The names "Métis" and "Mitis" are said to come from a Mi'kmaq word meaning "meeting place" or another referring to willow or poplar trees.

The historic Reford Gardens (Jardins de Métis) are located nearby.

These gardens, now maintained by Les Amis des Jardins de Métis, are the result of Elsie Reford's extraordinary passion for horticulture.

The garden's symbol, the Himalayan Blue Poppy (Meconopsis betonicifolia), can be found growing there in summer.

The gardens were designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1995.