Devon’s 7,000 residents (about double the population in 1999) love just 20 minutes (40km) southwest of Edmonton. The town sits high on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River. Devon boomed after the discovery of Leduc #1 in 1947, one of the biggest oil discoveries in the world. Oil flowed from the Devonian rock formation 5,000 feet underground and began the post-war oil boom in Alberta. The town of Devon still services the vast reserves of oil and gas in this area. The Rabbit Hill Ski Area also attracts winter skiers.
The town was established in 1950, and the name was from the Devonian formation from which the oil from Leduc No. 1 gushed in 1947.
Annual Events
Strawberry Festival and Tasting (late July), Leduc #1 anniversary (early Aug).
Other Links
Devon Attractions
University of Alberta Botanic Garden (formerly Devonian Botanic Garden)
51227 AB-60, Spruce Grove, AB T7Y 1C5
(780) 492-3050
This beautiful garden is maintained by the University of Alberta. It features an Alpine rock garden and is home to more than 30 species of live butterflies.
Leduc #1 Discovery Well
on Hwy 60, 2 km south of Devon
(780) 987-4323
See an old-style oil derrick and field battery. This site celebrates the first discovery of oil in Canada by Imperial Oil on August 2, 1947, and recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. Open July and August daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Castrol Raceway Motorsports Park
50342 Range Rd 253 (Edmonton International Airport_
Leduc County, AB T9E 0V6
(on Hwy 19, 2 km W of Hwy 2)
(780) 462-8901
Alberta’s second-biggest motorsports complex features a 3/8 mile oval track, an 1/4 mile NHRA dragstrip and a 2.7 kilometre road racing course. The park is open Fridays 5 to 11 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Clifford D. Lee Nature Sanctuary
1.6 km W of the Devonian Botanic Garden
This 130 hectare (320 acre)natural area includes marsh and uplands, with boardwalks and viewing platforms to view hundreds of different bird species.