Before Europeans, the Athabasca region was inhabited by First Nations people of Beaver, and eventually Cree tribes. In the 1750’s, Europeans first entered Alberta from the north.  As the fur trade developed the south bend of the Athabasca river became strategic due to it’s proximity to the North Saskatchewan River with the Hudson’s Bay Company and many going north including those heading for the Klondike. It is also worth noting that the eastern side of the Athabasca Region was also the western edge of Ruperts Land while the border between the District of Alberta and District of Athabasca lay just to the north. Key happenings in the region were shaped by the railway, fires, floods and larger world affairs such as wars and oil booms.

Amber Valley
A community of provincial and national significance.
Vist the interpretive display that can be viewed by making arrangements in advance by calling LeRoy Overacker (780) 675-3083. Travel 24km east of the Town of Athabasca on Highway 55.  (Webpage about Amber Valley)

Athabasca Historical Walking Tour (self guided)
There are many historic sites to see in Athabasca, all within walking distance. For a complete and accurate walking tour you can purchase the Athabasca Historical Walking Tour booklet, produced by the Athabasca Heritage Society.  They are available in the Visitor Information Centre, Town Office and Library.   

Historic Athabasca Landing Trail
As the primary overland route between Edmonton and the southern loop of the Athabasca River, the historic Athabasca Landing Trail follows an important early trading and settlement corridor. Athabasca Landing became a central point of transfer for all outgoing furs heading east from the Athabasca, Peace, and Mackenzie rivers basins, while goods came in bound for fur traders, missionaries, the Northwest Mounted Police, settlers and gold rush prospectors that all traveled along the Athabasca Landing Trail. Walk portions of the historic trail yourself which is part of the Trans Canada Trail from Gibbons to Athabasca to get a feel for what travel would have been like by wagon, on horseback or dogsled. Contact Athabasca Country Tourism for trail updates and more information.  

Athabasca Riverfront
The Athabasca River was integral to Northern Alberta’s development; make sure you take a moment to imagine the people that stood in this place before you.  The natural low area provided ample space for the storage, loading and shipment of cargo as well as the construction of boats called scows.  In recent years, great efforts have been made to facilitate development that will make the riverfront a hub of activity for the enjoyment of locals and visitors alike. Be sure to read the history signs that are placed all along the riverfront and enjoy the murals.

Signature Buildings
In 2007, The Town of Athabasca completed a report that included an inventory of 24 houses, buildings and places that had historical significance. These places can then apply to be municipal, and provincial historic resources that qualify for funding. For the work that was done two significant awards were awarded. 4 of the key buildings include:
United Church – A designated Provincial Historic Resource; one of the oldest and largest wood-framed Gothic Revival structures in Western Canada.
Grand Union Hotel – Standing in the heart of the downtown, the current brick structure was completed in 1914 and was once one of the finest hotels north of Edmonton.
Train Station – At one time Athabasca was supposed to have seven train lines passing through, this didn’t play out, but the station still stands as an important fixture in the community.
Old Brick School – Conceptualized in 1912 for a student population of 450 and opened in 1914 to 118 enrolled students, the grandeur of the building is now an Alberta Registered Historic Resource.

Murals
The heritage society and several businesses around town have commissioned several murals of note:
SS Athabasca - east side of SS Athabasca Carwash by Dennis Jacobs
Railway at Grand Rapids - west side of washrooms on riverfront by Dennis Jacobs
Trackers - west and north sides of the pumphouse on riverfront by Dennis Jacobs
two additional at Home Hardware by Judy Gautier

Athabasca Archives
With 70 meters of textual records, 16,000 photographs, newspapers from as early as 1909, school yearbooks, and artifacts, the Athabasca Archives have preserved the stories of the historic Athabasca Landing for locals and visitors alike. Visit the Athabasca Archives, open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:00-4:00, or by appointment by calling (780) 675-2735, to learn about the real people and events that have shaped the Athabasca Region.

Grand Rapids Wilderness Adventures

Join us on a 400 km historical journey on the mighty Athabasca River as we follow the route of early adventurers, fur traders, explorers and First Nations people who used this waterway as a major transportation route to and from the north.  Explore some of the many artifacts and building remnants of these forgotten days.  To book your adventure call Darcy or Shirley at 780-675-3784 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .   http://www.athabasca-river.com/