Alberta Beach, Alberta, is a charming village nestled in central Alberta, Canada. Situated on the southeast shore of Lac Ste. Anne, it's a mere 8 km west of Highway 43 and 2 km north of Highway 633. This quaint village is a mere stone's throw west of Edmonton, making it a popular destination for city dwellers seeking a tranquil retreat.
The economy of Alberta Beach, Alberta, is primarily centered on tourism and recreation. The village is a popular site for the Lac Ste. Anne Pilgrimage, an event of significant importance to Aboriginal people, including the Cree, Dene, Blackfoot, and Métis Roman Catholics. Alberta Beach is also a favored weekend retreat for Edmonton residents, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling city life.
Interestingly, Alberta Beach is the only urban municipality in Alberta that does not include its municipal status in its official legal name. Instead of following the convention of other urban municipalities, such as "Village of Alberta Beach," its official name is simply Alberta Beach. This unique naming convention was adopted when it changed its municipal status from a summer village to a village on January 1, 1999.
The history of Alberta Beach, Alberta, dates back to 1912 when the Canadian Northern Railway constructed its Edmonton–Vancouver line through the area. The railway company would often bring its employees to the area for company picnics and holidays. By 1920, the area had incorporated as a summer village, boasting a dance pavilion, a large wooden pier, and several cabins.
The tranquil and beautiful atmosphere of Alberta Beach soon attracted other companies like Marshall Wells and Woodward's, who began bringing their employees for relaxing retreats. The demand for this serene setting was so high that the Moonlight Express was initiated. This service would pick people up in Edmonton on Saturday mornings, transport them to Alberta Beach, and then return them to Edmonton on Sunday nights.
Over time, people began purchasing and building their own cabins and small businesses. On January 1, 1999, the summer village of Alberta Beach officially became a village. Today, it is home to 884 year-round residents, with the population swelling to over 3,000 people during long weekends. The village now hosts a hotel and numerous small businesses.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Alberta Beach had a population of 864 living in 417 of its 743 total private dwellings. This represented a -15.1% change from its 2016 population of 1,018. With a land area of 2.02 km2, it had a population density of 427.7/km2 in 2021.
In the 2016 Census of Population, Alberta Beach recorded a population of 1,018 living in 479 of its 743 total private dwellings. This was a 17.7% change from its 2011 population of 865. With a land area of 2.01 km2, it had a population density of 506.5/km2 in 2016. Despite the recent decrease, Alberta Beach, Alberta, remains a vibrant and growing community.
