AQUATIC ATTRACTIONS
DRIVE TO DINE UNIQUE OUT-OF-TOWN EATERIES
GETTING FESTIVE MUST-HAVE GEAR FOR OUTDOOR EVENTS
COMFORT FOOT 6 SIMPLE SUMMER TREATS
VOLMER THE HAMLET THAT DISAPPEARED
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T8N MAGAZINE
VOLUME 12 ISSUE 3
July 2025
PUBLISHER EDITOR
Rob Lightfoot Gene Kosowan
DESIGN & PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT
Isaac White
PHOTOGRAPHY
Stephanie Cragg, Gloria Ge-Weald, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Adobe Stock: Muhammad, Snehit, Iurii, Mariyana M, Quantum Pixels, Bernardo, volff and Pexels: Omer Havivi
CONTRIBUTORS
Stephanie Cragg, Gloria Ge-Weald, Paula E. Kirman, Gene Kosowan
OFFICE MANAGER
Janice Lightfoot
CONTRIBUTING AGENCIES
Adobe Stock
ISSN 2368-707X (PRINT)
ISSN 2368-7088 (ONLINE)
For editorial inquiries or information, contact T8N magazine at info@t8nmagazine.com. Have something to say? Letters, suggestions or ideas can be sent to letters@t8nmagazine.com
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T8N magazine is published 5 times a year by T8N Publishing Inc. Copyright ©2025 T8N Publishing Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited.
Content marked by the Sponsored Content icon was produced in partnership between content producers and T8N magazine.
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Contents
Conversations
5 WHEELS FOR MEALS
There’s dining out, and then there’s dining way out…
Culture
8 RIDERS IN RED
The celebrated RCMP Musical Ride returns to Alberta
Living
10 FOOD & GATHERINGS
Take Comfort
Leisurely recipes created in the spirit of the summer
18 THE 8S
Festive Finery
Funky products designed to keep your festival season in top gear
City
20 MEET YOU THERE
Splash into summer
Get set to get wet at these Alberta waterparks
24 THEN & NOW
Vanishing Point
How the hamlet of Volmer gradually disappeared
27 STIR UP SOME PATRIOTISM!
5 ways to drink in all that national pride
30 FESTIVE FIND
Hunt for 23 local events in this word search puzzle
Rob Lightfoot
NORMALLY,
IT’S T8N’S MISSION TO showcase the best of St. Albert, from its unique locations and personalities to topof-mind issues. But somewhere along the line, much of this edition wound up covering things existing beyond the city’s boundaries.
The good news is that the content remains regional, including our page 5 feature highlighting some popular dining destinations within a two-hour drive. It’s in line with a trend known as culinary tourism, a draw for locals taking more interest in exploring this province. That’s backed up by Travel Alberta reports revealing that tourism has been increasing dramatically since 2023, showing no signs of slowing down.
Naturally, visitors do more than just eat at their recreational destinations. Some prefer to cool off in a lake, river, or even a waterpark. We feature five of the latter throughout the region on page 20. Additionally, fans of festivals scattered province-wide might be interested in a few comfortable accessories, some of which we profile on page 18. Closer to home and on page 24, we examine the extinct hamlet of Volmer, which mysteriously continues a virtual life online.
Those preferring to stay home might want to whip up some cool summer dishes highlighted on page 10, or mix a few Canadian-style drinks featured on page 27.
Whether you long for the open road or opt to skip the journeys, we’re sure you’ll find something in these pages to pique your interest. It’s our way to help you enjoy the summer, regardless of where our stories take you. t8n
On the Cover
Landlocked Alberta might be deprived of a gargantuan body of water to soak away that summer heat, but fortunately, we've made up for that shortcoming with a slew of outdoor waterparks across the province. On page 20, those include a few that are one convenient day trip away.
Wheels for meals
There’s dining out, and then there’s dining way out…
BY: PAULA E. KIRMAN
& GENE KOSOWAN | PHOTOGRAPHY: SUPPLIED BY FEATURED RESTAURANTS
POP CULTURE FOLKLORE
has it that one night in 1976, a very peckish Elvis Presley took a private jet with his gaggle of sycophants from Graceland to Denver to binge on his favorite sandwich called the Fools’ Gold Loaf. It consisted of a hollowed French bread loaf filled with copious amounts of peanut butter, blueberry jam and bacon from the city’s now-defunct eatery The Colorado Mine Company.
