The city of Edmonton has significant and deep Métis history, and it is what Andrea Sandmaier has come to love the most about it. As president of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, she says her priority is to ensure that the rich history, contributions and enduring connection of the Métis to this province, and to cities like Edmonton, are recognized, respected and shared with future generations. It’s one of the reasons Fort Edmonton Park is so important to her.
“After the fort was established in 1795, the Métis developed a strong sense of community around the area,” she says. “Families such as the Frasers, Garneaus and McDonalds homesteaded on river lots in what is now modern-day Edmonton.” The Indigenous Peoples Experience within the park highlights their history, cultures and perspective — it features texts, music and art that tell the stories of local First Nations and Métis people.
If you drive a bit further out of Edmonton, near Smoky Lake, you can find Sandmaier’s other favourite centre: Métis Crossing. “It is much more than a destination,” she says. “It is a place where visitors can experience the warmth, beauty and living traditions of our Métis culture.” From traditional crafts and bison tours, to canoeing on the North Saskatchewan River and snowshoeing in the winter, visitors deep dive into an interactive cultural experience.
If there’s anything to be gleaned from this series: we Edmontonians love food and we love being outdoors. When we’re not slurping noodles or lingering over brunch, we’re taking scenic strolls, stopping at dog parks and snapping pictures at river valley vistas. Delve into this year’s list of Edmontonians’ favourite things — with best-loved picks from a variety of noteworthy locals who span the arts, business, sports and non-profit realms — to help build your own summer bucket list. And if you can’t make it beyond your backyard, you can at least follow this foolproof formula and enjoy something tasty in the sunshine.
This article appears in the July/August 2026 issue of Edify
