Wainwright, a charming town nestled in east-central Alberta, Canada, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Approximately 206 kilometres southeast of Edmonton, Wainwright is a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Strategically located west of the Alberta–Saskatchewan border, Wainwright is a mere 61 kilometres south of Vermilion in the picturesque Battle River valley. The town is easily accessible via Highway 41, also known as the Buffalo Trail, and Highway 14. The Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Wainwright is situated in Denwood, a short distance southwest of the town.
The town's history dates back to 1905 when it was originally named Denwood by settler James Dawson. The Grand Trunk Pacific Railway later relocated the town 5 kilometres west-northwest and renamed it Wainwright, in honour of General William Wainwright, the second vice-president of the railway.
The original townsite, which opened with a post office in 1907, also housed the Denwood Hotel and a store. The post office and hotel, which later became the Wainwright Hotel, relocated to Wainwright in 1908. The old townsite eventually became CFB Wainwright. Today, Wainwright serves as a divisional point on the Canadian National Railway main line, with the Wainwright railway station served by Via Rail's The Canadian.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Wainwright had a population of 6,606 living in 2,664 of its 2,914 total private dwellings. This represented a 5.1% increase from its 2016 population of 6,285. With a land area of 12.17 km2, the town had a population density of 542.8/km2 in 2021.
In the 2016 Census of Population, Wainwright recorded a population of 6,270 living in 2,524 of its 2,770 total private dwellings, a 5.8% increase from its 2011 population of 5,925. The town's 2013 municipal census counted a population of 6,289, an 8.9% increase over its 2008 municipal census population of 5,775.
Wainwright is not just about history and demographics; it's also a hub of arts and culture. The town hosts the third-largest stampede in Canada, which takes place at the end of June. This grand event includes a rodeo, chuckwagon races, a parade, a midway, and an agricultural fair, making Wainwright a must-visit destination for culture enthusiasts.
