Categories > History

The Athabasca Region has a lot of what you might expect… forests, lakes, trails, community events and small-town charm. We also have some unique places, activities and events you won’t find elsewhere!

From a BBQ at the Athabasca Airport to a triathlon that includes the Athabasca River, The Athabasca Region has something for an entertaining day trip, an active weekend getaway or a week of exploration. #LiveLifeOutside in the #AthabascaRegion

Athabasca Airport Fly-In BBQ

Every July, Athabasca County hosts the Fly-In BBQ at the Athabasca Airport! It’s an annual family event that locals and visitors love!

The airport is about 8 km northeast of Athabasca, about 2 hours north of Edmonton and 3 hours south of Fort McMurray.  Parking is available, but it gets busy so you may have to walk in a bit.

There is a free BBQ, activities for the kids, and a classic car show. It’s a fun family afternoon, especially for those who love planes!

Pilots can fly their planes to the BBQ, and join in from around the province. If you are a pilot who would like to fly in, please be sure to register: athabascacounty.com/PILOT-REGISTRATION

Learn more here!

Workout at the Athabasca Riverfront

Athabasca’s Riverfront Park is the beautiful heart of the town. It’s a place where folks meet up, grab lunch at one of the food trucks or launch their boat in the river. There’s a playground, a splash park and a skate park.

Adjacent to the playground is one of Athabasca’s unique amenities: the outdoor training circuit. A circuit of machines that use body weight to provide resistance is set up so you can work out while the kids play in the playground. Or maybe the kids want to work out too!

After your workout, everyone can come together around one of the firepits for a fire, roast some hotdogs, and watch the river go by.

Athabasca’s “Hollywood” Style Welcome Sign

Athabasca doesn’t have much in common with Hollywood, except for one thing… a big sign on a hill!

Kind of like the famous Hollywood sign, on the north shore of the Athabasca River, across from Downtown Athabasca, is a sign up on the bank welcoming folks to town and asking everyone to keep things green by preventing forest fires! It’s a little smaller, well, a lot smaller, but you can’t miss it! Even the locals call it the Hollywood sign.

You can get to the site, at Lion’s Centennial Park, by crossing the bridge (Hwy 813) and turning left at the sign. The park has amenities to enjoy the view of the town while picnicking or relaxing in the gazebo.

Even this view is unique! Not many Alberta towns boast a view of their home like this!

Athabasca Historical Walking Tour

Learn about the history of Athabasca on this unique walking tour of the Town.  The Athabasca Heritage Society in partnership with the Alice B. Donahue Library and Archives publishes a guide booklet with detailed descriptions of the landmarks and buildings.

There are many stops on the walk, 29 in total. At some places along the way, you’ll find signs that give you a brief history and context.

The walk starts at the Athabasca Train Station, moves through Downtown and up to the Archives and Old Brick School, and then you head back down to the Riverfront.

Take a look at some of the sites you’ll visit: Athabasca Historical Walking Tour Gallery

So, put on some comfortable shoes, fill up your water bottle and enjoy this self-guided tour of Athabasca History. It’s like an outdoor museum!

Athabasca Historical Walking Tour Guide Book

Amber Valley Museum & Cultural Centre

One of the unique stories in the history of the Athabasca Region is that of the people who settled Amber Valley, about 20 km east of Athabasca on Highway 55.

In the early 1900s, many African American people, escaping from the conditions in America, settled in various parts of Western Canada. Amber Valley is one of those places.

The Amber Valley Cultural Centre is where the ancestors of the original settlers and the community come together for events and celebrations. Watch our calendar for their Chicken Suppers!

The Amber Valley Cultural Centre hosts a collection of memorabilia from the Amber Valley settlers. Call 780-675-3490 to book a tour of the collection.

Antique and Collectables Collection at Island Lake

A hidden gem of the region is “Bill’s Garage Sale” and “Val’s Cabin”, a unique site tucked into the forest at Island Lake.

Bill’s Garage Sale is the ongoing project of Bill Desrosier. For over 25 years, Bill has been building his collection of antiques and collectibles, in his RV garage. It’s a fascinating step back in time, with more things to look at than you have time for!

And it is a garage sale! Bring some cash because you’ll want to pick up a few pieces.

After you visit Bill, Val Desrosier can show you the Cabin.

It is a re-assembled log cabin that’s lovingly set up with antiques and household items, in a museum-style display. There is Ukrainian art, historical pictures and even a machine used to knit socks!

