Wetaskiwin is named for the Cree word for “Peace Hills”, for the 1850 peace accord between the Cree and the Blackfoot. Later, the peace became more difficult to maintain, following the construction of the trans-continental railroad bringing a flood of immigrants. The town of 10,000 people is best-known to Edmontonians for dealers offering low-priced automobiles.
Annual events include Pioneer Days (end of August).
Wetaskiwin Attractions
Reynolds-Alberta Museum
P.O. Box 6360, Westaskiwin, AB. T9A 2G1,
(2 Km west of Wetaskiwin on Highway 13)
(780) 361-1351 or 1-800-661-4726
This government-owned museum includes over 100 displays covering the history of ground and air transportation and agriculture industries in Alberta. Vintage bicycles, antique cars, farm machinery and pioneer equipment are featured. The museum includes a replica of a small drive-in theatre, with metal speakers and seating from a 1950s-era automobile. The museum features Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame, with a collection of vintage aircraft (recently upgraded with a large donation), which describe the contribution of Canadians to aviation history. Allow 2 hours. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 28 until the Labor Day weekend and then from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. the rest of the year. Admission fee.
Wetaskiwin and District Heritage Museum
5007 50 Ave, Wetaskiwin, AB, T9A 0S3
(780) 352-0227
Located in the old Montgomery Department Store, with a Children’s Legacy Center where children can gently touch and interact with the displays and learn about the pioneer times. On the upper floor are General Store, Church and War Memorial displays. There is a new (2008) Origin display featuring dinosaur bones, native artifacts and a fur trading post. From September to May we are open Tuesday thru Friday 10 am to 5 pm and Saturdays 10 am to 4 pm, and form June thru August we are open Tuesday thru Saturday 10 am to 5 pm.
Old Courthouse
4705 – 50 Avenue, Wetaskiwin, Alberta, T9A
Built in 1907 as the main central Alberta courthouse. Open to the public during Pioneer Days (end of August).
Ma-Me-O Beach Provincial Park
On Pigeon Lake, 40 km W of town on hwy 13
780-586-2494
This is a popular picnic park and spot for water sports. Ma-Me-O Beach is located at the south-east end of Pigeon Lake, on Highway 13A about 1 hour south-west of Edmonton.
Pigeon Lake Provincial Park
Near Pigeon Lake, 48 km W of town on hwy 13
780-586-2644
This park is popular for boating, camping, picnics, swimming, and water-skiing. The park also attracts a large variety of migrating waterfowl and is a great place for birders.