John Walter Museum

About John Walter Museum Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

John Walter Museum – 1875 House

John Walter Museum is a small facility that interprets the life of John Walter, his family, and the Strathcona community from 1870 to 1927.

It tells the story of a rugged man from the Orkney Islands, John Walter, who came to Canada in 1870 to build York boats for the Hudson’s Bay Company. Like many new immigrants to Edmonton, John’s connections to the community grew and developed over time. He married Annie Newby and raised two sons together. He was very active within his growing community, so much so that Walterdale was named in honour of him.

Explore the three homes of the Walters and learn about the changes the community went through during one of the most formative times in Edmonton’s history.

What to do at the John Walter Museum?

Sunday Drop-In Programs

Join us at the John Walter Museum for a grand old time in Edmonton’s river valley. An interpreter will lead visitors through the original houses of one of Edmonton’s most hardworking pioneers and tell stories about Walterdale – the community that developed around him. Museum-goers will also have the opportunity to participate in a different historic activity each Sunday during the summer.

Workshops and Concerts:
The John Walter Museum offers seasonal workshops geared specifically for children and adults alike. Children can learn a new skill like candle making and crochet, or craft something fun for the holidays. Adults can participate in our book clubs, game nights, sign up for specialized tours, and try out our crafting workshops. Everyone can join us for our teas and tiny house concerts! Visit our website for more details and registration.

Day Camps:
Time travel at our back-to-basics camps and play with us the old-fashioned way! Kids can learn about the pioneer experience and explore the wilderness. Day camps are targeted for children between the ages of 6 and 12 and run all summer long (plus during spring break!) Visit the website to find out how to register.

School Programs:
Students will spend time learning about the Walter family and the changes and growth of the River Valley communities, including the Indigenous communities in the area. They will also have the opportunity to try activities and practice traditional skills that were required by early Edmontonians in order to survive and thrive. Book your program any time of year to cover your Social Studies learning objectives. Specialty tours are also available for groups of any age to book and share.

John Walter Museum – Wool Carding

Special Events:
Throw a party that will go down in history! Our pioneer-themed birthday parties will have you baking on a wood-burning stove, making fun crafts and having a good ol’ time. Experience our unique setting while you celebrate with loved ones.

We encourage parties to book 6 weeks in advance to avoid disappointment!

Who will enjoy the attraction the best?

If you like history and a quiet, picturesque setting, the John Walter Museum won’t disappoint. There are activities for all ages to learn something new about Edmonton’s past.

When to visit John Walter Museum?

How much will it cost visit the John Walter Museum?

The museum is free to visit on Sundays. Programs and workshops vary in price.

History Interpreters, John Walter Museum

How to get to the John Walter Museum?

The John Walter Museum is located at 9180 Walterdale Hill NW; located at the bottom of Walterdale and Queen Elizabeth roads, on the north side of the Kinsmen Sport Centre parking lot.

See the ETS Trip Planner on the website to see how transit can get you there.

GPS: 53.527251,-113.504177

For detailed directions, see the map tab.

Parking at the John Walter Museum is shared with the Kinsmen Sports Centre.

What about amenities and accessibility at the John Walter Museum?

Amenities: The museum is a family-friendly attraction, offering access to washrooms in the office building. Visitors are welcome to bring their cameras.

Accessibility: The museum is partially wheelchair accessible. The houses all have ramps, but they may not be able to accommodate wider wheelchairs. Paved walkways and boardwalks connect the houses and the public parking lot. There is no accessible specific parking.
Pets are allowed in the outdoor areas of the museum, but cannot be accommodated in the buildings.

All photos ©John Walter Museum