Lac Ste. Anne (Alberta)
Encyclopedia
Lac Ste. Anne is a large lake
in central Alberta
, Canada
. It is located in Lac Ste. Anne County
, along Highway 43, 75 km west of Edmonton
.
The lake has a total area of 54.5 km2, a maximum depth of 9 m, and an average depth of 4.8 m. Lac Ste. Anne lies at an elevation of 730 m, and has a drainage area of 619 km2. The eutrophic lake is formed along the Sturgeon River
through which it drains into the North Saskatchewan River
. Two islands are found at the western end of the lake, Farming Island and Horse Island, while the small Castle Island lies at the eastern tip of the lake.
It was first called Wakamne, or God's Lake by the Nakota Sioux, and Manitou Sakhahigan (Lake of the Spirit) by the Cree
first nations
before the arrival of the settlers.
The legend goes that the Indians hunted buffalo, and fished in the lake called Manitou Sakhahigan. Indian legend told of a large monster that lived in the lake, and as it moved it would create dangerous and unpredictable currents, which could easily capsize a canoe. Very few people saw the monster but when the priests came they renamed the lake Devil's Lake in reference to the reported lake monster.
Elders of Alexis Reserve remember their Grandparents telling of how as children they would go out on the lake and peer down through the then clear water to the lake bottom in search of the monster. They would hope and fear that they might actually see its legendary form.
In 1842 Father Thibault decided to create a permanent mission for the Métis people, He knew that there were many French-Indians who needed to be married, baptized, and instructed in the ways of the Church, Devils Lake was a central location with good fertile fields, tall trees for lumber, and plenty of fish and wildlife. It was also far enough away from the Hudson's Bay politics found in Fort Edmonton.
On September 8, 1842, father Thibault and father Bourassa moved into their newly constructed home without doors or windows, and with a dirt floor. The building would also serve as the Church until one could be constructed. This was done the following year.
That same day Father Thibault also renamed the lake to Lac Ste. Anne, honoring his promise to the patron saint, Ste. Anne.
So began the Mission of Lac Ste. Anne. The Fathers began the teachings of the Church, and also taught the people how to farm, they had predicted the demise of the buffalo, and strove to make the Métis people self-sufficient. By 1859 the mission boasted 17 fat and fine cows, 15 horses, 10 dogs, 10 cats, and a garden with flowerbeds. Pigs and sheep were not raised because of the dogs and wild predators. Crops included wheat, barley, potatoes, cabbage, onions, and turnips. The Mission supplied Fort Edmonton with the majority of their food.
In 1859 three Gray Nuns journeyed the arduous trek from Montreal to the Mission. They were the third, fourth and fifth white women to travel to Alberta. On September 24 Lac Ste. Anne welcomed these brave women with enough mud to bog down their wagon at the entrance to the Mission. The Sisters began their lives here by learning the Cree language, starting a school, helping in the gardens and painting the windows of the Church so that worshipers would not be distracted by the beauty outside during services.
The Mission grew until there were over two thousand people. The Hudson's Bay store, a separate school, an orphanage retreat, a North-West Mounted Police barracks, a dance hall, a post office, several stores, saloons and hotels moved into the area complimenting the Church, Rectory and Convent.
At one time this mission was larger in population and commerce than Fort Edmonton.
Father Lacombe
, who arrived in 1852, was a Priest who was filled with vision and a great deal of common sense. In 1861 he decided for many sound reasons to build a new Mission at St. Albert. When he left the Lac. Ste A1me Mission was almost deserted by pastors and flock. All that was left were a few homes, the Church and Rectory, the Nun's residences: and the Miracle.
Today pilgrims come to the lake from all over the world, many walking miles bare-footed as penance to witness or he a part of the miracle of healing. Lac Ste. Anne has, since the time of the Plains Indians, been reported to be an instrument of healing. As far back as 1889 the Fathers recorded healing of various ailments: from general sickliness to tuberculosis, gout, or paralysis, that the waters of Lac Ste. Anne were reported to cure. Testimony is displayed in the shrine in the form of crutches and sight canes no longer needed by the owners.
Over forty thousand people now attend the annual pilgrimage in the last week of July, which is sponsored by the Oblate Fathers. Fathers, Bishops and Cardinals all come to help people not only in the curing of physical ailments, but spiritual as well. Oaths of sobriety, along with other life style promises are made, and prayers and forgiveness are given.