They are open for visitors from spring to fall. Please call 780-675-5452 to check hours and availability.

Trail Running & Athabasca River Access at River Meadows RV Park

Another unique place in the Athabasca region is River Meadows RV Park. For outdoor adventurers who like various activities, River Meadows has many right at your doorstep!

This privately owned RV park is about ten minutes north of Athabasca, close to Athabasca Golf and Country Club. The campsites are located just steps away from the Athabasca River.  They offer seasonal and short-term stays.

The site offers access to get your watercraft into the river. You could paddle a canoe or kayak or launch your jet boat. There is an opportunity to fish off of the bank as well.

Once you have finished your river adventure, you can take in the amazing Boreal forest on a run or hike on the many trails. Some of the trails offer quite a challenge, being on the steep banks of the Athabasca.

Visit their website for more info and to book a site: rivermeadowsrvpark.weebly.com

Photos courtesy of River Meadows RV Park.

Kapâwinihk Triathlon

Those trails at River Meadows? They are part of one of the Region’s unique events, the Kapâwinihk Triathlon.

This triathlon is unique in that instead of swim/bike/run it’s bike/paddle/run. Contestants start at Riverfront Park in Athabasca on their bikes and head out to the Muskeg  Creek trail system on the west side of Athabasca.

After finishing their loop on the bike trails, contestants jump in or on their watercraft (canoes for teams, kayaks and paddle boards) and launch into the Athabasca River. They follow the river downstream for approximately 8 km until they reach River Meadows RV park.

Here, the contestants don their trail runners and head out for 5 or 10 km of trail running through the boreal bush.

They are finally welcomed to the finish line with a BBQ and growler of craft beer! It’s always a challenge and always a good time!

Visit their website for details and to enter: www.parallel54.org

Par 3/Disc/Fling/Soccer Golf at Rockylane Fairways & Recreation

If golf is more your recreational style, check out Rocky Lane Fairways and Recreation. They have a unique course set up so players can enjoy traditional golf, disc golf, fling golf and soccer golf, all at the same time!

Rocky Lane is located just south of Athabasca, close to accommodations and restaurants, and if you are looking for a camping spot, they have unserviced lots for you to set up camp.

It’s a gorgeous and well-maintained par 3 course, with water features and a lot of bush. You can rent gear or bring your own.

Call 780-327-9671 to book your tee time or visit their website for more info: rockylanefairways.wixsite.com/recreation

Center photo courtesy of Rocky Lane Fairways & Recreation.

Xcalibre Paint Ball

Are you looking for a unique group experience that involves shooting skills, stealth and a lot of fun? Then paintball at Xcalibre Paintball should be on your bucket list.

Located 14 km south of Boyle, close to Long Lake Provincial Park, and tucked into the Boreal forest, the property has multiple playing fields and obstacle courses.

You can rent gear or bring your own. If you are looking for a group experience, make a reservation, if you want to try it out, you can join with other players on the course. Open to all ages, but minors must have a parent’s signature.

Check out their website for more info: www.xcalibrepaintball.com

Photos courtesy of Xcalibre Paint Ball.

Now that you know some of the special and unique places, events and activities in the Athabasca Region, be sure to experience one or all of them the next time you visit. Tag your social posts with #VisitTheAthabascaRegion to share your experiences!

Ready for an active getaway?

For some, the chilly weather makes them curl up under a blanket and stay cozy until spring. If you’re the opposite, and the brisk air makes you want to get outside and move, then the Athabasca region has some great outdoor walks that can be done in the winter!

If it snows a lot, most of these walks are well-maintained sidewalks, so no trudging. On the nature trails, grab some snowshoes or cross-country skis and move across the land and snow that way.

If you use AllTrails, check out the Athabasca region maps and contribute your own walk/run/ski to add to the route listings. We have added some AllTrail links to the article.

Whatever walk you choose (or walks, because how can you choose just one?), you’ll see how easy it is to enjoy the outdoors and experience an active getaway for the day, weekend or week in the Athabasca Region! #LiveLifeOutside

1. Boyle Historical Walk

On the outskirts of the Village of Boyle, you’ll find the Boyle Historical Walking Trails. The trail system was established by the Boyle Community Betterment Committee to commemorate the centennial of the village.

Starting at the Boyle Campground, follow the trail to the west. You can then turn south and then back down to town.

