People in historic costumes helping visitors carry supplies outside a white heritage building.

Historic interpreter teaching two visitors inside a canvas tent with weaving materials.

Two visitors playing a traditional outdoor game near a historic white building under sunny skies.

Visitors learning a traditional craft with a historic interpreter inside a wood‑panelled room.

Visitors speaking with an interpreter inside a historic building with displays and tall arched windows.

Victoria Settlement Provincial Historic Site

Victoria Settlement brings the history of Alberta to life with costumed interpreters, historic buildings, and interactive tours. Step into the 1864 Hudson’s Bay Company house that was once the heart of Fort Victoria and learn about the fur trade and the many people who have called this place home. In the restored 1906 church, you can explore exhibits and join a guided tour. From 1860 to 1920, a diverse community lived here. However, the coming of the railway to Smoky Lake, a community north of Pakan, spelled the end of Pakan's prosperity. Today, only scattered reminders of the past are left to tell the stories. Book the Paddle Into the Past Experience to spend a day exploring the fur trade era. After a tour of Metis Crossing, you’ll paddle the North Saskatchewan River in a canoe to Victoria Settlement (watch for beavers!). At the fort, practice portaging fur trader-style, explore the life of the fort clerk, and learn what it was like to raise a family at Fort Victoria.