Through the pilgrimage days hundreds of small miracles occur. The recipients take these experiences with them and draw on them for the rest of their lives. Ste. Anne, the Grandmother of Jesus, the personification of caring, wisdom and love, is said to smile during these days.
Several miles east, Lac Ste. Anne was the hostess of more history. In 1912 the Alberta Northern Rail built the railroad to what is now Alberta Beach
, it brought its employees out for company picnics and holidays. By 1920 they had incorporated the area as a summer village, built a dance pavilion, a large wooden pier, and several cabins. Other companies such as Marshall Wells and Woodwards then began to bring their employees out for the same relaxing and beautiful atmosphere.
There was such a demand for this atmosphere that the Moonlight express was started. A.N.R. picked people up in Edmonton on Saturday mornings, took them to Alberta Beach
., then picked them up Sunday night to take them back to Edmonton.
Soon people began purchasing and building their own cabins and small businesses. On January 1, 1999, the Summer Village of Alberta Beach became a village. It now has 884 year-round residents and can swell to over 3,000 people during long weekends. A hotel and many small businesses operate within the village. Alberta Beach has developed in many ways while still preserving the reason for its popularity. The tranquility and beauty of the lake still draw admiration and provides relaxation to those who come to enjoy the area.
In the 1900s the Hamlet of Gunn was also developing as a major trade center, consisting mainly of Métis and Indian people. There were two flour mills, a blacksmith shop, the hotel, several stores and trading posts that nestled beside the train station. In the 1930s an Army training center was built where the Gunn housing center now operates. Prosperity reigned until the Army left and the C.N.R. removed its rail station. With it, many of the residents and businesses also left.
Today all that remains is a combination store, laundromat, restaurant, car wash and a Post Office, Community hall and University observation and research station, as well as the Gunn Housing and Senior's Center.
A French Viscount by the name of Charles de Gaze, In the 1890s began building a castle on the small island located on the northeast shores of Lac Ste. Anne, which he named Constance Island, in honor of his only daughter. The castle was to be four stories high, built of stone. The walls were to be three feet thick crowning it was to he a stone battlement running all the way around.
The castle was to be his retirement home but unfortunately he died at the age of 44 and did not complete his project. For many years, only the two stories of his dream castle remained to pique the curiosity of people stopping to picnic and enjoy the panoramic view of the lake.
Approximately twenty years later a Mr. Shorty purchased the Island. He demolished the castle and transported several cabins to Constance Island. During prohibition it was an excellent spot for parties and fun. Years later he built a causeway which provided better access to the island. Eventually the Island was sold, renamed Castle Island, subdivided, and incorporated into a summer village.
A rail station in 1912 also created the community of Darwell, located between Lac Ste. Anne and Isle Lake. The naming of this station caused many debates with no resolution, until an enterprising man took out his hymnbook and randomly picked a good tune. The tune had the name Darwell in it.
It also became known throughout Alberta as Hobo stop because of a ranch which never turned away anyone asking for shelter. Many a man out of work rode the rail to Darwell to get food and lodging in exchange for work. As the story goes many a man wanted by the law also found refuge and the North-West Mounted Police spent many a trip going to the Hobo Ranch.
Today Darwell boasts a store, garage, and school. The old ranch has long disappeared, but the hospitality of this community still exists today.
People from all over the world have found a haven along their shores. Along the Southern area coal mines generate power and employment, and of course recreational businesses have flourished because of our lakes.
Every year tens of thousands of people journey to witness the healing properties of the lake and the spiritual awareness that has not been replicated anywhere else in North America. It is the largest Native gathering in North America on an annual basis.
Agriculture is still a main stay and the area is known for its ability to grow some of the best oat crops in Canada.
The Lac Ste. Anne Pilgrimage was declared a National Historic Site of Canada
in 2004 for its social and cultural importance.
of the Alexis Nakoda
Nation is located on the northern shore of the lake, and Alberta Beach
is located on the eastern shore.
, on the north-eastern shore.
Fishing is a popular recreational activity, species including whitefish
, walleye
and yellow perch
.
Water based sports include sailing
, water skiing
and windsurfing
in summer and snowmobiling and cross-country skiing
in winter.
