8 Best Things To Do In Wetaskiwin, Canada

1. Learn about the history of machines at Reynolds-Alberta Museum

While not strictly the history of machines per se, Reynolds-Alberta Museum in Wetaskiwin focuses on the industrial, agricultural, and transportation history in relation to machines and vehicles. The museum was conceptualized by a local man named Stan Reynolds who at first had a personal collection of machines including airplanes and automobiles. In the mid-80s he donated his 850-piece collection to the government of Alberta and in 1992, the museum officially opened. Currently, there are over 6,000 different pieces on display in their 89-hectares (220 acres) property.

Reynolds-Alberta Museum

Address: 6426 40 Ave, Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 2G1

Website: Reynolds-Alberta Museum

Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

Price: 10 - 15 USD

2. Spend a day by the lake at By-the-Lake Park

With a name like By-the-Lake Park, you’ll get what the name delivers. The park is a local hot spot for people to come and spend some time by the water, go for walks along the trails, or bike around and get some exercise. There is plenty of greenery around the lake so you’ll feel immersed in nature while you’re here and there are amenities on site like a hall, benches, and picnic spaces.

By-the-Lake Park

Address: 56 Ave, Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 3C9

Website: By-the-Lake Park

Opening hours: 8:30am - 10pm (daily)

Price: Free

3. Drop by Wetaskiwin & District Heritage Museum and Museum Society

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Wetaskiwin & District Heritage Museum and Museum Society was established in 1986 and brings the history of the area to life. The museum operates as a non-profit and exhibits the human and natural history of the area with special emphasis on the Cree people of Wetaskiwin. The museum has a collection of 14,000 artifacts with interactive displays like a heritage house with period-accurate furniture and archaeological fossils and artifacts. The museum is wheelchair accessible and has plenty of child-friendly exhibits including one dedicated to children’s education specifically.

Wetaskiwin & District Heritage Museum and Museum Society

Address: 5007 50 Ave, Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 0S3

Website: Wetaskiwin & District Heritage Museum and Museum Society

Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed from Sun - Tue)

Price: Free (with donation)

4. Learn a lot at Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame

Attached to Reynolds-Alberta Museum, Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame is dedicated to showcasing the history and Canadian pioneers who contributed to the field of aviation. After the railroad, one of the most important methods of transportation for uniting the country was air travel. As much of Canada’s territory is inaccessible on land travel, it was up to the science of aviation to bring distant regions closer and enhance social and economic opportunities. The museum has thousands of artifacts as well as tons of information available about the aviators and machines that put Canada on the aviation map.

Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame

Address: 6426 - 40 Avenue, 40 Ave, Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 0N3

Website: Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 7 - 13 USD

5. Grab a bite at Huckleberry's Cafe

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Huckleberry’s Cafe has been a part of not only the Wetaskiwin community but the whole central Alberta region for over 25 years. Specializing in steak and prime rib, Huckleberry’s Cafe also aims to bring the most natural and locally sourced food to their loyal customers. Everything else from their dressing to their sauces is all made on the premises, ensuring that their customers are served only the finest food. Make sure to try their specialty dill pickle soup!

Huckleberry's Cafe

Address: 3840 56 St, Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 2B2

Website: Huckleberry’s Cafe

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 8pm (closed on Sun)

Price: 10 - 50 USD

6. Grab a drink at Barney's Pub & Grill

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Barney’s Pub & Grill brings both a classy atmosphere and fun environment to the people of Wetaskiwin. Barney’s has some great food if you’re there to do some dining that spans savory steaks to classic bar fare. They also have a wide selection of beer on tap from local breweries as well as imported favorites. Indulge in some Alberta craft beer and relax in the lounge area or bring a couple of friends and celebrate happy hour after a long week.

Barney's Pub & Grill

Address: 4103 56 St, Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 1V2

Website: Barney’s Pub & Grill

Opening hours: 10am - 2pm (daily)

Price: 10 - 60 USD

7. Spend a day at Edmonton International Raceway

Don’t let the name fool you, Edmonton International Raceway is actually located in Wetaskiwin. The racetrack is the official raceway of NASCAR in Alberta and has been hosting events and races since it opened in 2002. The raceway is actually the first in Canada to be sanctioned by NASCAR and has hosted the Canadian NASCAR series over five times. The track offers other services besides races. Guests can reserve the track for themselves and drive their own vehicle around the oval or even test drive some stock cars.

Edmonton International Raceway

Address: 244047A, Township Rd 464, Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 2B7

Website: Edmonton International Raceway

Opening hours: 9am - 10pm (daily)

Price: 20 - 100 USD

8. Hit the slopes at Gwynne Valley Ski Area

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Canadians do not shy away from winter and winter activities. So you better believe that when the snow hits the mountains, so do all the skiers and snowboarders out there. Gwynne Valley Ski Area has a variety of mountains that appeal to anyone from the beginner to ski experts. There are also some family-friendly activities that appeal to kids like tubing hills and a play area. For the inexperienced, they also have a ski school and rental equipment so you can learn and head down the hills in no time.

Gwynne Valley Ski Area

Address: Range Rd 231, Wetaskiwin County No. 10, AB T0C 1L0

Website: Gwynne Valley Ski Area

Opening hours: Fri: 4pm - 10pm; Sat - Sun: 8am - 10pm (closed from Mon - Thu)

Price: 10 - 40 USD

When in Wetaskiwin

Wetaskiwin is a fun little town that shouldn’t be overlooked when traveling through Alberta. With beautiful natural landscapes and plenty of outdoor fun to be had, spending a day outside in Wetaskiwin is a must. But there are also tons of museums and cultural sites that are just as interesting and pumps life into the area.