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Places to See & Things to Do in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada
Located Northwest of Edmonton, St Albert is the fifth largest city in Alberta. Founded by Father Albert Lacombe in 1861, St Albert is rich in history, and culture. St. Albert is one of the first established Metis settled towns in Alberta. Situated on the Sturgeon river bed, St Albert has natural areas interspersed along beautiful hiking trails that winds its way through the city.
Getting Here:
St Albert is located approximately 15 km from Downtown Edmonton and 320 km north of Calgary.
Nearest International Airport: Edmonton International Airport (YEG) is ~ 50 km south from down town, St Albert. If you do not want to take a taxi, there is no direct public transit (as of 2016 September) to get to St Albert. You may use Edmonton Sky Shuttle to get to drop-off /pickup points served by St. Albert transit (like Fantasyland Hotel, West Edmonton Mall) and take public transit from there. If you are travelling light and have time, you can take a combination of Edmonton + St. Albert transit.
Public Transit: Public transit is provided by St Albert Transit. If you are coming from Edmonton, St Albert Transit has 7 commuter routes on weekdays and 3 routes on weekends. In summer, there is a Botanical loop service that will take you to the botanically-themed attractions across the City of St Albert. Dial-a-Bus service will connect to the commuter buses going into/from Edmonton during non peak hours (take advantage of this, plan a day trip and explore St Albert on weekends). For more details, St. Albert Transit Customer Service: 780-418-6060 Monday to Friday (8 a.m. – 5 p.m. local time)
Parking: Parking is available and is free at most of the attractions. For downtown parking and locations, see the map here.
Dining: See here.
You may like: 25 Date Ideas in St Albert
I. Places to See – History & Heritage
1. Father Lacombe Chapel Provincial Historic Site
Daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
2. Musée Héritage Museum & St Albert Place.
See the curvilinear landmark of St. Albert! Designed by the world famous architect, Douglas Cardinal, St Albert Place houses the ‘government (city hall) & the people (library, museums & art galleries)’. Visit the Musée Héritage Museum located in St. Albert Place to discover the history of St Albert, and learn how missionaries and Métis contributed to the development of St Albert. The museum also holds exhibitions, and fun, educational activities for all ages. Website
Sunday | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
3. St Albert Grain Elevator Park
A throwback to the golden era of Canada’s grain trade, the 1906 Brackman Ker Elevator and 1929 Alberta Wheat Pool Elevator beckons visitors to experience a true prairie occupation. Go on a guided tour of these designated provincial historic resources. While there, try your hand at Morse Code at the 1920’s replica Train Station. Website
Wednesday – Sunday | 10:00 – 5:00 PM and on Heritage Day.
4. Little White School
Originally named the Father Jan School after Father Alphonse Jan, OMI the St. Albert Catholic Parish priest from 1926-30, the Little White school is a simple, two-roomed wood frame and stucco schoolhouse that showcases schooling in mid 1950’s in St Albert. Programs and activities that enrich learning are also held at the Little White School. Website
5. Art Gallery of St. Albert
Appreciate contemporary art and community exhibitions, take part in visual arts programs for all ages at the gallery housed in in the historic Banque d’Hochelaga building. Website
Thursday: 10:00 AM to 08:00 PM
6. The Visual Art Studio Association
Explore art, and enjoy the visual treat presented by St Albert artists at the Studio. Website
II. Places to See – Gardens, Parks, Walks & Trails
1. St. Albert Botanic Park
Enjoy the displays of roses, lilacs, daylilies, Asiatic lilies, peonies, and lilacs in this five acre botanical garden operated and maintained entirely by volunteers and two summer employees. While here, get something unique from the gift shop . Website
2. Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park / Big Lake
Named after Lois Hole, former Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, Lois Hole Provincial Park is home to over 200 bird species and is an important bird reserve of Alberta. Approximately 59% of the park is covered by Big Lake. Hike the trails, kayak the lake, take nature photographs or watch the migrating birds from the viewing platform located at the mouth of the Sturgeon River (see map). Website
For kayaking on Sturgeon River – see this blog.
3. John E. Poole Interpretive Boardwalk
Explore interpretative boardwalk built on the marsh next to Big Lake. A perfect family hands-on wetland education destination: see a variety of variety of birds, mammals, plants, and insects. Interpretive site also includes trails, critter dipping stations and picnic area. For more information, see here.
