Points of Interest


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E. S. Huestis Demonstration Forest

Forestry is a major part of the history and economy in the Woodlands County area and one of the greatest ways to learn about the industry is by visiting the E. S. Huestis Demonstration Forest. Located just minutes from Whitecourt (13 km southwest on Highway 32), it provides a 10-square km forest area that shows how a forest can sustain recreation, wildlife habitat and resource harvesting over an extended period of time. This would be the perfect outing for individuals who are passionate about the environment, or for those with a general interest in the forestry practices that have shaped the Woodlands County region and the province of Alberta. A 7 km trail (one-way) will guide you through the forest where you will learn something new at each of the 26 interpretive signs. You can walk, run, bike or drive the trail.

Tours are offered between May and August. Call the Whitecourt and District Chamber of Commerce for more information at (780) 778-5363 or toll-free at 1-800-313-7383.



Forest Interpretive Centre and Heritage Park (Visitor Information Centre)

The Forest Interpretive Centre (FIC) is located just off Highway 43 at the southeast edge of Whitecourt. It is operated by the Whitecourt and District Heritage Society.

Whitecourt and District Heritage Society

The society was incorporated under the Societies Act of the province of Alberta on June 7, 1979. It was formed with the purpose of safeguarding and promoting awareness of the heritage of the Whitecourt area. Furthermore, the Society strives to educate Albertans and tourists about the historical significance of the forest industry for the province. It is the heritage society that operates and maintains the FIC, gift shop and Heritage Park. The society is a charitable society that is operated by local volunteers and funded by proceeds from the museum and facility rentals.

Heritage Park

The Heritage Park is located on the grounds surrounding the FIC. Currently, the park consists of three visitor-accessible buildings: the hamlet of Blue Ridge's old United Church, an original log home and a re-creation of a trapper’s cabin. A barn, and a number of assorted antique vehicles and farm machinery are also located within the park. In addition, the forest surrounding the centre has been specially maintained as a model for "fire-smarting" one's home from the possibility of a forest fire. Within the forest is an 800 meter interpretive trail through nature (contains signs describing methods and theory of "fire-smarting"). The future hope for the park is that it will develop into a full re-creation of an early 20th century logging town by assembling a collection of restored and authentically appointed historic buildings and equipment.

Contact

Whitecourt and District Heritage Society
Box 510
Whitecourt, Alberta
T7S 1N6
Phone: 780.778.2214
Fax: 780.706.2284

 

Fort Assiniboine Museum

Take a step back in time at the Fort Assiniboine Museum! The museum is constructed in the classic Hudson’s Bay-style of a trading post and reflects the fur-trading times that helped to establish the area. Artifacts on display outline the progression and development of Fort Assiniboine, which is the second-oldest fort in Alberta. The famous location is mentioned in early historical records dating back to the 1700s. During the Hudson Bay Era (1823-1877), the site was named Fort Assiniboine presumably after the Assiniboine Indians, and was used as a supply and transportation point.

The museum is open to visitors during the summer months and is a great afternoon retreat to learn about some of the key historic movements that helped shape the Woodlands County area and Western Canada.

Hours

June – 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
July and August – 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Contact

(780) 584-3737



World’s Largest Wagon Wheel and Pick Axe

Perhaps one of the best photo opportunities in Woodlands County is the World’s Largest Wagon Wheel and Pick Axe. The grand wagon wheel stands an impressive seven metres in height, while the pick axe reaches just over six metres. Not only does the site provide a great backdrop to mark your travels, but it is also a reflection of Fort Assiniboine’s rich cultural history, as the hamlet was a major trade and supply point during the Hudson’s Bay era and was also an important location during the Klondike Gold Rush in the 1800s.

The monument is located next to the Fort Assiniboine Museum in the heart of the hamlet, making it an ideal location for an insightful afternoon to discover some of the key historic movements that helped shape the Woodlands County region and Western Canada.