Our Guest Experiences

The following experiences make up the foundation of a guest’s visit to Aurora Borealis Indigenous Village.

Aurora Borealis Viewing

There can be few places better located to watch the Aurora Borealis light show than the Aurora Borealis Indigenous Village. There is a good reason why the camp is named what it is, as the Aurora in this part of the world is absolutely spectacular. The quality and quantity of Aurora Borealis combined with the absolute absence of light pollution at the camp, ensure that viewing and photographing this incredible phenomena is a world-class experience.

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Tipi Living

Staying in an authentic Indigenous tipi is an experience all to itself. Each tipi has a fully enclosed liner which holds in the heat from the cozy woodstove at night and keeps any bugs out during the summer. Each tipi has been modified with a customized, taller, zippered door to allow easier access for guests. The floors are made of wood and painted in Aurora designs. The wood stove has a clear glass door to allow the flames to softly illuminate the inside of the tent at night. Each tipi has wooden bed frames with comfortable mattresses and full bedding, queen-sized to twin-sized depending on the tipi and the guests. There are two extra-large 30-foot diameter tipis and 6 large 18-foot diameter tipis.” 110-volt electrical sockets are provided to allow guests to charge their various devices and batteries. Internet is available throughout the Village.

Culinary

Food is an ultra-important part of any vacation and at Aurora Village the staff share that belief. Just a few menu items are presented below.

SAMPLES:
- Coffee, tea, juice and water is available at all times.
- Pancakes with blueberries and Canadian maple syrup and home-made berry jam.
- Local eggs with Alberta bacon and hashbrowns.
- French toast with strawberries, local sausages and Canadian maple syrup and home-made berry jam.
- Oatmeal with fruit and maple syrup or brown sugar.
- Cereal and/or yogurt.
SAMPLES:
- Local sausages roasted over an open fire.
- Homemade soup and sandwiches.
- Garden fresh salads.
- Indigenous Bannock (fried bread).
SAMPLES:
- Bison, Elk, Deer, or Local Farmed Beef, with roasted potatoes, a variety of salads with local greens and fresh Bannock bread with oil and balsamic dip.
- Local pork chops with Indigenous mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes, roasted fall vegetables, salad.
- Guest-caught fish and chips.
- Bison lasagna.
- Homemade stew with Bannock.

The staff can meet most special dietary needs, including those related to medical conditions if notified at the time of booking. Vegetarian and vegan meals are also available as requested.

Indigenous Cultural Experiences

Berry picking and harvesting Indigenous medicinal plants.

Guests go with their guides to pick berries and learn about the harvesting, use and importance of Indigenous medicinal plants. They all add flavour to our morning breakfast!
Indigenous games.

Guests join their Indigenous guides in rousing Indigenous games of chance and physical prowess. The history and significance of each game is explained and guests get to compete with their guides – often with hilarious endings.
Indigenous cultural sharing and storytelling.

The guides share their culture, including legends and storytelling. Some sessions speak to historically important cultural values and stories, others address contemporary topics.
Indigenous Culinary Demonstrations.

Guests are invited into the camp kitchen or over the fire to learn how to prepare classic Indigenous foods alongside the camp cook. Sampling is strongly encouraged!
Indigenous Crafts.

Guests are taught a hands-on Indigenous craft which they complete and can take home. Children are provided with age-appropriate projects as well.

Adventure Activities

Hiking.

There is an extensive network of signed and marked hiking trails around the camp for guided and self-guided hikes. GPS units are available for guests who wish to learn how to navigate.
Wildlife viewing.

There are specific viewing blinds and platforms built to accommodate groups of guests ensuring safe viewing of larger animals such as bears and moose as well as beaver blinds that have been built near the beaver dams complexes near the Village. Photography of the amazing wildlife is encouraged, tripods are recommended.
Wilderness survival skills.

Indigenous and and non-Indigenous survival techniques are taught to interested guests. This is a hands-on experience with guests participating in the sessions. This may include an overnight experience based upon the guests’ desires and can take place in either summer or winter.
Archery.

Rangemaster supervised.
An archery range and archery equipment is provided for guests of all ages to enjoy. Lessons are provided for guests who request this option.
Air Rifles.

Rangemaster supervised.
A range, targets and shooting equipment is all provided for the enjoyment of the guests as well as shooting instruction.
All Terrain Vehicles.

Guests are taught how to drive an ATV and then enjoy guided ATV excursions in the region where they drive their own machine under the supervision of their guides. Helmets and driving gloves are provided. This activity is often a half day in length and includes a packed lunch.
Fishing Day trip.

This is a full day trip for the adventuresome guest that requires driving an ATV for 3 hours each way. There is an additional cost for this specific activity, please enquire at time of booking.
Snowshoeing.

In the winter the hiking trails are packed for snowshoeing, the traditional way of travel for the local Indigenous peoples for millennia. Snowshoes and poles are provided.
Snowmobiling.

Guests are taught how to drive a snowmobile and then enjoy guided excursions in the region where they drive their own machine under the supervision of their guides. Helmets and winter gloves are provided. This activity is often a half day in length and includes a packed lunch.
Ice Fishing.

This is often a half or full-day activity. It requires a minimum 45-minute snowmobile ride and there is an additional cost for this activity.