Viking, Alberta is a charming town nestled in the heart of Canada's central Alberta region. Located at the crossroads of Highway 14 (Poundmaker Trail) and Highway 36 (Veterans Memorial Highway), it's a mere 121 km (75 mi) east of Edmonton. The town's name is also associated with the Viking Formation, a significant oil-bearing stratigraphical unit.
Viking was established in 1909 by Scandinavian settlers Sivert Hafso and Ole Sorenson, who hailed from Norway. The town has faced its share of challenges, including a devastating fire in 2005 that severely damaged the community ice arena. However, the resilient community quickly rebuilt, completing the new "Viking Carena Complex" by 17 August 2007. In 2009, Viking proudly celebrated its centennial.
Viking experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dfb). The summers are warm with moderate rainfall, while the winters are long and bitterly cold.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Viking had a population of 986 living in 432 of its 490 total private dwellings. This represented a -9% change from its 2016 population of 1,083. The town spans a land area of 3.45 km2 (1.33 sq mi), resulting in a population density of 285.8/km2 (740.2/sq mi) in 2021.
Viking is a vibrant community that won the national Communities in Bloom contest in 2000. The town is adorned with numerous parks and flower gardens. One of the most notable parks is Troll Park, which celebrates Viking's rich Scandinavian history. The park features native plants, hidden trolls, and a giant troll mountain, making it a must-visit attraction.
Viking boasts a small airport owned by the town, located 3 miles (4.8 km) west of the townsite. The airport, identified by Transport Canada as CEE8, serves the community. Additionally, Viking is a flag stop for Via Rail's The Canadian, which calls at the Viking railway station.
