St. Albert, Alberta, is located northwest of Edmonton on the Sturgeon River. It was initially settled as a Métis community in 1861 by Father Albert Lacombe, OMI, who built a small chapel on Mission Hill that still stands today. 

 

Bishop Alexandre-Antonin Taché, OMI, named the settlement Saint Albert after Lacombe's patron saint, Saint Albert of Louvain.

 

St. Albert first received town status in 1904 and was reached by the Canadian Northern Railway in 1906. Initially separated from Edmonton by farmland, St. Albert's city limits expanded in the 1980s to be immediately adjacent to Edmonton on its south and east sides.

 

As of 2021, St. Albert has a population of 68,232, making it the sixth-largest city in Alberta. It is known for its beautiful parks, green spaces, and over 99 kilometres of trails connecting parks and neighbourhoods. 

 

The city hosts many cultural events and festivals, including the International Children's Festival, one of North America's longest-running children's festivals.

 

St. Albert was previously the site of two residential schools as part of the Canadian Residential School System, where 53 students are known to have died. A healing garden called Kâkesimokamik was opened in 2017 as part of the truth and reconciliation process.

 

History of Saint Albert, Alberta, Canada

St. Albert, Alberta, was initially settled as a Métis community in 1861 by Father Albert Lacombe, OMI, who built a small chapel on Mission Hill today. Bishop Alexandre-Antonin Taché, OMI, named the settlement Saint Albert after Lacombe's patron saint, Saint Albert of Louvain.

 

St. Albert first received town status in 1904 and was reached by the Canadian Northern Railway in 1906. Initially separated from Edmonton by farmland, St. Albert's city limits expanded in the 1980s to be immediately adjacent to Edmonton on its south and east sides.

 

St. Albert was previously the site of two residential schools as part of the Canadian Residential School System, where 53 students are known to have died. A healing garden called Kâkesimokamik was opened in 2017 as part of the truth and reconciliation process.

 

As of 2021, St. Albert had a population of 68,232, making it the sixth-largest city in Alberta. It is known for its beautiful parks, green spaces, and over 99 kilometres of trails connecting parks and neighbourhoods. The city hosts many cultural events and festivals, including the International Children's Festival, one of North America's longest-running children's festivals.

 

Geography of Saint Albert, Alberta, Canada

St. Albert, Alberta, is located northwest of Edmonton on the Sturgeon River. Some key facts about the geography of St. Albert:

• St. Albert was initially settled as a Métis community in 1861 by Father Albert Lacombe, who built a small chapel on Mission Hill that still stands today.
• The city was initially separated from Edmonton by several miles of farmland. Still, in the 1980s, Edmonton's city limits expanded to place St. Albert immediately adjacent to the larger city on its south and east sides.
• As of 2016, St. Albert's land area was 48.45 km2 (18.71 sq mi), and its population density was 1,353.7/km2 (3,506.2/sq mi).
• The city is situated in a mixed-farming district along the Sturgeon River. It is known for its beautiful parks, green spaces, and over 99 kilometres of trails connecting parks and neighbourhoods.
• Significant points of interest in St. Albert include the St. Albert Botanic Park, Lions Park, Riel Recreation Park, Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park, and Riverlot 56 Natural Area.
• St. Albert is located approximately 16 kilometres northwest of downtown Edmonton, and the nearest airport is the Edmonton International Airport.

 

Demographics of Saint Albert, Alberta, Canada

• Population: As of 2021, St. Albert's population is 68,232, making it the sixth-largest city in Alberta. The population has grown 4.0% from 2016 to 2021.
• Age: The median age in St. Albert is 41.0. The largest age group is those over 65, representing 19.4% of the population.
• Gender: The population is 48.7% male and 51.3% female.
• Marital Status: 54.2% of residents are married, 23.6% are single, and 7.9% are in common-law relationships.
• Employment: The largest employment sectors are sales and service (22.8%), business/finance/administration (18.3%), and trades/transport (17.6%). The unemployment rate is 9.1%.
• Language: 97% of residents speak English as their primary language, while 2.4% speak French.
• Income: The median household income is $117,000, and the median after-tax household income is $100,000.
• Housing: 82.9% of households are owner-occupied, while 17.1% are rented.

 

St. Albert is a growing, affluent city with an older population that is predominantly English-speaking and employed in service, business, and trade occupations.