4. Founders’ Walk
Walk from the 71 feet high clock tower built in 1995 in the honour of Fleuri Perron (1866– 1931) to Father Lacombe Chapel in Mission Hill, following the cultural history of St. Albert. Along the way you will pass the mural painted by artist Lewis Lavoie as a tribute to the Sisters of Charity Grey Nuns of St Albert on the side of a building, site of the historic Bruin Inn, Banque d’Hochelaga building which houses Art Gallery of St Albert before reaching the historic Mission Hill where Little White School & Father Lacombe Historic Site is located. Follow the Founders’ Promenade to reach the historic site. Few interesting way points are shown in the Google map above. Website
Daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
5. Public Art Tour
Drive across St. Albert for a public art tour and see unique public artworks from murals to public benches. Website
6. Red Willow Trail System
Red Willow Trail System is a multi-use trail system with over 85 kilometres of recreational trails, of which 34 km of paved multi-use trails connects major recreational parks of St. Albert. Bike, hike or run, but be sure to explore this beautiful all season trail system. Website
7. Woodlands Water Play Park
With splash buckets, and a medieval themed spray park, Woodlands Water Play Park is true summer destination for kids. Website
Daily from 9:45 AM to 8:15 PM.
III. Things to do – Entertainment & Shopping
1. The Arden Theatre
St. Albert’s premiere live entertainment venue. What’s ON
2. Century Casino
Game tables, food & drinks and live entertainment. What’s ON
3. St Albert Theatre Troupe
Live theatre & dinner theatre shows. What’s ON
4. Enjoy Centre
Explore the green houses, shop for plants, and check out the ‘wellness’ shops inside the naturally-lit glass complex. Enjoy Centre is also an event venue. Website
5. Perron District
Home of numerous shopping, and dining venues. Website
6. St Albert Farmers Market
Western Canada’s largest outdoor farmer’s market. Website
Saturdays – June Mid – October Thanksgiving | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
IV. Things to do – Festivals & Events
1. Northern Alberta International Children’s Festival
From an enchanted re-telling of Thumbelina that skillfully blends dance, puppetry and live music into a spellbinding theatrical experience, to the stunning world of Neverland with aerialists, tumblers and jugglers, imaginations and stories come alive in 2018 with an abundance of diverse main stage Feature Performances. The largest festival of its kind in North America and a one-of-a-kind experience, kids also get a chance to sing and dance to world music, listen to stories about faraway places, interact with roving artists, and create their own masterpieces with the help of an array of hands-on Site Activities. And for the tiniest tykes? Toddler Town provides a true a festival-within-a-festival chock-full of puppets, musical performances, family games and more. Website
2. The Kinsmen Rainmaker Rodeo and Exhibition
Not to be missed fun family event with parade, circus, rodeo, concerts and market! Website
~ May End
3. ArtWalk
Stroll through downtown and experience St. Albert’s unique art scene. Street performers, musicians and food trucks create a true festive atmosphere. Website
4. St. Albert National Aboriginal Day Festival
Celebrate Aboriginal heritage and enjoy the festival that showcases First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures. Website
In June.
5. Seven Music Fest
Annual Music Festival. Website
Saturday – Early July
6. Rock’n August
Rock’n August is an international car show and music festival. Over 775 classic car entries and more than 50,000 people attend each year, making Rock’n August one of the largest events to take place in Alberta. Website
7. StArts Fest
Community celebration of the Arts and Culture in St. Albert. Discover, experience and celebrate the creative endeavours of local artists and performers during Alberta Culture Days. Website
8. Dig-In Fest
St. Albert’s Horticulinary Festival: Savour regional cuisine, learn how to grow local food in an urban setting & more. Website
9. Snowflake Festival
Mark the beginning of the festive season with horse-drawn wagon rides, entertainers, food, ice sculptures and the lighting of the giant Christmas tree. Website
St. Albert Place Plaza, 5 St Anne St, St. Albert
July 9, 2026 To August 27, 2026
Free
Let Plaza Series be the soundtrack to your summer! Join us at St. Albert Place and enjoy nine incredibly diverse performances every Thursday evening from 7 to 9 p.... »
St. Albert Centre 375 Saint Albert Trl Saint Albert
September 11, 2026 To September 14, 2026
$25.00 – $85.00
Water Circus Nautilus arrives, inviting you under the Big Top for a spectacular journey filled with laughter, suspense, and jaw-dropping acrobatics that keep the energy flowing from ... »
St. Peter Lutheran Church, 57 Stanley Drive, St Albert
September 11, 2026
(780) 458-5119
Free
Join us as we say goodbye to summer with a cozy evening under the stars! On Friday, September 11, we are hosting our annual FREE, family-friendly, outdoor movie ... »
Arden Theatre, 5th St. Anne Blvd. St. Albert
September 19, 2026
$49
The award winning improv comedians are back with a new show, more moves and even quicker wits. A SHOW FOR ALL GENDERS… 18+ ONLY WARNING! No extreme nudity, ... »