East of Edmonton

Wednesday May 6, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm - $85 pp (includes lunch and transport)

This day trip will focus on landscapes and human history of the Edmonton area, examining the postglacial landscapes of the North Saskatchewan River Valley and Beaver Hills (Elk Island National Park), and be introduced to the varied Ice Age fossil record of the region. Participants will visit Victoria Settlement to learn about missionary activity and fur trade history, and Métis Crossing to gain insight into Métis culture and history. In addition, the tour group will see distinctive architectural reminders of Ukrainian and east European communities.

Hosted by Alwynne Beaudoin (Royal Alberta Museum), Caroline Hudecek-Cuffe (Historic Resources Management Branch, Alberta Culture, Multiculturalism, and Status of Women)

Jasper

Sunday, May 10 to Monday, May 11 - $300 pp (includes transport and accommodations)

This post-conference tour will depart on the morning of Sunday, May 10 for Jasper and return the evening of Monday, May 11, and will include tours of significant sites in Jasper such as Pocahontas and the Snake Indian River Site. Participants will also have free time to explore the Jasper town site and surrounding area.

Hosted by Robin Woywitka (Macewan University) and Krista Gilliland (Western Heritage)

Edmonton River Valley

Saturday, May 9, 2 pm to 5 pm - $5 pp (includes field guide)

This walking tour will explore key archaeological sites within Edmonton’s rich and diverse river valley. Guided by local archaeologists with extensive knowledge and experience in the area, participants will visit both prehistoric and historic sites along the North Saskatchewan River Valley, dating back to over 10,000 years before present. Key spots will include Ezio Faraone Park, with a complete panorama of the river valley, Fort Edmonton V, the High Level Bridge, Pollard Brickyards, the Rossdale Flats, and the recently constructed Walterdale Bridge; recent impact assessments in these areas revealed new knowledge on activities within the river valley, and the potential for intact cultural material beneath an extensively industrialized landscape.

Hosted by Heinz Pyszczyk, and Métis Nation of Alberta, Nancy Saxberg (Wood), and Gareth Spicer (Turtle Island Cultural Resource Management).