 

Economy of Saint Albert, Alberta, Canada

• St. Albert has a thriving, diverse economy with a low % unemployment rate of 4.3% as of 2011. 
• Over 67.5% of the adult population aged 25 and over in St. Albert had completed some form of post-secondary education in 2011, compared to 59.6% nationally. 
• 31.7% of the adult population had a university certificate or degree, 24.3% had a college diploma, and 11.6% had a trade certificate. 
• St. Albert supports a robust local service economy and is home to many office-based and industrial employers. However, over half of employed St. Albertans commute to jobs in nearby Edmonton. 
• Major industries in the St. Albert area include advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, and the green economy. Top employers include Alberta Health Services, PCL Construction, and EPCOR Utilities. 
• The city aims to attract more businesses and jobs to achieve a sustainable balance between residential and non-residential tax revenue, with much of the growth expected in the Lakeview Business District. 
• St. Albert has identified several fast-growing regional sectors, including advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, and the green economy. Companies like Dura-Line Canada, Alberta Pacific Forest Industries, and EnviroTRACE are leading the way. 

 

St. Albert has a highly educated workforce supporting a diverse and thriving local economy, though it remains closely tied to the larger Edmonton metropolitan region.

 

Education in Saint Albert, Alberta, Canada

Schools

• Several public and Catholic school boards, including the St. Albert Public School Division, Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools, and Conseil scolaire Centre-Nord, serve St. Albert.
• Some of the primary schools in St. Albert include:
  • Bellerose Composite High School
  • École Secondaire St. Albert Catholic High School
  • École La Mission (French immersion)
  • École Alexandre-Taché (French immersion)
  • Sister Alphonse Academy
  • Lois E. Hole Elementary School
• St. Albert students consistently perform above the provincial average on Alberta's Provincial Achievement Tests.

 

Post-Secondary

• While St. Albert does not have a university, it is close to several post-secondary institutions, including the University of Alberta, Athabasca University, NAIT, and MacEwan University in Edmonton.

 

Education Levels

• In 2011, 67.5% of adults aged 25 and over in St. Albert had completed some form of post-secondary education, compared to 59.6% nationally.
• 31.7% had a university degree, 24.3% had a college diploma, and 11.6% had a trade certificate.

 

St. Albert has a highly educated population, quality public and Catholic school options, and easy access to post-secondary institutions in the Edmonton region.

 

Transport System in Saint Albert, Alberta, Canada

St. Albert has a well-developed transportation system that includes:

 

St. Albert Transit

• St. Albert Transit provides bus service within the city and crucial commuter destinations in Edmonton.
• Service offers transportation to all local St. Albert destinations and connections to Edmonton's transit system.
• Handibus service is available for eligible riders.
• Buses are equipped with bike racks.

 

Regional Routes

• St. Albert Transit routes connect to Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) regional routes.
• ETS regional routes provide service between St. Albert and Edmonton.

 

Road Network

• St. Albert's road network includes highways, arterial roads, and local streets.
• The city is immediately adjacent to Edmonton, with major highways connecting the two cities.

 

Active Transportation

• St. Albert has over 99 km of trails connecting parks and neighbourhoods.
• The trail system promotes walking and cycling as alternative transportation modes.

 

Taxis and Shuttles

• Private transportation services like taxis and shuttles operate in St. Albert.

 

St. Albert has a multimodal transportation system centred around its transit service. It connects to Edmonton's regional network, a well-developed road system, and active transportation infrastructure. Private transportation options complement the public system.

 

Living in Saint Albert, Alberta, Canada

Here are the key points about living in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada:

 

Location and Geography

• St. Albert is located immediately northwest of Edmonton on the Sturgeon River in a mixed-farming district.
• The city has over 99 km of trails connecting parks and neighbourhoods, 112 parks, and 77 playgrounds, making up 1370 acres of designated parkland.

 

Safety

• St. Albert is considered the safest city in Alberta, with the lowest crime severity index in the province.

 

Education

• St. Albert has excellent schools, with students consistently ranking above provincial averages on standardized tests.
• In 2011, 67.5% of adults aged 25 and over had completed some form of post-secondary education, compared to 59.6% nationally.

 

Economy and Cost of Living

• Living costs in St. Albert are slightly below the national average and comparable to the rest of Alberta.
• The city has a skilled labour force with a low unemployment rate of 4.3%.

