Sundre, Alberta, is a charming town nestled in the heart of central Alberta, Canada. Surrounded by the picturesque Mountain View County, Sundre is approximately 100 km (62 mi) northwest of Calgary on the Cowboy Trail. This town, located in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, is a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Sundre, Alberta, owes its name to a town in Norway, the original home of Nels T. Hagen, the town's first postmaster. Hagen arrived in Sundre in 1906, marking the beginning of the town's rich history. Sundre was incorporated as a village in 1950 and later as a town in 1956, each milestone adding a new chapter to its historical journey.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Sundre, Alberta, had a population of 2,672 living in 1,187 of its 1,270 total private dwellings. This represented a slight decrease of -2.1% from its 2016 population of 2,729. With a land area of 10.84 km2 (4.19 sq mi), Sundre had a population density of 246.5/km2 (638.4/sq mi) in 2021. The 2016 Census of Population recorded a population of 2,729 living in 1,188 of its 1,256 total private dwellings, a 4.6% change from its 2011 population of 2,610. The Town of Sundre's 2012 municipal census counted a population of 2,695.
Sundre, Alberta, is a hub of cultural activity. The town boasts several cultural venues, including the Sundre Municipal Library and the Sundre & District Pioneer Village Museum. The museum features "Chester Mjolsness' World of Wildlife," a natural history exhibit showcasing 150 taxidermy animals from across the world.
The Sundre Arts Development Centre is another prominent cultural venue in Sundre. Operated by the non-profit Sundre Allied Arts Society, the centre hosts a variety of live music, theatre productions, dance, and other performing arts. This vibrant arts scene makes Sundre a must-visit destination for culture enthusiasts.