Lake
A lake is a body of relatively still fresh or salt water of considerable size, localized in a basin, that is surrounded by land. Lakes are inland and not part of the ocean and therefore are distinct from lagoons, and are larger and deeper than ponds. Lakes can be contrasted with rivers or streams,...
in central Alberta
Alberta
Alberta is a province of Canada. It had an estimated population of 3.7 million in 2010 making it the most populous of Canada's three prairie provinces...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
. It is located in Lac Ste. Anne County
Lac Ste. Anne County, Alberta
Lac Ste. Anne County is a municipal district in central Alberta, Canada.It is located in Census Division 13, north west of Edmonton. Highway 43 stretches across this county. The municipal seat is located in the Hamlet of Sangudo....
, along Highway 43, 75 km west of Edmonton
Edmonton
Edmonton is the capital of the Canadian province of Alberta and is the province's second-largest city. Edmonton is located on the North Saskatchewan River and is the centre of the Edmonton Capital Region, which is surrounded by the central region of the province.The city and its census...
.
The lake has a total area of 54.5 km2, a maximum depth of 9 m, and an average depth of 4.8 m. Lac Ste. Anne lies at an elevation of 730 m, and has a drainage area of 619 km2. The eutrophic lake is formed along the Sturgeon River
Sturgeon River (Alberta)
Sturgeon River is a 260 km long river located in central Alberta, Canada. It is a major tributary of the North Saskatchewan River. The stream crosses Sturgeon County, which was named for this river....
through which it drains into the North Saskatchewan River
North Saskatchewan River
The North Saskatchewan River is a glacier-fed river that flows east from the Canadian Rockies to central Saskatchewan. It is one of two major rivers that join to make up the Saskatchewan River....
. Two islands are found at the western end of the lake, Farming Island and Horse Island, while the small Castle Island lies at the eastern tip of the lake.
History
Lac Ste. Anne has a long history related to the first European settlements in Alberta.It was first called Wakamne, or God's Lake by the Nakota Sioux, and Manitou Sakhahigan (Lake of the Spirit) by the Cree
Cree
The Cree are one of the largest groups of First Nations / Native Americans in North America, with 200,000 members living in Canada. In Canada, the major proportion of Cree live north and west of Lake Superior, in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and the Northwest Territories, although...
first nations
First Nations
First Nations is a term that collectively refers to various Aboriginal peoples in Canada who are neither Inuit nor Métis. There are currently over 630 recognised First Nations governments or bands spread across Canada, roughly half of which are in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia. The...
before the arrival of the settlers.
The legend goes that the Indians hunted buffalo, and fished in the lake called Manitou Sakhahigan. Indian legend told of a large monster that lived in the lake, and as it moved it would create dangerous and unpredictable currents, which could easily capsize a canoe. Very few people saw the monster but when the priests came they renamed the lake Devil's Lake in reference to the reported lake monster.
Elders of Alexis Reserve remember their Grandparents telling of how as children they would go out on the lake and peer down through the then clear water to the lake bottom in search of the monster. They would hope and fear that they might actually see its legendary form.
In 1842 Father Thibault decided to create a permanent mission for the Métis people, He knew that there were many French-Indians who needed to be married, baptized, and instructed in the ways of the Church, Devils Lake was a central location with good fertile fields, tall trees for lumber, and plenty of fish and wildlife. It was also far enough away from the Hudson's Bay politics found in Fort Edmonton.
On September 8, 1842, father Thibault and father Bourassa moved into their newly constructed home without doors or windows, and with a dirt floor. The building would also serve as the Church until one could be constructed. This was done the following year.
That same day Father Thibault also renamed the lake to Lac Ste. Anne, honoring his promise to the patron saint, Ste. Anne.
So began the Mission of Lac Ste. Anne. The Fathers began the teachings of the Church, and also taught the people how to farm, they had predicted the demise of the buffalo, and strove to make the Métis people self-sufficient. By 1859 the mission boasted 17 fat and fine cows, 15 horses, 10 dogs, 10 cats, and a garden with flowerbeds. Pigs and sheep were not raised because of the dogs and wild predators. Crops included wheat, barley, potatoes, cabbage, onions, and turnips. The Mission supplied Fort Edmonton with the majority of their food.
In 1859 three Gray Nuns journeyed the arduous trek from Montreal to the Mission. They were the third, fourth and fifth white women to travel to Alberta. On September 24 Lac Ste. Anne welcomed these brave women with enough mud to bog down their wagon at the entrance to the Mission. The Sisters began their lives here by learning the Cree language, starting a school, helping in the gardens and painting the windows of the Church so that worshipers would not be distracted by the beauty outside during services.
