Victoria Settlement

This early settlement along the North Saskatchewan River grew up around the Victoria Methodist Mission, founded in Cree country in 1862 by Rev. George McDougall and named in honour of the Queen. Two years later the Hudson’s Bay Company established Fort Victoria to trade for furs and pemmican. Around 1865, 30 Metis families settled nearby, and a community began to grow. In 1887, to avoid confusion with Victoria, British Columbia, the hamlet became known as Pakan, in honour of a local chief. With the influx of Ukrainian settlers at the turn of the century, missionary and commercial activity surged, and peaked in 1915. However, when the railway bypassed Victoria-Pakan for Smoky Lake in 1918, businesses closed down one by one.

Costumed interpreters offer tours of the restored 1864 Hudson’s Bay Company Clerk’s Quarters and the 1906 Methodist Church. Special events throughout the summer celebrate Alberta’s early pioneering spirit.

Open May 15-Labour Day: 10-6. Admission is charged. Wheelchair accessible. Giftshop. Snack bar. Located off Hwy 855 near Smoky Lake. Summer: . Winter: . Within Alberta, dial to be connected toll free.

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