Food and Accommodations in Boyle

After your hike, hit up one of Boyle’s homestyle eating establishments like Boyle Pizza House, Pepper Tree Café, or Hooters Truck Stop Restaurant.

Boyle is 3 hours from Fort McMurray and 1 hour 40 minutes from Edmonton. If you want to stay overnight, check out the accommodations: Airbnb, and Boyle Hotels.

2. Athabasca Rotary Trail

3. Athabasca History Walk

• The sidewalks on this walk are generally cleared after a snowfall.

4. Athabasca Thrift & Finds Crawl

Love thrifting, unique finds and a good walk? Then the Athabasca Thrift and Finds crawl is for you!

This walk visits the excellent thrift stores Athabasca hosts, with high quality and unique second-hand finds. You’ll also visit some unique boutiques that curate eclectic and thoughtful collections.

There are plenty of stops for snacks, meals or coffee, so take your time and refresh yourself during your exciting haul!!!

Read the Blog for route and descriptions.

• The sidewalks on this walk are generally cleared after a snowfall.

5. Muskeg Creek Trails

Learn more and download a map here

Muskeg Creek on AllTrails

University Loop on AllTrails

6. Athabasca Landing/Trans Canada Trail

The Athabasca Landing/Trans Canada Trail is a historical travel route that followed the Tawatinaw River Valley from Edmonton in the 1800’s.

The trailhead is situated right in the Town of Athabasca, with easy access from Hwy 55 and plenty of parking. This is an in & out trail that can be followed all the way to the Village of Colinton. You can also park at the trailhead in Colinton. The point-to-point distance is approx 13 km.

• This trail is not groomed in the winter. Some sections may become packed, but snowshoes or skis are recommended. Bridge repair is ongoing and may be unpassable.

Athabasca Landing Trail on AllTrails

Follow the trail to Colinton

7. Centennial Park – North Shore of Athabasca River

When you look across the Athabasca River from Riverfront Park, you will see a big welcome sign on the north shore. The sign, and an amazing view of the Town of Athabasca, can be found at Athabasca Centennial Park. The also serves as a starting point for a walk along the river and into the forest.

Walk west of the park along the River Ave trail. You can turn and walk north for about another 1 km. The total distance is about 3 km.

• This is an in-and-out trail that is not groomed in the winter.

Bonus Walk!

Would you like to experience the terrain that the triathletes participating in the Kapâwinihk Wilderness Triathlon run/walk? It’s a winding trail through gorgeous Boreal forest that has some great views of the Athabasca River. The trail system is part of the River Meadows RV Park but is open to the public. The owners ask that you call or text 780-689-1565 to let them know you are on the property.

Before you enter the RV park, you will see a parking area across from a construction site. The entrance to the trails is just down from there. If you plan on hiking the whole loop, please be aware that two sections cross water, so use caution.

Food and Accommodations in Athabasca

Athabasca has some fantastic restaurants that will serve up a delicious meal to fuel up your walk or warm you up when you are done. If you want to spend a weekend or more, you could choose from chain hotels, Mom & Pop motels and short-term rentals.

Check out our Food listings:

• Cafés and Snacks
• Family Dining
• Fast Food
• Pubs and Lounges

Check out our Accommodations:

• Hotels and Motels
• Cabin and Vacation Rentals

Share Your Walks

Share your photos from your Athabasca Region outdoor adventures by using the #VisitTheAthabascaRegion hashtag.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

People for millennia have recognized the Athabasca Region and the Athabasca River in particular, as a unique and important place. From Indigenous Peoples using the area for settlement and trade to the prospectors seeking a route to the Klondike, there is a rich history in the Athabasca area.

Here are some opportunities to experience History in the Town of Athabasca!

The Athabasca Regional Archives

The Athabasca Regional Archives is located adjacent to the Old Brick School in the south part of Downtown Athabasca. It shares a space with the Regional Library and is the main repository of historical information in Athabasca.

At the Archives you can:

• Examine Athabasca newspapers since 1908 on microfilm
• Access the area’s homestead records on microfilm
• Look through the photo collection
• Look through the newspaper clipping file
• Reminisce with Edwin Parr yearbooks
• Browse through the collection of reference books and books by local authors
• See Athabasca’s first printing press
• View a large display of Athabasca Clay Products ceramics and other artifacts
• View paintings by local artists
• Explore an index of births and marriages from early newspapers
• Research the obituaries, and
• Ask any question you have about the people, places and times of the area.

If you are an art fan, several pieces of local art are also on display.