The Mission grew until there were over two thousand people. The Hudson's Bay store, a separate school, an orphanage retreat, a North-West Mounted Police barracks, a dance hall, a post office, several stores, saloons and hotels moved into the area complimenting the Church, Rectory and Convent.
At one time this mission was larger in population and commerce than Fort Edmonton.
Father Lacombe
Albert Lacombe
Albert Lacombe , commonly known in Alberta simply as Father Lacombe, was a French-Canadian Roman Catholic missionary who lived among and evangelized the Cree and Blackfoot First Nations of western Canada...
, who arrived in 1852, was a Priest who was filled with vision and a great deal of common sense. In 1861 he decided for many sound reasons to build a new Mission at St. Albert. When he left the Lac. Ste A1me Mission was almost deserted by pastors and flock. All that was left were a few homes, the Church and Rectory, the Nun's residences: and the Miracle.
Today pilgrims come to the lake from all over the world, many walking miles bare-footed as penance to witness or he a part of the miracle of healing. Lac Ste. Anne has, since the time of the Plains Indians, been reported to be an instrument of healing. As far back as 1889 the Fathers recorded healing of various ailments: from general sickliness to tuberculosis, gout, or paralysis, that the waters of Lac Ste. Anne were reported to cure. Testimony is displayed in the shrine in the form of crutches and sight canes no longer needed by the owners.
Over forty thousand people now attend the annual pilgrimage in the last week of July, which is sponsored by the Oblate Fathers. Fathers, Bishops and Cardinals all come to help people not only in the curing of physical ailments, but spiritual as well. Oaths of sobriety, along with other life style promises are made, and prayers and forgiveness are given.
Through the pilgrimage days hundreds of small miracles occur. The recipients take these experiences with them and draw on them for the rest of their lives. Ste. Anne, the Grandmother of Jesus, the personification of caring, wisdom and love, is said to smile during these days.
Several miles east, Lac Ste. Anne was the hostess of more history. In 1912 the Alberta Northern Rail built the railroad to what is now Alberta Beach
Alberta Beach, Alberta
Alberta Beach is a village in central Alberta, Canada, west of Edmonton. It is located on the southeast shore of Lac Ste. Anne, approximately west of Highway 43 and north of Highway 633....
, it brought its employees out for company picnics and holidays. By 1920 they had incorporated the area as a summer village, built a dance pavilion, a large wooden pier, and several cabins. Other companies such as Marshall Wells and Woodwards then began to bring their employees out for the same relaxing and beautiful atmosphere.
There was such a demand for this atmosphere that the Moonlight express was started. A.N.R. picked people up in Edmonton on Saturday mornings, took them to Alberta Beach
Alberta Beach, Alberta
Alberta Beach is a village in central Alberta, Canada, west of Edmonton. It is located on the southeast shore of Lac Ste. Anne, approximately west of Highway 43 and north of Highway 633....
., then picked them up Sunday night to take them back to Edmonton.
Soon people began purchasing and building their own cabins and small businesses. On January 1, 1999, the Summer Village of Alberta Beach became a village. It now has 884 year-round residents and can swell to over 3,000 people during long weekends. A hotel and many small businesses operate within the village. Alberta Beach has developed in many ways while still preserving the reason for its popularity. The tranquility and beauty of the lake still draw admiration and provides relaxation to those who come to enjoy the area.
In the 1900s the Hamlet of Gunn was also developing as a major trade center, consisting mainly of Métis and Indian people. There were two flour mills, a blacksmith shop, the hotel, several stores and trading posts that nestled beside the train station. In the 1930s an Army training center was built where the Gunn housing center now operates. Prosperity reigned until the Army left and the C.N.R. removed its rail station. With it, many of the residents and businesses also left.
Today all that remains is a combination store, laundromat, restaurant, car wash and a Post Office, Community hall and University observation and research station, as well as the Gunn Housing and Senior's Center.
A French Viscount by the name of Charles de Gaze, In the 1890s began building a castle on the small island located on the northeast shores of Lac Ste. Anne, which he named Constance Island, in honor of his only daughter. The castle was to be four stories high, built of stone. The walls were to be three feet thick crowning it was to he a stone battlement running all the way around.
