Victoria Settlement Provincial Historic Site
Victoria Settlement Provincial Historic Site
Victoria Settlement, located on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, holds a rich historical significance in Alberta. The site encapsulates three pivotal themes in the province's history: missionary activity, the fur trade, and settlement.
In 1862, George McDougall established the Victoria Mission at this very location, which was previously occupied by seasonal camps of the Cree Indigenous people. McDougall's arrival was followed by the establishment of a Hudson's Bay Company trading post and the influx of Métis settlers. This vibrant community eventually changed its name to Pakan, reflecting the diverse cultural fabric that was woven together in this area.During its peak in the early 1900s, Pakan thrived with a population exceeding 100 inhabitants. However, the advent of the railway in Smoky Lake, a nearby community, marked the decline of Pakan's prosperity. As a result, only scattered remnants remain today, offering glimpses into the past and preserving the stories of this once-thriving settlement.