Edmonton 
If you know of the town of St. Paul but have never been here, then it may be due in part to their famous UFO Landing Pad. The Landing Pad did indeed put St. Paul on the map, but once you arrive in town, there is much more to explore beyond the aliens.
Credit: Travel Lakeland
This is a town rich in Metis and Ukrainian history and because of its Lakeland location, sits north of Upper Therrien Lake, and is surrounded by more lakes.
St. Paul, located 2 hours northeast of Edmonton, is a place to visit with great dining and outdoor activities. It is also one of the most unique monuments you could find on a list of ‘big things to see in Alberta.’
Here are 10 things to do in St. Paul whether you’re driving through, stopping for a rest, or in town for the weekend.
St. Bride’s Trading Post
Expect to do a bit of shopping in St. Paul. If you’re coming to town from the east, then St. Bride’s Trading Post should be your first stop on your way to St. Paul. One of the first things you might notice when you walk into the store is the wall of colourful and bright beads!
The large store offers a variety of hand-made gifts from local Indigenous artists, pieces of art, and a huge array of crafting supplies.
UFO Landing Pad
You’ll find the large concrete UFO Landing Pad on Main Street in the centre of town. The Visitor Information Centre is also adjacent to the concrete sculpture. There is ample parking surrounding the site, so it makes for a convenient stop off the highway or for an afternoon outing. Once here, you’ll have the Landing Pad itself to explore, the art that decorates the sculpture, and more local art featured and for sale to view inside the Visitor’s Centre.
Here, you’ll also be able to learn more about the history of St. Paul and what motivated the town to build such an out-of-this-world monument.
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Alberta’s Iron Horse Trail
The beautiful and iconic landscapes of Alberta’s Lakeland area can easily be discovered via the Iron Horse Trail. It is an extensive trail system that is open year-round and has a staging area in St. Paul. This particular staging area is the largest of all on the IHT and offers amenities like washrooms, showers, equestrian posts, and a playground within a large campground.
St. Paul Art Walk
If you’re looking to stretch your legs or if you’re staying in St. Paul for a weekend, then we recommend taking time to do the St. Paul Art Walk.
This conveniently begins at the UFO Landing Pad and will take you past local artworks on Main Street, into residential St. Paul, and eventually to Upper Therrien Lake: here, you’ll see a shoreline decorated with sculptures large and small created by local artists to celebrate St. Paul’s history and culture.
Holodomor Sculpture; Credit: Travel Lakeland
Visit Upper Therrien Lake and Lagasse Park
On the south edge of town is the impressive Upper Therrien Lake with a shoreline facing west- this makes the area a beautiful spot for a sunset.
The lake’s Lagasse Park is equipped with picnic benches, a playground, and a splash park for the summer months, and the paved pathway will take you on the final leg of the St. Paul Art. Walk.
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St. Paul Museum
If you are interested in the local history and culture, then visit the St. Paul Museum. Learn more about the fur trade and the development of the town through interactive displays featuring the agricultural traditions of rural northeastern Alberta, and join for a guided tour.
Eat at the Twisted Fork
Craving good, home-cooked food? In the centre of town, you can stop at the Twisted Fork for lunch or dinner, where they serve fresh local ingredients on an eclectic menu which is always in flux. The dining is gourmet, and the atmosphere is welcoming and family-friendly.
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Pizza!
There are two excellent choices when it comes to local pizza places in St. Paul: Express Pizza Plus and UFO Pizza. UFO is conveniently and aptly located down the street from the Landing Pad site and takes your alien experience even further with their tasty pizza. Express is located beside LBC, where you’re welcome to enjoy your slice with their small-batch brews.
VR Golf at Lakeland Brewing Co.
Even if golf is not your thing, Lakeland Brewing Company can offer a social atmosphere and a relaxing place to hang out. They have a patio on which you can enjoy their small batch craft beer (or pizza from next-door), free tours of the micro-brewery in the back, and the VR Golf. LBC offers off-sale beers as well and has a rotating tap with seasonal features.
Explore the town by bike
St. Paul was built for cyclists. When you explore the area by bike, you’ll enjoy a whole other view that you would not get from your car window.
This map will give you a detailed view of all there is to explore in town and where to stop for rest, snacks, or a refreshing drink.
Golf & Dine
Within the town is a scenic 18-hole golf course as tranquil and relaxing as it can get for a good game of golf. The course has a practice range so you can work on your swing before your game, a pro shop, and a popular Tin Cup restaurant for a post-game snack, meal, or cocktail.
