métis settlers to the region in the late 1800s – along the North Saskatchewan River, just outside Smoky Lake, Alberta (about 120 km northeast of Edmonton). As the first major Métis cultural interpretive centre in the province, it is a premier destination for Métis cultural education and public gatherings. The Cultural Gathering Centre site is bordered by Victoria Trail (north), an access road to the existing barn (west), the riverbank (south) and a zipline along an existing ravine (east). Camping, guided tours and other activities are hosted on the property; the facility is open year-round. A boutique lodge is under construction and will accommodate 40 families by the fall of 2021.

The new Cultural Gathering Centre provides over 10,000 sq.ft. of gathering spaces, meeting rooms, classrooms and interpretive spaces. Designed to seat over 350 people indoors, it is an ideal venue for weddings and large gatherings, such as corporate retreats. The expansive 2,600-sq.ft. deck and canopy on the south side provides stunning views of the river valley. Timber was a natural choice for the primary structural material, given its long history of use in traditional Métis construction practices. In keeping with the structure’s connection to its heritage, the building was designed by Métis architect Tiffany Shaw-Collinge, from Manasc Isaac Architects, now Reimagine Architects.