St. Paul Region
See the world's first UFO landing pad. Ride Alberta's Iron Horse Trail. Enjoy lakeside camping at its Best! Go golfing or enjoy the many exciting events around the County!ROADTRIP ADVENTURES
View our interactive map and get started on your trip along Highway 28!
- See the Roadtrip Game Sticker Stations
- Events along this Route
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HIGHLIGHTS
Iron Horse Trail
A multi-use, recreational trail that runs the length of what was the Canadian National Railway line. This is the longest continuous stretch of the Trans Canada Trail in Alberta. More below...
Haying in the 30s
The very popular Haying in the 30s takes place in Mallaig early August.
Located adjacent to UFO Landing Pad, St. Paul Along Hwy 29 (50 Ave & 53 St), 780-645-6800 Open mid-May to beginning of September.
Accommodations
County Campgrounds
Further east in the county, there are a number of lakes around Elk Point, great for boating and camping. Go camping along the North Saskatchewan River east of Elk Point at Heinsburg, or south of St. Paul in a pristine wilderness setting at the secluded Bear Ridge Campground.
St. Paul Region Attractions & Events
Discover St. Paul’s rich history and unique attractions! Musée St. Paul Museum offers a fascinating experience for history enthusiasts, as it highlights the town’s beginnings as a Métis colony, the arrival of the homesteaders and the agricultural heritage of the region. Discover the historic Destrubé House, once owned by early settlers northeast of St. Paul. Plan to attend their Open House in June.
The Town of St. Paul is home to the world’s first UFO landing pad, built-in 1967 for Canada’s Centennial celebrations. It’s a great photo opportunity for the whole family! Adjoining the pad is the Visitor Information Centre that carries not only travel information, but also has local artists’ creations on display and available for purchase...and you might be able to purchase an alien as a souvenir!
The St. Paul Agricultural Society hosts an impressive event for the Lakeland Rodeo Association Finals. The rodeo action takes place in August. The Haying in the 30’s event, a significant fundraiser for cancer patients, will take place in Mallaig on August long weekend, located east of Ashmont. Visit hayinginthe30s.com for more details.
Just 50 km east of St. Paul via Highway 646, visit Fort George & Buckingham House, where Alberta’s fur trade history comes to life. In 1792, high on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, competing fur trade companies built two forts—Fort George and Buckingham House. Here, Indigenous women, men, and children laboured, ate, and shared cultures alongside Scottish, English, and francophone Canadian men. Uncover intriguing stories of life 225 years ago through interactive exhibits, then walk the winding woodland trail with a knowledgeable guide to where the forts once stood.
Visit fortgeorgebuckinghamhouse.ca for details. Open May–September, Wednesday–Sunday, 10 am–5 pm, with themed weekends all summer.
Travel Ideas & Itineraries
in St. Paul County
Outdoors
Explore the Iron Horse Trail that passes through town, complete with a staging area that includes a 14-stall shelter for horse and wagon riders, and a campground that welcomes visitors all year. The Iron Horse Trail, is a multi-use recreational trail that follows the former Canadian National Railway line and is the longest continuous stretch of the Trans Canada Trail in Alberta. Starting in Waskatenau, it extends to Cold Lake with a southeast branch ending in Heinsburg, attracting horseback riders, hikers, cyclists, skiers, snowmobilers, and ATV users year-round. Trailheads in St. Paul, Mallaig, Elk Point, Lindbergh, and Heinsburg, along with various staging areas, rest stops, and accommodations, make it ideal for planning a multi-day excursion.
Enjoy a round of golf at St. Paul Golf Course, featuring a well-equipped pro shop and the delightful Tin Cup restaurant. You can also swing your clubs at Mann Lake Golf Course in the County. Enjoy the refreshing spray parks at Lagasse Park in St. Paul and at Westcove Campground near Vincent Lake. The St. Paul Skate Park is a haven for kids seeking fun and adventure.
St. Paul County operates four excellent recreation and camping facilities, including Westcove, Lac Bellevue, Stoney Lake, and Floating Stone Lake, all complete with serviced sites, and an on-site caretaker. Find booking information at county.stpaul.ab.ca. Enjoy camping at Mallaig Beach near Vincent Lake, or choose a spot along the North Saskatchewan River in Heinsburg, east of Elk Point. Here, the Railway Theme Park showcases a restored 60,000-gallon CN water tower and a CN station. Just north of Heinsburg lies the Frog Lake (Massacre) National Historic Site, and on the north shore of Frog Lake, discover the scenic Riel Beach Campground (rielbeach.ca)
Eat, Shop & Stay
St. Paul offers a wide variety of businesses and services along the Highway 29 corridor. Twisted Fork restaurant serves locally inspired cuisine and preserves. In 2023, Twisted Fork became a Preserve - Economusee Artisan at Work. Learn more at artisansaloeuvre.com and discover certified artisans highlighting local products. Another business in St. Paul County is River Ranch, providing ranching adventures and selling grass-fed beef. They are recognized as an Economusee Heritage Space, making them the second Economusee in the St. Paul Region (there are six total in Alberta). The town of St. Paul is one of many francophone communities in the region. You can learn about bilingual tourist routes at tourismealberta.ca.
Grab a delicious coffee and hearty lunch at The Nest and watch for the Farmers’ Markets on Wednesdays and Fridays. Loree’s Antiques & Collectibles is a must-visit for eclectic treasures. Cornerstone Co-op is the go-to place for shopping, with a grocery store, pharmacy, home centre, liquor store, and gas bar. Visit the Onihcikiskwapiwin Trading Post (formerly St. Bride’s Trading Post) for Aboriginal art, craft supplies, fabrics, regalia and more! The Canalta Hotel and Ramada by Wyndham are excellent accommodation choices, featuring amenities like complimentary breakfast, fitness centers, swimming pool, and high-speed internet.