Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village

A few minutes drive east of Elk Island National Park along the Yellowhead Highway is the Ukrainian Heritage Village. Established in the 1970s, this open-air museum preserves the cultural heritage of the many immigrants from Bukovina and the Ukraine who settled in what is now Alberta in the 1890s. An interesting display in the Visitor Center provides information about the reasons behind these migrations and the years of hardship experienced in the new homeland. The latest Ukrainian settlements in Alberta are also featured.

Various historic buildings have been reconstructed on the site, the pale onion dome of a Ukrainian church being visible from afar. "Living History' is presented in an old school, a traditional farmstead, an old smithy and an old-fashioned general store. Museum staff in traditional costume people the houses and demonstrate old crafts. Folk-dances from back home are also sometimes performed.