Today, you’re not likely to hear the foodie cognoscenti declaring that Presley’s opulent method of satisfying his appetite triggered a movement they call distance eating. It’s far easier to trace more recent trends for its explosion in the hospitality market. One that particularly sticks out was the emergence of the public from the pandemic lockdown in 2022 that enticed ravenous folks to travel great lengths to remote destinations after being cooped up for several months.
Regardless of its origins, distance eating, more formally branded as culinary tourism, is now a thriving industry, reportedly boasting a global market size worth $946.4 billion in 2023, and expected to quadruple by 2032, according to a study issued by market researchers The Brainy Insights. Unlike other travel trends that cite food as a bonus amenity, culinary tourism invites famished patrons to jet to exotic locations primarily to sample those local delicacies, although more inquisitive travelers are often curious about the cultures that inspired those dishes.
Admittedly, such junkets aren’t anywhere near as sophisticated in this neck of the woods, and figuring out how many folks would travel for miles strictly just to nosh isn’t an exact science. Travel Alberta reported in 2024 that tourism in the province hit $12.7 billion in 2023, 20 percent higher than the previous year, when COVID-19 was on the wane.
What’s encouraging is that in 2023, Travel Alberta predicted that leisure traffic within the province was poised to exceed pre-pandemic levels set in 2019. Stats revealed those levels jumped by 47 percent in 2022, after lockdown directives had ended, with visits to rural areas accounting for much of that increase.
How distance eating figures in that mix is speculative, but it is reasonable to assume that distance eating was a contributing factor. After all, if you’re on the road to an Alberta destination, you have to eat sooner or later.
Moreover, provincial tourism is expected to rise even more, as locals fiercely defy U.S. President Donald Trump’s crippling tariffs and threats to annex Canada. It’s a response that’s every bit as pragmatic as it is patriotic, with most Albertans reportedly planning to avoid travel to the States entirely and instead save a few bucks to explore their backyards even more this summer.
Given Travel Alberta’s stats citing that half of its tourist base consists of Albertans, the likelihood of tourism expenditures exceeding 2023 figures seem quite possible.
With all those facts to ponder, we opted to select a few eateries located at various distances from St. Albert up to 200 km. away. For some of the choices, we relied on reviews from travelling patrons on the likes of TripAdvisor and Yelp!, that might be enticing enough for folks to hit the road. Here’s a look at a few establishments we came up with:
0-25 km: Chartier
102-5012-50th St., Beaumont
Beaumont’s Chartier presents French-Canadian food with style and substance. The extensive menus include a brunch featuring an epic, huge cinnamon bun. Lunch and dinner features several options for different appetites and budgets, from a smoked meat sandwich and chicken pot pie to the gigantic and decadent lobster tail poutine. An onsite bakery also specializes in sourdough-based bread and treats. This establishment’s clientele is so loyal, that when the restaurant was faced with having to close in 2023, an anonymous donor invested enough to keep Chartier going.
25-50 km: New Diamond Restaurant
4940-50 Ave., Legal
New Diamond Restaurant has been a mainstay in Legal for over three decades. Serving up common AsianCanadian fare from chicken chow mein to ginger beef, the eatery has earned online raves for its quality, portions, and service. Milton Ng, a Vancouver-based filmmaker and one of the original owner’s sons, is currently producing an “action-zombie” film based on growing up in a small town and working at the restaurant. The film’s crowdfunding campaign video features footage of original owner Paul Ng talking about how he treated customers like friends. When it comes to Legal’s local legacy, New Diamond is a gem.
50-100 km: Mamas’ in the Kitchen
4728-47 St., Alberta Beach
Like the name of the restaurant implies, fans of this popular diner in Alberta Beach enjoy meals reminiscent of home cooking, served in abundantly large portions. Some come for the all-day breakfast, while others rave about the fish and chips. Service also tends to be wonderful, even during peak busy times. Definitely worth a drive for people who like diner food in large quantities.
Regardless of its origins, distance eating, more formally branded as culinary tourism, is now a thriving industry, reportedly boasting a global market size worth $946.4 billion.
100-150
km: Tollers Bistro
2-4801-63 St., Lacombe
Numerous online reviews note that Tollers Bistro in Lacombe has excellent coffee and donuts. However, the menu is far more extensive with a variety of sandwiches, wraps, burgers, soups, salads, rice and noodle bowls, and pasta. Bring the kids, because there is a menu for smaller people 12 and under. If you want to stop in for a coffee–which means choosing from a solid list that includes espresso-based drinks, teas, and drip coffee–consider pairing it with breakfast, which features a selection of omelettes, “Benedicts,” waffles, French toast, and more.
