Hamlet of Venice
Explore the Character and Landscapes of Rural Alberta
If you’re looking for a quiet stop with small-community charm, Venice, Alberta, is worth discovering. Located in Lac La Biche County, Venice is a rural northern Alberta community with deep roots, a strong sense of heritage, and a welcoming spirit that continues to bring people together.
One of the community’s main gathering places is the Venice Heritage Park, a historical site cared for by the Venice-Hylo Heritage Historical and Preservation Society. The park helps keep the story of Venice and nearby Hylo alive, offering visitors a peaceful place to connect with the area’s past. On the grounds, St. Anne’s Church stands as an important local landmark. The current church was built in the early 1960s, replacing the earlier Holy Redeemer Church, which had served the community since 1924. Although St. Anne’s is no longer an active parish, it remains open for historical purposes and is an important part of the community’s identity. For many people in the region, Venice is best known for the annual Venice Picnic. Recent local coverage describes this long-running community tradition as dating back to 1946, and it is held at Venice Heritage Park. It has the feel of an old-fashioned summer gathering, with food, family activities, and plenty of neighbourly conversation. Visitors can enjoy Italian favourites such as homemade pasta and chicken cacciatore, along with concessions, live music, bingo, children’s activities, ball games, wagon rides, and other outdoor fun. It is a relaxed, family-friendly event that reflects the pride, heritage, and hospitality of the people who keep the tradition going year after year.