The castle was to be his retirement home but unfortunately he died at the age of 44 and did not complete his project. For many years, only the two stories of his dream castle remained to pique the curiosity of people stopping to picnic and enjoy the panoramic view of the lake.
Approximately twenty years later a Mr. Shorty purchased the Island. He demolished the castle and transported several cabins to Constance Island. During prohibition it was an excellent spot for parties and fun. Years later he built a causeway which provided better access to the island. Eventually the Island was sold, renamed Castle Island, subdivided, and incorporated into a summer village.
A rail station in 1912 also created the community of Darwell, located between Lac Ste. Anne and Isle Lake. The naming of this station caused many debates with no resolution, until an enterprising man took out his hymnbook and randomly picked a good tune. The tune had the name Darwell in it.
It also became known throughout Alberta as Hobo stop because of a ranch which never turned away anyone asking for shelter. Many a man out of work rode the rail to Darwell to get food and lodging in exchange for work. As the story goes many a man wanted by the law also found refuge and the North-West Mounted Police spent many a trip going to the Hobo Ranch.
Today Darwell boasts a store, garage, and school. The old ranch has long disappeared, but the hospitality of this community still exists today.
People from all over the world have found a haven along their shores. Along the Southern area coal mines generate power and employment, and of course recreational businesses have flourished because of our lakes.
Every year tens of thousands of people journey to witness the healing properties of the lake and the spiritual awareness that has not been replicated anywhere else in North America. It is the largest Native gathering in North America on an annual basis.
Agriculture is still a main stay and the area is known for its ability to grow some of the best oat crops in Canada.
The Lac Ste. Anne Pilgrimage was declared a National Historic Site of Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
in 2004 for its social and cultural importance.
Communities
The Alexis Indian ReserveAlexis Nakota Sioux First Nation
The Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation no. 437 is a Nakoda First Nation which reserves near Edmonton, Hinton, and Whitecourt, in the Canadian province of Alberta, and headquartered at 54° N and 114°, about west of Edmonton...
of the Alexis Nakoda
Nakoda (people)
The Nakoda are a First Nation group, indigenous to both Canada and, originally, the United States....
Nation is located on the northern shore of the lake, and Alberta Beach
Alberta Beach, Alberta
Alberta Beach is a village in central Alberta, Canada, west of Edmonton. It is located on the southeast shore of Lac Ste. Anne, approximately west of Highway 43 and north of Highway 633....
is located on the eastern shore.
Recreation
Two campgrounds are located around the lake, one at Alberta Beach and the other at GunnGunn, Alberta
Gunn is a hamlet in Alberta, Canada within Lac Ste. Anne County. It is located west of the junction of Highway 43 and Highway 33 on the northeast shore of Lac Ste. Anne. It is approximately northwest of Edmonton and has an elevation of ....
, on the north-eastern shore.
Fishing is a popular recreational activity, species including whitefish
Freshwater whitefish
The freshwater whitefish are fish of the subfamily Coregoninae in the salmon family Salmonidae. Along with the freshwater whitefish, the Salmonidae includes the freshwater and anadromous trout and salmon species as well as graylings...
, walleye
Walleye
Walleye is a freshwater perciform fish native to most of Canada and to the northern United States. It is a North American close relative of the European pikeperch...
and yellow perch
Yellow perch
The yellow perch is a species of perch found in the United States and Canada, where it is often referred to by the shortform perch. Yellow perch look similar to the European perch, but are paler and more yellowish, with less red in the fins. They have six to eight dark, vertical bars on their sides...
.
Water based sports include sailing
Sailing
Sailing is the propulsion of a vehicle and the control of its movement with large foils called sails. By changing the rigging, rudder, and sometimes the keel or centre board, a sailor manages the force of the wind on the sails in order to move the boat relative to its surrounding medium and...
, water skiing
Water skiing
thumb|right|A slalom skier making a turn on a slalom waterski.Waterskiing is a sport where an individual is pulled behind a boat or a cable ski installation on a body of water, skimming the surface.-History:...
and windsurfing
Windsurfing
Windsurfing or sailboarding is a surface water sport that combines elements of surfing and sailing. It consists of a board usually two to four metres long, powered by the orthogonal effect of the wind on a sail. The rig is connected to the board by a free-rotating universal joint and comprises a...
in summer and snowmobiling and cross-country skiing
Cross-country skiing
Cross-country skiing is a winter sport in which participants propel themselves across snow-covered terrain using skis and poles...
in winter.