Alberta Destinations

Markerville: site of historic Icelandic settlement

In the summer of 1888 a small group of Icelanders moving to Alberta from the drought_stricken Dakota Territory crossed the Red Deer River and established a settlement at a place known as Markerville. Here they hoped to maintain their language and customs, and for a time they produced traditional woollen outerwear, sweets, pastries and smoked mutton in the Icelandic manner.

The Icelandic presence in the area is celebrated by two provincial historic sites at Markerville, which is 30 minutes southwest of Red Deer off Highways 529 and 781. These are Stephansson House and the historic Markerville Creamery. Stephansson House was the home of Stephan G. Stephansson, a famed Icelandic poet and prominent farmer and pillar of the community. Born in Skagfördur, Iceland, Stephansson emigrated to North America at the age of 20 and was with the group of settlers who established Markerville.

His home northwest of the town has been restored to its 1927 appearance and contains original furnishings and memorabilia from the early 1900s. It offers a glimpse of Alberta's Icelandic heritage and the life of this pioneer_poet. Costumed guides provide interpretive programs and house tours. Experience the spinning of wool, baking, household chores or a more leisurely poetry reading – all as it was in the 1920s. The Markerville Creamery was built in 1902 and was an economic mainstay of the community for 70 years. Restored to its 1932 appearance, it now features a museum, and the Kaffistofa coffee shop, a great place for lunch.

Both sites are open daily from May 15 to Labour Day, and feature special events during the summer. For further information on Stephansson House, visit www.cd.gov.ab.ca/enjoying_alberta/museums_historic_sites/site_listings/stephansson_house and for the Markerville Creamery, visit www.touralberta.com/creamery/Home.htm.