This 164-year-old church near Edmonton is the oldest building in Alberta
In Edmonton, we’ve grown accustomed to seeing century-old buildings torn down to make way for shiny new ones (whether we like it or not), so finding one from nearly two centuries ago still standing is pretty remarkable.
The Father Lacombe Chapel in St. Albert is a small wooden church built in 1861 that overlooks the Sturgeon River from Mission Hill. It’s considered Alberta’s oldest building and offers a glimpse into what early settlement life looked like here.
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In that year, Father Albert Lacombe and Bishop Alexandre Tache of the Oblates established a Roman Catholic mission along with members of the local Métis community. Long before that, the Sturgeon River Valley had been a gathering place for people for thousands of years.
A settlement quickly grew around the chapel, and according to its website, the area became one of the largest Métis communities in Western Canada. The Grey Nuns followed in 1863, opening a hospital, an orphanage, and one of the region’s first schools.
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The chapel’s construction was simple, using local materials and techniques. It has whitewashed squared log walls and a gable roof topped with a white cross. Inside, visitors can see pit-sawn painted floorboards, exposed rafters and tie beams, whitewashed log walls, and a simple panelled altar.
Today, the chapel is open to visitors from the May long weekend until Labour Day. Admission is by donation, making for an interesting and worthwhile day trip from Edmonton.
Father Lacombe Chapel
Address: 5 St. Vital Ave., St. Albert, Alta.