Walking into the fortified village through a corridor lined with 5-metre-high stakes is like entering another world. Inside the palisade is the Crawford Lake Indian Village, a 15th Century village which was reconstructed using data collected during an extensive archaeological dig. The interior of the Turtle Clan House is exotic with its roof openings to let the smoke out, fur-covered sleeping areas, animal skins, tools, jewellery and clothing. Part of the Wolf House has regained its original look. The pretty Visitor Centre abounds in interactive information. Then, there's the well marked trail leading to Crawford Lake itself. A wooden trail runs around it (a 30-minute walk). This is a rare example of a meromictic lake (where layers of the lake water don’t mix, resulting in a bottom depleted of oxygen where things can’t decompose!) We really enjoyed our visit during the Sweet Water Season (maple syrup time), when we watched staff make maple syrup from sap, then cook corn flatbread to be dipped in the syrup at the end of the demonstration. Check their website for a list of themed activities offered throughout the year.
