The Aurora Borealis' Indigenous Village

Welcome to the Indigenous Village

Experience our Village

Welcome to our village!

Upon arrival, our clients will be greeted and escorted to their teepee. Our friendly staff will provide a detailed orientation, demonstrating how the teepee functions, including the wood-burning fireplace, lighting, power outlets (110-volt), and Wi-Fi access.

Gathered around the communal fire pit, we will partake in a traditional Smudging ceremony, inviting blessings from the creator.

Next, guests will embark on a guided tour of the village, where they will discover key amenities such as the wash-up tent, culinary cooking tent, restroom facilities, and seasonal bathing options.

Once settled in their teepees, guests will indulge in a delicious indigenous meal prepared by our skilled culinary team.

As night falls, everyone will gather outside to marvel at the breathtaking Aurora Borealis, with some guests staying up late into the night to witness its beauty.

In the morning, there's no rush to start the dayas we will be up late enjoying the views of the Aurora. Guests can wake up at their leisure and head to the culinary tent for a hearty breakfast of coffee or tea and a freshly cooked meal.

The daytime activities vary depending on the season:

Winter activities include snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice fishing, hiking, and nature exploration.
Summer activities feature ATVing, hiking, fishing, berry picking, and nature walks.

In addition to outdoor pursuits, guests can engage in indigenous activities such as Smudging, culinary experiences, teaching circles, storytelling, and learning about nature.

Lunch is served around 2 pm, followed by a delicious dinner at 7 pm.

After dinner, guests can once again gather to watch the enchanting Aurora Borealis or listen to captivating stories about nature under the starlit sky.

Each day follows a similar routine, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience for our guests.

Upon departure, transportation will be arranged to return guests to Fort McMurray, with the next group arriving promptly in the afternoon.

Join us for an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature and indigenous culture at our village retreat.

How to get to the village

Arrival and Transportation:

Embarking on your journey to our village retreat is an adventure in itself. The scenic drive from Fort McMurray to our parking area takes approximately 2 hours. From there, depending on the season, guests will continue their journey to the Village by snowmobile (10 minutes) or ATV (20 minutes).

For guests arriving by flight into Fort McMurray before 1:30 pm on the day of check-in, complimentary airport pick-up service is provided. Our team will coordinate with you based on your flight schedule to ensure a smooth transition to the village.

If you're arriving the day before your check-in, we'll pick you up promptly at 12:00 pm (noon) from your hotel.

For guests traveling by car to Fort McMurray, we recommend meeting at the designated hotel at noon. From there, our transportation will take you to the village. Alternatively, guests with suitable vehicles can follow our lead, with a necessary escort provided for the private road for the final 65 km stretch.

Before departing Fort McMurray, we'll make a quick stop at Walmart and the Liquor store, allowing guests to pick up any last-minute essentials for their trip. This will be your final opportunity to acquire any necessities before immersing yourself fully in the village experience.

Hotel Recommendations:

For your convenience and comfort, we recommend the following hotels:

Hotel

SEASONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Additional Excursions

These Activities are NOT Included in the base fee.

Dog Sledding

185

**Available November 15 to April 1

**Must book in ADVANCE

The tours are about 1 hour or 1/2 hour long. In the area of Fort McMurray though the hills and river valley. While being pulled on a slay by 8 dogs it is amazing. A ride through the wilderness trails just outside of the city.

The tours of dog sledding are done depending on the tour you are on. It will be before or at the end of your tour.

Ice Fishing

15o

Available November 15 to April 1

Must book in ADVANCE for permits

To get to the lakes we can Fish is about a 1 hour snowmobile ride from camp.

When the guide and the clients arrive at the area of the lake that will be fished. The guide will drill through the ice with an Ice auger. To make holes to fish from. All needed fishing gear will be supplied for this activity.

Some of the fish will be kept for fresh fish and chips that night for the entire camp to try.

Included in all of our Experience Packages

Don't forget your winter gear/ outfits. You will require a proper jacket, shoes and snow pants .

Wilderness Survival

INC

Learning how the ways to survive using what is at hand in the Canadian wilderness to build spruce bow shelters and forage to gather food.

Snowshoeing Wilderness Education

INC

This is done at camp in the local area. A guide will show the clients how to put the snowshoes on and walk with the snowshoes on.

Then the guide will head out along the trails around camp to see nature in its finest walk along bear dans and the trails watching for animals and the winter birds.

Wildlife Watching

INC

Get a chance to see Bears feeding in the Early spring and fall time safely from our elevated platforms up in the trees.

Snowmobile Rides

INC

The snowmobiling is done at camp.The clients will be shown how to drive and operate the snowmobiles. Then guided on rides though the wilderness area of the Birch Mountains.

Berry Picking & Jam

INC

Seasonal Activity - Learn how to pick berry's allowing the underripe to stay and mature.

Blueberries,

Cranberries Low Bush

Star Gauzing

INC

After dinner about 6 pm we start to watch for the Aurora Borealis. But there will be telescopes available also for stargazing.

Community Fire

INC

Central Fire pit is for people to warm up together in a communal space, watch the fauna and enjoy warm beverages while waiting for the stars and Northerian lights to appear

Certain activities are seasonal based on snow, temperature and overall safety

Welcome : We are always evolving, please be patient.