Alberta Destinations

A Taste of Ukrainian Culture in Alberta Central

East of Edmonton, in east central Alberta, you will find Canada’s largest ecomuseum, Kalyna Country. This region was first settled by Ukrainians in the late decade of the 1800s. An ecomuseum is a heritage and eco-tourism district that invites exploration by visitors from near and far and helps preserve the unique historical, cultural and natural features of the landscape. Visitors are encouraged to travel the region to learn about the past, the natural beauty, the land and the living cultures of the communities.

In east central Alberta, you will find European character is alive in the communities’ architecture, cuisine and events. You can visit one of the area attractions where Ukrainian culture is showcased; taste the famous Mundare Ukrainian kobassa (sausage); or learn how to make a pyrogy or a pysanka (Easter egg). You can also enjoy the colours and sounds of a multitude of Ukrainian events and festivals.

Attractions

Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village Be a time traveller and visit the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, award-winning provincial historic site that showcases Ukrainian settlement in Alberta from 1892 to 1930.

At the turn of the century, east central Alberta was home to the largest settlement of Ukrainian pioneers in all of Canada.

At the village you will encounter costumed role players recreating the lives of real Ukrainian pioneers as they encounter their everyday struggles and triumphs. More than 30 restored heritage buildings, including three churches of Eastern Byzantine Rite, are located on the site 80 acres.

There are many special events for visitors to enjoy throughout the year. The site is open May 20 to September 4, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, September 9 to October 9, 10 a.m. to 6 pm, weekends only and October 10, 2006 to May 19, 2007 for pre-booked tours, school groups and special events. Guided tours are available for drop-in traffic during weekends in May and June at 11 a.m. and 2 pm and then daily (except Wednesdays and Special events) during July and August at 11 a.m. and 2 pm. The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village is located 25 minutes or 50 kilometres east of Edmonton on Highway 16, just three kilometres (1.8 miles) east of Elk Island National Park.

Andrew and District Local History Museum The Andrew Museum is in the old Canadian Pacific Railway Station, which has been restored and contains a multicultural display depicting the development of the district from the year 1900, with an emphasis on the Ukrainian way of life. The museum is open year-round 8:30 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Phone: 780-365-3687 / 780-365-3606.

Basilian Fathers Museum The Basilian Fathers Museum serves as a memorial to the early pioneers and marks the Basilian Fathers' continued dedication to the cultural and religious heritage of Ukrainian Canadians. The museum's collection of Canadian and Ukrainian religious and folk artifacts represents early pioneer life in Canada and the Basilian's mission. Some liturgical books and icons date as far back as the 15th century! An interesting blend of Ukrainian folk and church architecture comprises this museum home to three permanent galleries.

The museum is open year-round (closed in the Christmas season) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. From July 1 to August 31 it is also open on Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is located 45 minutes east of Edmonton, two kilometres north of Highway 16 on Secondary Highway 855.

Lamont County Self-Guided Church Tour Only 30 kilometres east of Edmonton lies Lamont County, the birthplace of the oldest and largest agricultural settlement of Ukrainians in Canada. With 47 churches, Lamont County boasts the most churches per capita of any jurisdiction in North America. A self-guided church tour allows visitors a chance to learn more about the rich Ukrainian history, while marveling at these impressive structures. The church tour booklet is a self-guided driving tour of all 47 churches within Lamont County. Pictures, history, directions and a contact person for each church are provided. The cost of the church tour booklet is $2 and it is available at several locations in the region as well as through the website.

Glendon, the pyrogy capital of the world The Village of Glendon is located just eight kilometres north of Highway 28 on secondary highway 882, north of St. Paul. In Glendon, discover Pyrogy Park, home of the world’s largest pyrogy, weighing 6,000 pounds and standing 27 feet tall. Visit on the September long weekend for the pyrogy festival which brings together music, Ukrainian dancing and culture and of course, the infamous pyrogy eating contest!

Events

Ukrainian Pysanka Festival, Vegreville July 7 to 9, 2006 The Ukrainian Pysanka Festival is one of the largest showcases of Ukrainian culture in Canada. The dance competition and grandstand shows generate a whirlwind of colour and sound. There are plenty of opportunities to sample traditional food or visit the arts and crafts exhibits. Festival 2006, celebrating its 33rd anniversary, has entertainment direct from Ukraine in Troupe 'Schedryk.' This year is also the celebration of the Town of Vegreville’s 'Centennial', a full weekend filled with music, dance, displays, and especially kobassa, holubchi, pyrogies and borscht. A Legacy of Ukrainian Dance, Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village May 20 to September 4, 2006 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily) September 9 to October 9, 2006 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekends only) A tribute to Vasile Avramenko, the Father of Ukrainian Dance in Canada. Avramenko irreversibly changed the face of Ukrainian dance in Canada through his activities as an educator and concert promoter.

Ukrainian Day, Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village August 13, 2006 This celebration of Ukrainian culture and heritage is all about fun, food and festivities. You can visit the Historic Village then take in the church and memorial services, as well as the centenary pioneer celebrations, followed by a fabulous concert. At the Ukrainian Community Showcase you can learn how to make pysanky and more! The “A Taste of Ukraine” food fair offers traditional Ukrainian cuisine.

Ukrainian Day Festivities, Camrose August 26, 2006 A homemade Ukrainian buffet is a highlight of Ukrainian Day Festivities at the Canadian Northern Railway Station Museum and park in Camrose. While visiting you can wander through the historic Station Garden, watch the G-Scale train on its Garden Railway run, travelling around the historic buildings, or relax in the Gazebo as you watch the children play in the Secret Garden on the Creative Play Train. The Camrose Railway Station and park is located east of the town on Highway 13 to the sports shop just before CN underpass and then turn south.

Friends' Ukrainian Music Fest, Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village August 27, 2006 Catch the spirit at the 21st annual Ukrainian Music Festival which features an array of Alberta’s finest Ukrainian folk musicians. You can combine dynamic toe-tapping music with traditional Ukrainian food and settle in for the day at the outdoor amphitheatre. You can also visit the Historic Village, and enjoy roving musicians, children’s activities, the village market and exhibits.

Harvest of the Past and A Taste of Heritage Festival, Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village September 17, 2006 This harvest and food extravaganza starts with an early-bird breakfast followed by an abundance of Alberta-produced foods including buffalo, elk, organic foods, Ukrainian food and desserts! Travel into the past and take in the nostalgic harvest activities and historic demonstrations including binding, stooking, baling and threshing. Purchase specialty food items & crafts, watch demonstrations and listen to all-day musical entertainment.

Visit www.travelalbertacentral.com for more information on other cultural tours or call 1-800-ALBERTA and ask about traveling in the Alberta Central region.

Story courtesy of Travel Alberta.