The village of Wabamun’s 600 residents live on the shores of Lake Wabamun, 73 kil;omeres west of Edmonton (or 40km west of Spruce Grove) on the Yellowhead Route of the Trans-Canada.
The name “Wabamun” comes rom the Cree word “wâbâmin,” meaning “mirror” or “reflection,” which refers to the still waters of Wabamun Lake. The village lies just south of the Yellowhead Highway 16 and is just 60 kilometres west of Edmonton. The village is nestled between Wabamun Provincial Park to the east, and TransAlta Utility Corporation’s former electrical generating plant to the west, with its massive surface coal mine on the north side of the highway.
Wabamun History
The area around Wabamun was first inhabited by Indigenous peoples, who primarily hunted and fished.
In the late 1800s, European settlers began to arrive in the area and established homesteads and farms. In 1905, the Canadian Northern Railway (now Canadian National Railway or “CNR”) was built through the area, and a settlement built up around the railway station. The town of Wabamun was officially incorporated in 1912, and by the 1920s, the lake became a popular destination for tourists and vacationers from Edmonton and other nearby towns.
During World War II, Wabamun was home to a Royal Canadian Air Force training base, part of the Commonwealth Air Training Program, which brought an influx of military personnel and related people to the area.
Today, Wabamun is a popular recreational destination, known for its beautiful lake, hiking trails, and outdoor activities.
Wabamun Atractions
Wabamun Lake Provincial Park:
Range Road 53, Wabamun, AB
(780) 892-2699
Website
Wabamun Lake Provincial Park is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including swimming, boating, fishing, and camping. The park covers over 1,400 hectares and features a sandy beach, boat launch, and hiking trails.
TransAlta Wabamun Lake Trail
Range Road 52A, Wabamun, AB
Website
The TransAlta Wabamun Lake Trail is a scenic hiking and biking trail that runs along the shores of Wabamun Lake. The trail is 13.5 kilometers long and offers beautiful views of the lake and surrounding wilderness.
Wabamun Marina and RV Park
5112 50 Street, Wabamun, AB
(780) 892-3004
Website
The Wabamun Marina and RV Park is a full-service marina and campground located on the shores of Wabamun Lake. The marina offers boat rentals, dockage, and a variety of services for boaters, while the RV park features fully serviced campsites and amenities.
Wabamun Heritage Museum
5211 52 Street, Wabamun, AB
(780) 892-2676
Website:
The Wabamun Heritage Museum is a small museum that showcases the history and culture of Wabamun and the surrounding area. The museum features exhibits on local Indigenous history, pioneer life, and the development of the town.
Wabamun Lake Natural Area
Township Road 535, Wabamun, AB
Website
The Wabamun Lake Natural Area is a protected area located on the eastern shore of Wabamun Lake. The natural area features a diverse range of habitats, including wetlands, forests, and grasslands, and is home to a variety of wildlife species.