Day 1

Evidence of a 6000-year-old Plains Indian culture has been unearthed at Wanuskewin National Historic Site on the South Saskatchewan River. After a day of cultural activities and getting acquainted with life in an ancient First Nation encampment, you'll spend the night in a tipi at Wanuskewin. Next, you'll paddle the Kisiskachiwun - ancient Cree name for the nearby "swiftly flowing" river. You'll appreciate Metis history as we hike from the river to the Fish Creek battlefield and camp at Petite Ville - a former Metis wintering village. The canoe tour concludes with a visit to Batoche, a National Historic Site of the 1885 Northwest Resistance.

A Guided Cultural Adventure

The Kisiskachiwun excursion is a fully outfitted and guided cultural/historical eco-adventure. The easy-going nature of the river and the relatively short daily paddling distances make this tour suitable for beginner canoeists. You'll participate in pre-trip paddling and safety instruction. During the trip, instruction in canoe-camping skills will continue, including camp craft and environmental ethics. A certified canoeing instructor will be leading the river trip.

Aboriginal Culture & History

Aboriginal interpreters will be on board to provide insights and activities involving the ancient Plains Indian culture at Wanuskewin National Historic Site. They will also accompany the historical river tour to bring Metis history and culture to life as we explore the sites and events of the turbulent 1885 era. The canoe trip concludes with a tour of Batoche National Historic Site.

Solitude & Wildlife

The relatively undisturbed South Saskatchewan River Valley is a quiet semi-wilderness environment tucked away in an agricultural landscape. Watchable wildlife is abundant and includes white tail deer, coyotes, beaver, white pelicans, great blue herons, and the occasional bald eagle. Canoeing the river is the ideal way to experience the wildlife close-up in their natural habitat. We will set up an overnight wilderness tent camp on the riverbank. The campsite provides additional opportunities for birding and wildlife viewing.