This program requires a minimum of 15 people, or minimum charge if smaller group.
Our Tipi Village can accommodate up to 4 tipis set up, with each tipi sleeping up to 10-12 ppl. (If you are a larger group, please e-mail to see options!)
REMINDER: Due to the nature of the site being an Indigenous ceremonial and gathering place, we have a no alcohol or drugs policy on site at Wanuskewin Heritage Park at all times.
For more than 6,000 years, the Northern Plains gathered on this site of natural beauty where today visitors can relive stories of a people who came here to hunt bison, gather food and herbs, and escape the winter winds.
Wanuskewin is pleased to offer our visitors overnight accommodation in a Traditional Tipi in the Opimihaw Valley from May – October. Sit around the fire while cooking bannock, and learn about Indigenous traditional living.
Walking in their footsteps, you will understand why this site was a place of celebration, of renewal with the natural world, and of a deep spirituality. You will begin to learn about the history of a prairie place where Indigenous peoples met newcomers to the continent in a spirit of sharing and hospitality.
Imagine having all the medicine you need just outside your tipi door. This trail walk introduces participants to the medicine of First Nations people. From medication that gave relief to the common cold to bug repellent, Wanuskewin’s Opimihaw valley has it all.
Enjoy one of Wanuskewin’s most popular programs! Learn how First Nations people used to set up their homes. Learn about the values that were associated with each part of the tipi, values that were passed down to the children as they helped set the tipi up. Come and try it yourself!
Traditional games provided the teachings and skill development required for survival on the Northern Plains. The traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle was incredibly demanding and required superb levels of physical fitness. Come learn how games played an important role in educating the young by cultivating physical skills and encouraging social development.
5:30 PM Arrival at Wanuskewin:
Meet-and-greet with Wanuskewin host
Set up camp outside
6:30 PM Choice of educational program
7:45 PM Choice of educational program
9:00 PM Bannock-on-a-stick at campfire with Hot Chocolate OR Muskeg Tea – Discussion on traditional plains life at Wanuskewin
10:00 PM Self-Guided free time at tipi village
Morning Schedule
8:00 AM Rise and Shine – clean up Tipi Village area (all equipment needs to be out of tipi village before 9 a.m.)
8:30 AM Breakfast (in Restaurant – pancakes, bacon, juice)
9:00 AM Conclusion of Sleepover with the option to stay onsite and do self-guided touring or make arrangements in advance for extra programming (additional cost, and pending availability)
Each Tipi Sleepover includes the choice of 2 guided programs, campfire bannock bake with hot chocolate or muskeg tea, as well as breakfast in the morning. Please review the “Tours” tab for further information on our programming. If there is something specific you are interested in for programming that is not listed, please let us know and we will try to accommodate the request.
15 Participant minimum or payment thereof. (RATES TBD FOR 2020 Bookings – stay tuned for updated pricing)
Please book your tipi sleepover at least three weeks in advance. Additional programs and customized menus available at an added cost.
For additional questions or information, please e-mail tours@wanuskewin.com
Have you considered requesting an Elder to open your meeting, or booking an interpretive program or dance performance as part of a coffee break while meeting at Wanuskewin?
With an unbeatable atmosphere, friendly staff, and a unique sense of culture, Wanuskewin Heritage Park is the perfect place to come for a relaxing lunch or break anytime.
