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Town of Smoky Lake
Pumpkin Capital of Alberta
- Address:
-
56 Wheatland Ave
Box 460
Smoky Lake, AB T0A 3C0 - Fax Number:
- (780) 656-3675
- Phone Number:
- (780) 656-3674
- Website:
- http://www.smokylake.ca
- Email:
- Click here to send email.
As you head northeast along Highway 28, you round a corner to discover the Town of Smoky Lake nestled in a picturesque valley, only one hour from Edmonton.
The heart of the town boasts a variety of amenities enough to satsify the 1000 residents and visitors alike.
Visit the historical CN Station open during summer months, which also houses the Studio 28 Art Gallery, showcasing local artisans. Next door, you can wander through and have your picture taken amongst the giant pumpkins some reaching nine feet high in Pumpkin Park. It's a great spot for a picnic lunch!
Next to Pumpkin Park is the Trail Pavilion and Staging Area for the Iron Horse Trail, developed where the CN railway tracks once existed. This trail runs for hundreds of kilometers, almost up to the Saskatchewan border. Great for walking, jogging, ATVs, biking, horses or snowmobiling.
In and around the Town of Smoky Lake are seven historical churches. Tour the Roman Catholic Church which is believed to be the only one in Canada built in the Byzantine style with the onion domed roof. The Holy Trinity Russo Orthodox Church of Smoky Lake located by the junction of Hwy 28 & Hwy 855 is celebrating their 100th Anniversary on June 7th. Call 780-656-4169 to register. As well, the Russo Greek Catholic Orthodox Church - Dickie Bush is also celebrating their 100th year anniversary on July 12th, located on Highway 857, 5 miles south from Highway 28. See ad page 60.
The Museum, located on the north side of town has a number of interesting artifacts, plus displays of historic & local photography by Nick Gavinchuk, a large antique machinery collection, and the restored Victoria/Pakan ferry. See ad page 60. Situated between the museum and Agricultural complex is a full service RV Park. It overlooks a ravine with a creek running through it. Come and stay for seven nights and pay for six.
Smoky Lake's 9-hole Golf Course is one of the best in Alberta, so don't forget to pack your clubs!
For more history tour south of town on Highway 855 to the Victoria Trail to tour the Victoria Settlement and Metis Crossing Provincial Historic Sites along the scenic North Saskatchewan River.
Smoky Lake Pumpkin Fair & Weigh-Off
The community of Smoky Lake has nurtured and grown a unique rural event, “The Great White North Pumpkin Fair & Weigh-off”. How can a thumb size seed produce a 1000 pound pumpkin, an 800 pound squash, or a 120 pound watermelon? You'll have to venture to Smoky Lake on the first Saturday of October to see. Growers from Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia vie for over $7000 in prize money for the heaviest specimen, including the category “long gourd”, slender snake-like gourds that grow over eight feet in length. In addition, hidden draws encourages growers to enter pumpkins between 50 to 350 pounds. Besides the weigh-off there are many other activities throughout the whole community, including a huge Farmers' Market, Art Show & Sale, Vehicle Show & Shine, Old Fashioned Threshing Bee, Midway and Food venues. You must plan to stay for the “Giant Pumpkin Drop”, featuring a giant pumpkin lifted by a crane over 100 feet in the air and dropped on a car. Then enjoy an evening pork supper and head out to the “Old-time Dance”. Throughout the day you can enjoy the free shuttle bus service between the Agricultural Complex and downtown.
For more details call 780-656-3674 or 780-636-2183.
Smoky Lake Stampede
Join us on Saturday & Sunday of the August long-weekend for the annual Smoky Lake Stampede. Activities include parade, pancake breakfasts, demolition derby, kid’s stick horse race, frisbee scramble, dance, fireworks and much more. A fun-filled family weekend! Free overnight camping. For more information call 780-656-3794.
Last modified on December 14, 2010
Category: Town
