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150 km north of Edmonton
Forestry, oil, and gas
Approximately 2,815 residents
Kindergarten to grade 12, outreach, and post-secondary
Athabasca is nestled on the forested banks of the river that shares its name. Athabasca takes its name from a Cree word, translated as either “Where there are reeds” or “The place of many waters” Athabasca connects two major drainage basins and was important for transportation – not only to the Indigenous Peoples that lived in the area, but during the fur trade era as well, which means Athabasca is one of a few Alberta towns that predates the Canadian Pacific Railway.
Modern Athabasca provides a gateway to beautiful Northern Alberta with strong economic prospects, natural resources, and tourism exploring the natural environment, history, and cultural significance. This picturesque community has all the essential amenities and services for a comfortable lifestyle for individuals and families of all ages. Discover affordable housing and taxes are on par with other towns in the region – meaning a lower cost of living than in major centres. Public services and parks are excellent for a small town. Browse the year-round farmer’s market or take in a play or concert at the Nancy Appleby Theatre.
There’s a range of schools, plus outreach courses, and two post-secondaries, Athabasca University and Northern Lakes College, offering career training and adult and continuing education courses locally. Whatever age or stage you are, you can always be learning in Athabasca!
There are well-rounded recreation options, including amateur sports, the arts, social and cultural clubs. Discover an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, ball parks, skating rinks, and an indoor swimming pool. The Athabasca Regional Multiplex houses an arena and curling rink, along with meeting spaces and a fitness centre.
Of course, the natural surroundings are a draw for residents and visitors alike. Explore numerous walking trails or multi-use trails that welcome cyclists, cross-country skiers and snowshoers, photographers, and wildlife watchers. Community favorites include the Trans-Canada trails, Muskeg Creek, and Rotary Way, which is wheelchair accessible and hugs the Athabasca River waterfront. Canoers and kayakers love the waterways to explore!
Visit the Town of Athabasca website or Facebook page for more information about making this community your new home.
There are four facilities in Athabasca offering public health services, including services provided through Alberta Health Services (AHS).
The Athabasca Healthcare Centre is an acute care and continuing care facility operated by AHS. This facility contains 27 acute care beds and 23 continuing care beds. Athabasca Healthcare Centre has the equipment and services that span from initial diagnosis through active treatment and recovery. In addition to a 24-hour emergency room, service offered include diagnostic imaging, laboratory, and x-ray, general medicine and inpatient care, obstetrics, pediatrics, pharmacy, and rehabilitative services including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and recreation therapy.
Athabasca residents can access a variety of programs and services through Athabasca Community Health Services. In addition, this facility provides addiction and mental health services for youth and adults. Athabasca Place provides community laboratory services.
Extendicare Athabasca is a continuing care facility providing occupational therapy and therapeutic recreation services for its residents.
Athabasca Community Health services provides immunization services for infants, children, youth, and adults, sexual and reproductive health, and programs to support healthy pregnancies, postpartum, breastfeeding, and car seat safety, public health, and nutrition counseling for youth and adults. This facility provides outpatient occupational therapy and speech language services, in addition to providing a base for home care services.
