Hours
Open May Long Weekend to Labour Day, Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays, except Holiday Mondays.
Closed during fall and winter.
Location
Victoria Settlement is located 10 kilometres south of Smoky Lake, Alberta on Highway 855, and 5 kilometres east on the historic Victoria Trail.
58161 Range Road 171A
County of Smoky Lake
GPS - Victoria Settlement: N 54° 00.199 W 112° 24.168
Admission
Welcome to Victoria Settlement! Admission to the historic site includes access to the walking path, picnic tables, and guided tours.
Cash only.
- Adults (18-64): $5
- Senior (65+): $4
- Youth (7-17): $2
- Child (0-6): Free
- Family (2 adults and youths to a maximum of 8 people): $14
- Canadian Military and Family (with CFOne card): Free
- Canoo App for new Canadian citizens: Free
Prices include GST. Admission fees are subject to change without notice.
Amenities
Victoria Settlement provides historic experiences and tours appropriate for different ages and interests. Choose your own Victoria Settlement experience.
Guided Tours
Guided tours let you into the historic buildings and provide context and stories about the people who called Victoria home. Let the costumed interpreters introduce you to the lives, skills, and experiences of the people of Victoria Settlement from 1862 to 1922. A full tour can last approximately 60-90 minutes; however, interpreters are happy to adjust tours to the visitor’s time and interests. Partial tours can be arranged until 4:30 p.m. For security reasons, the historic buildings are kept locked and are only accessible by taking a guided tour with a Victoria Settlement staff member.
May and June: Due to education programs, drop-in tours are generally only available after 2 p.m. on weekdays, but throughout the day on weekends.
July and August: Drop-in tours are usually available 5 days a week. (Victoria Settlement is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.)
Guided tours can be arranged in advance or by dropping in. To ensure that an interpreter will be available, please call ahead.
Self-guided Exploration
(Included with admission.)
A paved walking path with benches and a series of interpretive panels allows further independent exploration of Victoria’s history.
Picnic tables and grassy lawns are waiting for you to bring your friends and enjoy an outdoor meal. Pack yourself a picnic and enjoy the great outdoors. Access to picnic tables is included in admission prices.
A slideshow exploring the history of Victoria Settlement can be viewed in the historic church.
Special Events bring a new experience and theme to Victoria Settlement! Check the Events page for details on this year’s special offerings.
Brochures and information about the local area are available in the gift shop.
Group Visits and Tour Groups
Group Tours
Tours for groups should be arranged in advance to ensure interpreters are available. Guided tours are led by knowledgeable costumed interpreters and include the site and historic buildings. Phone or email to book a date for your group tour. Regular admission rates apply.
Looking for something more? Call Victoria Settlement to arrange a program with unique activities, special topics, and hands-on discovery experiences.
Events for Groups
Consider bringing your group to a Victoria Settlement special event. Let us do the work of planning and organizing a special event - all you have to do is show up! See Events for details on this year’s special events. Regular admission rates apply.
Weddings
Planning a wedding? With areas available to be booked during normal opening hours, Victoria Settlement is a beautiful place to gather. Call now to book the 1906 Methodist church. This quaint church can accommodate 40 guests for weddings and other ceremonies. Cost is a $200 flat rate.
School Visits
Victoria Settlement offers fun and valuable educational programs for school classes, homeschoolers, and extracurricular groups. For full details, see Programs and Experiences.
- Engaging, hands-on, and interactive programs are led by costumed interpreters onsite at Victoria Settlement.
- Programs are curriculum-based and appropriate for kindergarten, elementary, junior high, and high school levels.
- Programs are available starting May 24 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
- Many schools choose to do several programs during their visit and enjoy lunch in the picnic area.
- Program cost is $3 per student per program.
Accessibility
The historic 1906 Church which also houses the admissions desk and gift shop has a ramp for access. The interior spaces are quite confined but can be negotiated with a wheelchair.
Accessible washrooms are available.
To maintain historical accuracy of the 1864 Clerks Quarters, there are no ramps leading into it. Door sills and a short step may be barrier to some. The building also has an interior staircase to the second floor. Assistance from an attendant is required to move wheelchairs into the building. Scooters are not permitted inside.
Walking paths are asphalt and grass, and some areas have a significant sloped grade. Benches are situated along the walking paths between the historic buildings to provide rest opportunities.
Service animals with documentation are permitted in the historic buildings.
Accommodation
- Hotel accommodations are available in the town of Smoky Lake.
- Powered RV (recreational vehicle) sites are available nearby at Métis Crossing with additional sites at the towns of Andrew and Smoky Lake.
- Rustic campsites can be found in county campgrounds.
Gift Shop
A small, curated gift shop is open in the historic church offering thematic books and toys. Cash only.
Pets
Pets are permitted on the general grounds but must be on a leash at all times and cleaned up after. Except for service animals, pets are not permitted in the historic buildings. Do not leave pets in vehicles during your visit.
Visitor Tips
Victoria Settlement is an outdoor site nestled on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River. There are mown lawns, shade trees, and paved paths with benches. Here are some tips to make the most of your visit:
- Tours of the site and historic buildings are offered by our costumed guides from 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Interested in discovering something in particular? Let the interpreter know! Tours can be adapted to visitor interest (dependent on visitor volume and staff availability).
- Been here before? Let the interpreters know what you did last time for a different experience on your next visit.
- Tours can last from 30 to 90 minutes based on visitor interest and staff availability.
- Call ahead to ensure access to a full guided tour, or plan to arrive after 2 p.m. on weekdays in May and June.
- In addition to adaptable guided tours, there are self-guided opportunities to explore the site, including a paved walking path with interpretive signs.
- Bring a picnic and enjoy the scenery at one of the picnic tables or grassy areas. Food is not for sale onsite. Local establishments serving food can be found nearby at Metis Crossing, and the towns of Andrew and Smoky Lake.
- Good walking shoes and clothing for variable weather are recommended.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended.
- Smoking is prohibited during guided tours and around the historic buildings. However, ash trays are provided in designated smoking areas.
- Alcohol is prohibited.
- To keep the trees healthy and monuments in good repair, please do not climb them.
- Cell phone reception at Victoria Settlement is poor.
- Admissions and gift shop are cash only.
- Tours and services are offered in English.
- Contact us for more information about tours and programs at Victoria Settlement.
Parking
Public parking is free, and there is a loop driveway with enough space for RVs (recreational vehicles) and buses.