La Crete, Alberta, also spelled La Crête, is a charming hamlet nestled in the northern part of Alberta, Canada, within Mackenzie County. Situated on Highway 697, it is approximately 57 kilometres southeast of High Level and 701 kilometres north of Edmonton. The hamlet falls under Census Division No. 17 and the federal riding of Peace River—Westlock. The name "La Crête" translates to "the ridge" in French, a term used by the earliest settlers to describe the area.
La Crete's history dates back to 1914 when it was first settled as La Crête Landing. The first Mennonites arrived in the 1930s, establishing their homes southwest of the original settlement on the current site of La Crete. The construction of the first highways in the 1960s led to an influx of new settlers, and by 1979, La Crete was officially declared a hamlet.
The Hamlet of La Crete is primarily located west of Highway 697, nestled between Township Road 1060 and Township Road 1062 (109 Avenue). The picturesque Lake Tourangeau lies adjacent to the hamlet to the northwest, adding to the area's natural beauty.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, La Crete had a population of 3,856 living in 1,329 of its 1,397 total private dwellings. This marked a 13.5% increase from its 2016 population of 3,396. With a land area of 17.61 km2, it had a population density of 219.0/km2 in 2021. The residents of La Crete typically communicate in English or German.
La Crete offers a variety of attractions for visitors and residents alike. The hamlet boasts walking trails that were paved using donations from local residents. Additionally, the Mennonite Heritage Village, sited on "10 acres of land homesteaded by Henry H. Peters in 1950", offers a glimpse into the area's rich history.
During the summer months, the La Crete Ferry, also known as the Tompkins Landing Ferry, shuttles vehicles across the Peace River on Highway 697. This ferry is one of only six still operating in Alberta. In the winter, an ice bridge is maintained at the same spot, connecting La Crete to the Mackenzie Highway near Paddle Prairie. This access offers a considerable time saving when travelling to or from La Crete.
The La Crete Ferry is also the only Alberta ferry that provides public access to online camera images. These images, available at LaCrete.ca, assist with status updates and traffic line-ups. The website, set up in 2020, is locally and privately owned and operated, supported by local business sponsors and advertisers. The cameras provide real-time updates of the ferry's route, the Tompkins Landing dock, and current traffic awaiting to board.