150-200 km: Anaiah’s Family Restaurant
5728-47 Ave., Stettler
This restaurant might be billed as a Filipino-owned establishment, but the proprietors seem to have old-school Canadian-style cuisine down to a tee. Locals rave about Anaiah’s omelettes, while others hanker for other favourites like panini sandwiches, double-patty burgers, and AAA steak. Still, you’ll find a bit of South Pacific heritage on the menu, from the soy sauce and garlic-marinated chicken adobo to the bistek, a Filipino version of beef steak served on rice.
Riders in red
The celebrated RCMP Musical Ride returns to Alberta
BY: GENE KOSOWAN | PHOTOGRAPHY: ROYAL CANADIAN MOUNTED POLICE
THOSE ASKED TO come up with a number of examples that highlight Canada’s identity would be remiss if the RCMP Musical Ride were omitted from the list. For decades, the contingent of 32 scarlet-clad Mounties astride their black horses have entertained Canadians with their equine mastery via a half-hour show that features highlights from criss-cross manoeuvres to the show-stopping charge.
The Musical Ride doesn’t merely demonstrate the superlative skills of the officers and horses involved in the spectacle—a feat in itself—or cast a positive image of the RCMP as national enforcers of the law. It’s also a long-celebrated tradition that dates back to 1887, originating in Regina, where off-duty personnel were looking for an activity to bide their time between patrol shifts. Today, RCMP officers involved in the Musical Ride dedicate three years of their career to taking part in the event that’s enthralled everyone from British royalty to spectators from every region in Canada.
To ensure as many Canadians as possible can see the attraction, the Musical Ride alters its annual schedule so that folks in each province can catch the attraction at least every four years, with as many as 50 stops on each tour. It’s slated to tour Alberta, Quebec and the Northwest Territories this summer, although residents in Wild Rose Country and the rest of the nation were able to witness the equine event in 2023, as the RCMP used the spectacle to help commemorate its 150th anniversary.
But whether the RCMP stages the Musical Ride to celebrate a milestone or entertain the masses to bolster relations with Canadian communities, the event also takes its box office earnings and donates them to local charities.
Where possible, the stables are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily at each tour stop. The Musical Ride members encourage the public to visit them and the horses before and after the performances. There, riders can answer any questions and introduce their horses to folks eager to find out what goes on behind the scenes at such an event. For itinerary updates and additional tour dates, check out rcmp.ca.
RCMP MUSICAL RIDE ALBERTA ITINERARY
Unfortunately, the event doesn’t take place in St. Albert this year, but it does make an appearance in Edmonton and a few places close enough for families to take a day trip.
July 4-6 & July 8-13: Calgary Stampede, Calgary
July 16: Heritage Acres, Pincher Creek
July 18-20: Westerner Days, Red Deer
July 23: St. Paul Agricultural Society, St. Paul
July 24: Cold Lake Agricultural Society, Cold Lake
July 26 & 27: Lloyd Ex Fair, Lloydminster
July 30: Whitemud Equine Learning Centre Association, Edmonton
Aug. 1-3: Strathmore Stampede, Strathmore
Aug. 6 & 7: Medicine Hat Exhibition, Medicine Hat
Aug. 9 & 10: Century Downs Racetrack & Casino, Rocky View
Aug. 13: Camrose Regional Exhibition, Camrose
Aug. 16: Athabasca & District Agricultural Society, Athabasca
Aug. 17: Wabasca Lions Club, Wabasca
Aug. 20: High Level Agricultural Society, High Level
Aug. 21: La Crete Field of Dreams Rodeo Clube, La Crete
Aug. 26: Fairview Agricultural Society, Fairview
Aug. 27: Smoky River Agricultural Society, Donnelly
Aug. 29: Whitecourt District Agricultural Society, Whitecourt
Aug. 30: Gymkhana Grounds, Mayerthorpe
Sept. 1 & 3-7: Spruce Meadows, Calgary
Take Comfort
Leisurely recipes created in the spirit of the summer
BY: GLORIA GE-WEALD | PHOTOGRAPHY: GLORIA GE-WEALD
ONE WAY TO take all the guilt out of creating comfort foods, is ensuring all the ingredients are healthy.. Take advantage of local fresh fruits galore, brightening the summer and our plates. With foliage in abundance, let's explore this season’s offerings for heightened yet simple cuisine. What’s even cooler is that a few of these recipes don’t require a stove or oven.
