St. Albert’s history predates the country’s official union – a long, rich tapestry weaving the Metis settlers, fur trade, church and railway that contributed to forming and growing the city. St. Albert is the oldest non-fortified community in Alberta, once the largest agricultural settlement west of Winnipeg and boasting the oldest building in the province. If that’s news to you, a Canada Day visit to one of our historic sites may be just the ticket this holiday Monday.
Each year, the Musée Heritage Museum, Grain Elevator Park, Little White School House and Father Lacombe Chapel open their doors for tours and special family-friendly events to celebrate the country’s birthday. At Father Lacombe Chapel, visitors step back in time to see St. Albert in its earliest days. Built in 1861 and said to be the oldest building in Alberta – remarkably built without nails – Father Lacombe Chapel demonstrates that not everyone lived in a fort back in the time of the fur trade. Catch a glimpse into the trading of furs for goods, and the traditions of the Indigenous peoples and Church that shaped the city. Canada Day visitors can enjoy the view from atop Mission Hill, tour the chapel, crypt, grotto and cemetery and even enjoy craft activities and a scavenger hunt.
Nearby, the hillside Little White School House offers another step back in time, recreating a 1948 classroom in the growing community. On Canada Day, do what the teacher says, and make a hat or decorate a cookie, lest you be sent outside to clap the chalkboard erasers!
“There’s so much preserved history to share in St. Albert, and Canada Day is another opportunity to discover these sites with added fun activities,” says Sharon Morin, program manager for Musée Heritage Museum.
“Our heritage sites offer unique tours for all ages; an enriching experience of Alberta’s history that many who live here aren’t even aware of.”
Creating a thriving agricultural community was job one for Father Albert Lacombe when founding the Mission of St. Albert. Grain Elevator Park and train station exemplifies that founding goal, offering guided tours of provincially designated grain elevators that were key to growing our prairie farming community. The 1906 Alberta Grain Company Elevator and 1929 Alberta Wheat Pool Elevator are lovingly preserved examples of what is a nearly extinct prairie icon. Bring your camera and ask the interpreters all you want to know about this part of the city’s history.
History buffs can give themselves a Canada Day treat with a visit to the just-opened Cunningham House on River Lot 24. Just a short walk from Grain Elevator Park, Cunningham House (with soon to open Belcourt/Hogan House) is an example of the homes of St. Albert’s earliest settlers.
“It’s exciting to introduce the house to the public – a little square stucco home that doesn’t look like much from the outside. But the linseed oil, the character and construction inside – it’s something to see,” says Morin, adding that residents can look forward to summer programming and further activities on the river lots going forward.