The Archives are open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12 to 5:30 pm or by appointment: 780 675 2811.

Visit their website:  www.athabascaarchives.ca

The Athabasca History Walk

The best way to get into the history of the Town of Athabasca and the region is to take the Historical Walking tour. The Heritage Society in partnership with the Archives publishes a guide booklet with detailed descriptions of the landmarks and buildings.

There are many stops on the walk, 29 in total. At some places along the way, there will be signs that give you a brief history and context.

The walk starts at the Athabasca Train Station, moves through Downtown and up to the Archives and Old Brick School, then you head back down to the Riverfront.

Take a look at some of the sites you’ll visit: Athabasca Historical Walking Tour Gallery

So, put on some comfortable shoes, fill up your water bottle and enjoy this self-guided tour of Athabasca History.

Athabasca Historical Walking Tour Guide Book

Athabasca Landing Trail

The route from Edmonton up to Athabasca Landing remains today as a walking trail, part of the Trans Canada trail.

“The Athabasca Landing Trail was built in 1876 by the Hudson’s Bay Company to improve transportation between Edmonton and northern communities. The trail was 100 miles in distance and linked the North Saskatchewan River with the Mackenzie River system, giving it the nickname “The 100 Mile Portage.”

In the late 1800s, the trail was Canada’s busiest northern route and played an important role in the development of northern Alberta, the Yukon and the Northwest Territories. Fur traders, gold rush miners and settlers all followed the trail north, and stopping houses sprang up to accommodate their need for overnight accommodation, meals and stabling of animals.

With the development of railways and roads in this region, the trail became less used. Parts of the trail are still used as roads or recreational trails; others are overgrown or on private land.” – www.athabascalandingtrail.com

At the trailhead in Athabasca, there is a large parking lot, with public washrooms across the highway by the splash park.

As you walk along the trail that used to be the rail line, watch for signs of the trail’s past use… abandoned bridge foundations, machinery and tools. For the most part, it follows alongside the Tawatinaw River, providing great wildlife and nature viewing.

The trail is not continuous, as the old rail line now passes over private property and some bridge crossings are under repair. There are some really great sections that are still walkable: At Colinton going north, outside Rochester to the north, with great wildlife watching on the Tawatinaw River. The map at the Athabasca trailhead shows some of the other sections in the area that are walkable. Some sections are in heavily forested areas, so be wildlife smart.

Celebrate the Athabasca!

Coming up on July 13, 2023, is the “Celebrate the Athabasca!” event that will be welcoming a voyageur canoe brigade that is travelling the Athabasca River from Whitecourt to Fort Assiniboine to Athabasca to celebrate Fort Assiniboine’s 200th birthday!

“The main impetus for this Brigade is to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the founding of Fort Assiniboine by the Hudson Bay Company under the direction of George Simpson the governor of the Hudson Bay Company as a major stopover in the historic Columbia Express connecting eastern Canada to the Oregon territory as part of the company’s continental fur trade. Since Canoe Brigades were the main way of linking all the various fur trading posts on the route it is only appropriate that we have a Modern Day Voyageur Canoe Brigade arrive at the present-day community of Fort Assiniboine on July 8th to help commemorate their Bicentennial celebrations. It should be noted that Fort Assiniboine held exceptional celebrations at the end of the 2017 Athabasca Brigade as part of Canada’s 150th to honour the paddlers who participated in that particular Brigade. Due to the success of that Brigade, besides the communities listed above, Woodlands County, Barrhead County, the Municipal District of Lesser Slave River and Athabasca County have all enthusiastically endorsed our Brigade and are planning celebrations recognizing our upcoming Brigade. Showcasing the recreational opportunities on this section of the Athabasca River is an integral part of our mandate in 2023.”

The Canadian Voyageur Brigade Society celebrates the history of Canadian rivers that were used as transportation routes during colonial exploration and the fur trade. They travel in traditional-style “big” canoes and wear period costumes. They promote learning about canoe travel and safety.

The Brigade will finish their journey in Athabasca, at the Riverfront Park. There will be dignitaries welcoming them ashore and entertainment.

Come out and experience a taste of the history of the Athabasca River by welcoming the Voyageurs!

Find out more about the Brigade here.

This is just a sample of the historical experiences in the Athabasca region. Watch for part 2 of this blog, where we will take a look at historical areas in the County and region such as Amber Valley, the Peace River Trail and a new museum in Calling Lake.