Toronto 
Don’t miss this stop on Alberta’s eastern Trans Canada Highway. Vegreville might be hard to miss as the town is marked by the world-famous and World’s Largest Pysanka. The incredible work of art and engineering stands above Vegreville’s main park and is a hub of year-round activity.
Vegreville has ways of celebrating its Ukrainian cultural history throughout the summer in addition to the Pysanka, as well as many other things to do year-round. The town is easy to get to on a day trip from Edmonton and close to a National Park, too!
Kinsmen Park & Year-round Activities
The giant Pysanka of Vegreville sits high above the town’s Kinsmen Park. This is also the location of the Visitor’s Centre, where you can learn more about the incredible works of art in the park.
- The Kinsmen Park Municipal Campground is open in May each year with sites along the Vermillion River
- Take lots of photos, no matter the time of year! It is possible to get the Vegreville sign, Pysanka, and park, all in one shot. The area has many other photo ops.
- In the colder months, the Elks Pond is open to public recreational skating.
- The park is much busier in the warmer months. Rent paddle boats or bikes from the Visitor’s Centre for more exploring around the park or take in a game of Pysanka Putt Putt.
Local Shopping
Take advantage of the two local markets in Vegreville for farm-fresh produce, locally made home or bath goods, hot food vendors, clothing, and many other hand-crafted or artisan goods.
- Vegreville’s Pysanka Park Markets are open as an outdoor farmers’ market from June to September. Plus, they’ll host special holiday pop-ups like the Very Merry Christmas Farmers’ Market.
- Year-round shopping is found in Vegreville around 50 Street and 50 Avenue, as well as the Vegreville Farmers’ Market at Elks Hall.
- Vermillion and Ardrossan Farmers’ Markets are also nearby and convenient if making a trip down the Trans Canada Highway.
Where to Eat in Vegreville
There are two main areas in Vegreville with clusters of local dining options. These local restaurants, cafes, or pubs provide enough variety to suit any meal or preference.
- On the west side of Vegreville: Crave Appetite, Hott Boxx, Loco Burro, China Zone Restaurant, or Vegreville Pizza & Donair
- On the east side of Vegreville: The Yummy Pizza & Donair, Bamboo Chopsticks, or Vito’s Steak & Pizza House.
Fall & Summer Events in Vegreville
Summer is definitely the busier season for events in Vegreville. These town celebrations stretch into fall as well, with something for all interests: food, entertainment, art, and kids’ activities.
- The Vegreville Dash to Summer, hosted by the local Agricultural Society, is held in late May or early June each year. The event centres around chariot and chuckwagon racing, with several other festivities and smaller events also taking place over the weekend.
- The annual Vegreville Pysanka Festival is held in early summer to celebrate Ukrainian arts and culture. It is usually a weekend-long event.
- The town keeps the fun going throughout the summer with the annual Vegreville/Deerland Country Fair. The festival boasts a midway of rides and games, a petting zoo and Kids’ Zone, chuckwagon races and rodeo events, camping, tractor pulls, and live entertainment.
- The fall season includes just as much fun as the summer with the Vegreville Corn Maze. Along with the main features of the maze are farm games, food vendors, activities, and more.
The Nature Near Vegreville
Between a dark sky preserve, Elk Island National Park, and the Beaverhill Natural Area, there are several cool natural attractions or experiences near Vegreville.
- The Beaverhill Dark Sky Preserve enables excellent stargazing from the Bird Observatory, Elk Island, Miquelon Lake Provincial Park, or the Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area.
- Both the Beaverhill Natural Area and Elk Island National Park have extensive hiking trails through preserved wild habitats. These trails are great for families and grant access to more challenging hikes.
- Elk Island National Park is an exceptional place for wildlife viewing. Follow the Elk Island Parkway slowly in the car to likely see dozens of bison (especially around dusk or dawn). Both areas are significant for spring and fall birdwatching, too!
- Other activities in the National Park include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, camping, paddling, and guided tours.