 

Amenities and Entertainment

• St. Albert offers a variety of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, kayaking, hiking, biking, and golf.
• The city hosts many cultural attractions and events throughout the year, such as the St. Albert Farmers' Market, one of the largest open-air markets in Canada.

 

St. Albert provides a safe, family-friendly environment with excellent schools, a strong economy, and abundant recreational and cultural opportunities, making it an attractive place to live in Alberta.

 

Healthcare in Saint Albert, Alberta, Canada

Hospitals and Health Centres

• The Sturgeon Community Hospital is the main hospital serving St. Albert and the surrounding area. It provides various services, including emergency, women's health care, cardiac care, surgery, and rehabilitation.
• The St. Albert Public Health Centre and the St. Albert Community Health Centre are other prominent healthcare facilities in the city that offer primary care and public health services.

 

Primary Care Network

• The St. Albert & Sturgeon Primary Care Network is a group of family physicians and other healthcare professionals who work together to enhance primary care for regional patients.

 

Home Care

• Alberta Health Services provides home care to St. Albert residents through the Capital Health Home Care St Albert facility.

 

Mental Health

• Alberta Health Services also operates a mental health facility in St. Albert, providing assessment, treatment, and support services.

 

Private Healthcare

• St. Albert has a range of private healthcare providers, including dentists, optometrists, physiotherapists, and other wellness services.

 

St. Albert has a well-developed healthcare system centred around the Sturgeon Community Hospital and supported by various public and private healthcare facilities and services. The city's Primary Care Network also helps coordinate comprehensive primary care for residents.

 

Tourist Places in Saint Albert, Alberta, Canada

Here are some of the top tourist places to visit in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada:

1. St. Albert Farmers' Market - One of the largest open-air markets in Canada, featuring a variety of local produce, crafts, and food vendors.
2. St. Albert Botanic Park - A beautiful 20-acre park with themed gardens, walking trails, and a butterfly house.
3. Arden Theatre - A performing arts venue that hosts concerts, plays, and other entertainment.
4. Red Willow Trails - Over 99 km of scenic trails along the Sturgeon River, famous for walking, running, and cycling.
5. Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park - The only provincial park in the Edmonton Capital Region that offers hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.
6. Musée Héritage Museum—This museum explores the history of St. Albert through exhibits and programs. It is housed in the historic Banque d'Hochelaga building.
7. Mission Hill - Site of Father Albert Lacombe's original 1861 log church, now a provincial historic site.
8. Art Gallery of St. Albert - Features contemporary art exhibitions and community programs in the historic Banque d'Hochelaga building.

 

St. Albert offers a mix of cultural attractions, outdoor recreation, and shopping, making it a popular day trip destination from nearby Edmonton.

 

Local Food of Saint Albert, Alberta, Canada

Here are some of the local food specialties and restaurants to try in St. Albert, Alberta:

 

St. Albert Farmers' Market

• With over 250 vendors, the St. Albert Farmers' Market is a must-visit for sampling local cuisine and produce. It's one of the largest open-air markets in Canada.

 

Jack's Burger Shack

• Known for serving some of the best burgers in Canada, Jack's Burger Shack is a popular spot on Perron Street in downtown St. Albert. They partner with local businesses like D'Arcy's Meat Market and Lakeside Dairy.

 

Thai Mekong Restaurant

• Located at 131 Forest Dr, Thai Mekong is a local favourite for authentic Thai and Lao cuisine. Many people drive from Edmonton to eat here.

 

Macrons and Goodies

• This downtown bakery on St. Thomas Street offers authentic French pastries, macarons, cakes and great breakfast and lunch options. It's a perfect spot for a ladies' date.

 

Luisa Risto

• A family-owned business serving first-class Italian cuisine. It's a local favourite.

 

Other Local Restaurants

• St. Albert has a blossoming restaurant scene with options from nearly every cuisine, with local chefs using creativity to produce exciting dishes.
• Some other popular local restaurants include Ricky's All Day Grill, Toast, Cora, Central Social Hall, The Cajun House, Save-On-Foods, A&W, and McDonald's.

 

So whether you're in the mood for burgers, Thai, Italian, or French pastries or want to sample the local produce at the famous farmers' market, St. Albert has plenty of delicious options to satisfy your appetite.

 

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