Alberta Destinations

Stony Plain excursion a return to simpler times

By Donna Quick

Do you ever wish you could once again walk down a main street just like in the small town where you grew up? You can do that and a lot more in the town of Stony Plain, just 30 minutes west of Edmonton.

Even if you didn’t grow up in one, you’ll likely enjoy the small-town ambience that Stony Plain has kept despite a population of close to 15,000.

Drive past the new development along Highway 16A and take the overpass into downtown Stony Plain. On your way into town, you’ll notice a pond and fountain next to a replica of the town’s original train station. This building houses the Tourism office – stop in for information to help plan your day. You’ll also be able to see the first of many life-size cast iron sculptures scattered around town.

Head two blocks west to access Main (50th) Street. You’ll find an eclectic assortment of gift and collectible shops, arts and crafts stores, independent eateries, and a variety of other businesses.

You’ll immediately notice the famous murals, the reason Stony Plain calls itself “The Town with the Painted Past.” Thirty murals depicting the community’s history and prominent citizens of the past appear on building walls throughout downtown.

In summer, the old-fashioned lampposts are decorated with lush hanging baskets, with tubs of flowers along the sidewalks. Boughs of greenery on the lampposts replace the flowers in winter, and a huge spruce tree is set up in the middle of the main intersection at Christmas.

Check out some of the avenues branching off from Main Street. On 50th Avenue, you’ll find a large antique store, One Man’s Treasure, along with Pam’s Woolly Shoppe, containing a huge selection of knitting supplies and unusual wool products and gifts.

Next door is a well-stocked quilter’s store, Sawdust ‘N Tangled Threads. Also on 50th Avenue is the Co-op Food Store. No cavernous supermarket here, just a basic grocery store much like the ones where we shopped in years gone by.

The Crooked Pot Gallery on 51st Avenue is the place to go for pottery supplies and locally made giftware.

When you’re ready for a rest, visit the Town Hall on 51st Avenue. Sit on one of the benches in the adjoining Japanese garden and admire two more statues.

Be sure to visit the town’s most popular tourist attraction, the Multicultural Heritage Centre, a few blocks south on 51st Street. Built as a high school in 1925, the Scottish designed brick building that houses the centre has a hip-gable roof and bell tower. Take time to admire the flower beds, water features, and historic artifacts, as well as an unusual statue of a Mountie and his horse.

The Multicultural Heritage Centre includes the Homesteader’s Kitchen, famous for its pies and other home-style menu choices. You can once again sink your fork into old favourites such as sour cream raisin, flapper, or coconut cream pie. There is also a museum in the centre modelled after an early settler’s cabin, an art gallery, and a souvenir and gift shop.

Just a few steps away is the architecturally unique Oppertshauser House, built in 1910. Here you’ll find the General Store, complete with old-fashioned candy and toys. There are real and reproduction antiques and collectibles, books, and local arts and crafts, all attractively displayed amongst vintage furniture.

For additional small town and rural experiences, visit Heritage Park, the fairgrounds at the northwest edge of town. An outdoor farmer’s market is held here each Saturday morning from late March until early October.

At Heritage Park you’ll also find the Pioneer Museum and several historic buildings. The Pioneer Tea House, a 1922 log cabin, serves light lunches on Friday and Saturday during the warmer months.

In early June, the annual Kinsmen rodeo takes place, held in conjunction with a variety of Farmers’ Days activities. A Farmers’ Day parade winds through downtown on the Saturday.

Two other major events are held at Heritage Park annually: the Blueberry Bluegrass and Country Music Festival at the end of July and the Stony Plain Cowboy Poetry, Music and Art Gathering about the middle of August.

As you drive around town, you’ll spot a number of other interesting buildings. St. Matthew Lutheran Church, at the corner of 50th Street and 52nd Avenue, is worth a second look with its impressive design and beautiful stonework. On 55th Avenue, it’s hard to miss the pink two-storey Sonshine House, built in 1910. This ornate Victorian house, surrounded by beautiful gardens, is now a bed and breakfast.

If you want to go back to the past and relive simpler times, take the short drive to Stony Plain.