Buckwheat ’n’ Berries Breakfast
While buckwheat is more commonly eaten with savoury meals or roasted for a crunch, it can also make a hearty alternative to oatmeal for breakfast, especially when its earthy aroma is juxtaposed with the freshest local ingredients.
buckwheat flakes
pinch of sea salt berries of choice
cinnamon half and half cream
(most portion sizes are discretionary)
Bring to a boil a little over double the amount of water that you want to make of the buckwheat. Once boiled, slowly stir in the buckwheat. Continue to stir, lowering temperature to a simmer. Add a pinch of salt. Once the buckwheat is cooked, add in some berries. Pour into a bowl, then garnish with cinnamon, the half and half, and more berries.
Summer Squash and Rosemary Sauté
Even if you don’t have a garden, chances are you may be lucky enough to know someone who has more zucchini than they know what to do with! It is also abundant in markets. Best served over rice and quinoa, although it also works well with lamb or chicken.
4-5 medium zucchini
coconut oil
sea salt and pepper to taste fresh rosemary, minced red onion
(most portion sizes are discretionary)
Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise, then slice into half moon shapes. Slice the red onions and then heat the pan, adding the coconut oil. Add the zucchini and onion to the pan. Mince the fresh rosemary and then add it as well as the salt and pepper. Finally, sauté for a few minutes, as this dish doesn’t take long to make at all!
Fully Loaded Bison Pizza
A recipe which I have fine-tuned over the years, this pizza may be unique, but it shares the same tried and true satisfying pizza experience we have all come to expect from any slice worth its salt in cheese!
1/2 lb. ground bison
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 c. minced red onions + 2 tbsp sliced
1/3 c. fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 serrano pepper
2 tbsp. kalamata or black olives
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1 clove garlic
manchego or white cheddar cheese
soft goat cheese
olive oil
pizza crust
Put about two tablespoons of olive oil in a small jar with a lid. Add half of the chopped clove of garlic and a pinch of salted pepper. Shake well then set aside.
After chopping up all the ingredients, oil and heat a pan on medium then add the bison, half of the red onion, serrano, garlic and spices. Once the bison is cooked and the flavours are combined in the pan, turn it off. Take out the pizza crust and use the olive oil as the base layer marinade. After the oil is evenly distributed, add the bison mixture, then the olives and remaining onion. Add the grated manchego or white cheddar cheese and finish off with dollops of goat cheese. Bake according to the instructions on your pizza crust, generally 12-14 minutes at 350°F. Serve with arugula and a drizzle of olive oil on top.
Raspberry Vinaigrette
This one is so, so good with freshly picked raspberries, refreshing and bright yet juxtaposed with a darker flavour. The result is a very full-bodied dining experience.
A heaping 1/2 c. of raspberries
1/4 c. extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp. maple syrup
pinch of sea salt
Mix all ingredients together in a blender or with an immersion blender. Keep in the refrigerator in an airtight jar. Best if eaten within a few days.
Arugula Manchego Bee Pollen Salad
Wanna take a more exotic approach to creating some edible greens? Here’s a festive salad with eccentricity!
arugula
manchego cheese red onion bee pollen raspberry vinaigrette
(portion sizes are discretionary)
Slice the manchego cheese thinly then break apart into little pieces with your hands. Thinly slice the red onion. Add the arugula to a large salad bowl then cover in the topics and generously pour the raspberry vinaigrette over it.
Paleo Apple Rhubarb Crumble
Last year I was given several boxes of apples from my neighbour, and it’s possible that many of you have been lucky to receive the same. If not, there are always offers for free apple picking through local channels. Of course, the ones available at the farmer’s market are divine, too. Same goes for rhubarb, it’s the epitome of summer! What’s a bonus is that this recipe is quick to make and quick to bake!
Filling:
3 lbs. apples
5 stocks of rhubarb
3 tbsp. orange juice
2.5 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. sea salt
Crumble:
2 c. almond flour
1 tbsp. maple syrup
4 tbsp. melted coconut oil
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. sea salt
Finely slice the apples and rhubarb then add them to a large pan along with the rest of the filing ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bring to a boil then cover the pan and cook on low for 10 minutes. Mix crumble ingredients together while cooking the filling. Place the filling in a 8”x12” dish and top with crumble. Bake for 20 minutes. Delicious warm or cold, try serving it with vanilla ice cream!
