Photos courtesy of La Crete Chamber of Commerce
700 km northwest of Edmonton
Agriculture, oil & gas, and logging
Approximately 3,856 residents
Kindergarten to grade 12
Early French settlers noticed a ridge of land rising over the banks of the Mighty Peace River that looked like a rooster’s comb, or crest, and so, gave the area its name – La Crete. Surrounded by prairie fields and lush forests, with nearby lakes and natural areas to enjoy, life in La Crete is miles from ordinary.
Modern La Crete is a multicultural community. Its Mennonite population contributes to many residents who speak German; however, day-to-day business is conducted in English. Individuals from other parts of Canada and around the world have come to call La Crete home, and the community, in general, is a fairly young one. Residents enjoy a variety of events throughout the year that bring the community together.
In March, the annual Challenge Cup Hockey Tournament takes place at the Northern Lights Recreation Centre. Each spring the La Crete Spring Trade Fair is held in April at the Northern Lights Recreation Centre, with summer events put on by the Agricultural Society, Farmer's Day in June, and Pioneer Days in September celebrate the agricultural history of La Crete, plus golf tournaments held throughout the summer months at the La Crete Golf & Country Club.
The La Crete Ferry, situated at Tompkins Landing, shuttles vehicles across the Peace River southwest of the hamlet. It is one of only a few remaining operational ferries in the province. There’s a campground at one side, offering beautiful views and access to the river, and it’s a lovely place for an afternoon picnic. The Elmwood RV Park, Reinland Park, and Lake Torangeau are among the spaces where people can enjoy water sports, hunting, camping, fishing, snowmobiling. In town, there are paved walking trails, parks, and playgrounds to enjoy year-round.
The La Crete Mennonite Village features many buildings from the original townsite, which dates back to 1918. The area’s rich and colourful local history includes voyageurs, pioneers, draft dodgers, and Mennonites seeking a peaceful place to practice their way of life. While you might fear the remote community is too rustic, rest assured that there’s high speed internet, cell phone coverage, cable, and satellite TV, and other popular amenities. A point of pride is the country band, “High Valley,” best known for “Make you Mine,” “She’s with Me,” and “Grew up on That,” originally hails from Blumenort, near La Crete.
Learn more about this community by visiting La Crete & Area Chamber of Commerce, La Crete - Regional Economic Development Initiative , or MacKenzie County's Facebook page.
There are two Alberta Health Services facilities in La Crete.
The La Crete Community Health Centre is the local hospital, and provides a range of care and health services from initial diagnosis through active treatment and recovery. Services include Lab and X-Ray, Advanced Ambulatory Care, Postpartum, Continuing and Respite Care Physical and Occupational Therapy, and Speech Language Pathology. La Crete residents can access addiction and mental health services through Recovery Alberta at this location.
La Crete Public Health Centre and Homecare provides a range of health services, health information and programs for people of all ages and stages in life, including public health promotion, immunizations, postpartum, breastfeeding, well baby clinics, and bicycle and wheeled safety. People with chronic health conditions can access supports through the Alberta Aids to Daily Living program, as well as the Equipment Loan program. La Crete’s Home Care staff are based out of this facility.