TIRED OF WAKING UP TIRED?
You’ve tried the apps. Cut back on caffeine. Even shut down electronics early to clear your mind before bed. You’re doing all the right things, but you still wake up feeling groggy, sore or like you barely slept at all. It’s frustrating, and you’re not alone. A recent study shows most Canadians aren’t meeting Health Canada’s recommended sleep guidelines. Maybe the problem isn’t you—it’s your mattress.
Here’s what many of us don’t consider: your mattress might be doing more harm than good. Most people hang on to theirs well beyond the point where it’s still giving their body the support it needs. Materials wear down. Support shifts. And suddenly, the thing you rely on to recharge is actually leaving you drained.
The good news? Better sleep doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s just one easy step away—walking into The Brick Mattress Store, where their promise is simple: The Right Mattress, Guaranteed.
The Brick Mattress Store’s sleep experts, known affectionately as the Dream Team, are trained to help you find real solutions to your sleep challenges. They’ll ask the questions no online quiz can.
Does your partner snore? An adjustable base could help. Do you run hot at night? There’s cooling technology for that. Not sure if you prefer soft or firm? No worries, you can try out every option in store until you find what works best.
With a huge selection of mattresses—from plush to firm, pocket coils to specialty foam—plus adjustable bases, breathable pillows and mattress protectors that preserve your investment, they’ll match you with your ideal setup.
Best of all, The Brick Mattress Store makes it risk-free. With their 180-night satisfaction guarantee, you can bring your mattress home and sleep on it—literally. If it’s not the perfect fit, the Dream Team will help you find one that is. Plus, with their 90-day price guarantee, if you find a lower price, they’ll refund the difference.*
Better sleep isn’t just about what you do leading up to bedtime. It starts with the right foundation—and the right team to help you find it. Because the hours you spend in bed set the tone for the ones you spend out of it.
*Some conditions apply.
BETTER SLEEP IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK
The Brick Mattress Store is here to help. The sleep experts on our Dream Team ask the right questions to turn tossing and turning into deep, restorative sleep. Because seizing the day begins with seizing the night before. Visit The Brick Mattress Store in St. Albert to find The Right Mattress, Guaranteed today!
Festive Finery
Funky products designed to keep your festival season in top gear
BY: STEPHANIE CRAGG | PHOTOGRAPHY: STEPHANIE CRAGG
WE’RE FORTUNATE TO live where festivals big and small cater to a huge variety of interests. The festival season starts and off we go: blocking off schedules, planning out parking or transit, and highlighting specific acts in our guides.
Ah, but the smartest festival goers are also making packing lists of the must-haves. They know that there are items that can make or break their experiences. We’ve started a list for you, so that you can soak up all the joy of our festivals, while staying comfortable, stylish and protected. You’ll also be the envy of those who did not think ahead when they spot you with your clever and useful gear.
For Trendy
For Fashion
Calypso
Party purse ($19.99)
Limitless Luggage, 215-375 St. Albert Tr.
top by Oh My Gauze ($118) Necklace ($20)
Zsiska beads ($23-40)
Striped CC boater sun hat by Modinno ($55) Ennoja, 101-5 Perron St.
For Recollection
Fuji Film Instax Mini 41 instant
film camera ($129.99)
For Protection
Patagonia Capilene cool dry hoody with quick-drying HeiQ odor-control ( Track N Trail, 107-130 Bellerose Dr.
For Attention
For Refreshing
Cala cooling towel ($14.99 Cloud Nine Pajamas, 44 St. Thomas St.
For Relief
Relaxus USB rechargeable hand fan ($20)
McBain Camera, 115-375 St. Albert Tr.
Wella hair dyes (striping starts at $150), Bliss Hair by Design, 224-7 St. Anne St.
Cloud Nine Pajamas, 44 St. Thomas St.
Splash into summer
Get set to get wet at these Alberta waterparks
BY: GLORIA GE-WEALD
PHOTOGRAPHY: PEMBINA RIVER TUBING, SYLVAN LAKE AQUA SPLASH
FUN FOR FAMILY, friends or even dipping solo, these parks within a couple hour’s drive from Edmonton will liven up your summer vibes with an out-of-city experience that is still close enough for a day trip. From exhaustingly dynamic to chill and easy, you can find something here for all moods, energy levels and ages.
Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash
Fittingly, the first up on this list is the first-ever, open-water park in Alberta. Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash has a seemingly endless array of things to slide, climb and bounce on, including an oversized trampoline, launch pad, 90-degree sloped speed curve, 15-foot slide, 15-foot climbing wall, monkey bars, bridges and so much more. The paths themselves are floating; you can either choose to trek it or jump right in the lake as you go! Due to the large and dynamic range of the play zone, children under five are not currently permitted, and all patrons must be a minimum of 3’ 6” in height to participate.
5104 Lakeshore Dr., Sylvan Lake. 163 km south via Hwy. 2
McKay Ranch Abbey Outdoor Aquatic Centre
With a zero-depth entrance and a tiny tots area, the McKay Ranch Abbey Outdoor Aquatic Centre is truly family-friendly for all ages. Relax in the 26-person hot tub after swimming some laps in the four-lane junior Olympic-sized pool featuring a one-metre diving board, climbing the 10-foot rock wall or dropping down the three-story water slides. After that, you may want to cool off in the spray park or grab a bite to eat at the mobile meals and munchies concession. You’re also welcome to bring food from home or another restaurant if you eat it in the outdoor green area.
4500 Womacks Rd, Blackfalds 146 km south via Hwy. 2
Festival Park
Formerly named Rotary Park, Festival Park boasts the most varied kinds of activities available within its perimeter. From tubing to fishing, a splash park to an off-leash dog area, barbecue zone and concession, jumbo inflatable bouncy jumper, and even a playground, (the tallest play structure in Alberta, as a matter of fact!), Whitecourt’s self-proclaimed gem of the community
SIGIS is thankful for our dedicated team of Educators! Thank you to all the families who continue to support and believe in SIGIS!
combines bathing suit-friendly activities alongside furry friend friendly spaces. And the real kicker is, it’s all free! Please note, though there is an air filling station available, tube rentals are not available, so come prepared with your own if the river slides are what you have in mind.
51 St., Whitecourt 180km north-west via Hwy. 43
Discovery Canyon
Also free is Red Deer’s Discovery Canyon, though this site does offer tube rentals for 6 bucks. Featuring a natural river-fed bubbling water pool, a recreation centre and hiking trails through the surrounding woods, Riverbend Golf & Recreation Centre has created the perfect way for golf lovers to get a few rounds in while keeping their families happy, too! Of course, you’re welcome to forgo the mowed green and stick to the lazy river. The water in the tubing area reaches about 2.5 feet deep and there are no lifeguards on duty, so just be mindful of that when bringing smaller children.
3800 River Bend Dr., Red Deer, 161km south via Hwy. 2
Pembina Tubing
Last but not least, the Pembina River Tubing site is the shortest drive on the list. Starting just south of Entwistle, the gentle current will take its time bringing you through the river’s 62-meter Ice Age-created gorge, giving you plenty of opportunity to relax in nature as the Pembina winds. Due to this distance from the end point, shuttles are offered to take tubers back to their vehicles, though many parties prefer to park a vehicle at each location and carpool back. Parking costs $8 and—depending on rentals—shuttle ride fees vary between $18-27.
53217 Range Rd. 74A, Entwistle, 106km west via Hwy. 16
Vanishing Point
Vanishing Point Vanishing Point
Vanishing Point Vanishing Point
How the hamlet of Volmer gradually disappeared
BY: GENE KOSOWAN | PHOTOGRAPHY: GLORIA DE-WEALD
GIVEN THAT 2025 marks 120 years since Alberta entered Confederation, its subsequent push towards prosperity has been remarkably quick. For that, you can thank in large part a national railway system built in the 19th century to connect the nation, a wheat boom early in the 20th century, and the discovery of oil in Leduc in 1947, all of which gave birth to the province’s reputation as a global economic player.
Granted, urban centres like Edmonton and Calgary and a few rural regions benefited from that growth, although in the name of progress, several communities—from Alderson to Yates—failed to make the cut over time. Another such spot was the hamlet of Volmer, less than 10 km north of St. Albert, situated at what is now the intersection of Hwy. 37 and Range Road 255. In its prime, Volmer was a critical railway whistle stop for farmers to export their crops. Today, aside from written accounts and anecdotes from former residents who are still alive, you’d be hardpressed to find any evidence that the community ever existed.
1900s-1920s
Volmer first came into being in 1908, when farmers petitioned the Canadian Northern Railroad, at the time expanding from Edmonton to Athabasca, to establish a stop in the area. The railroad complied by purchasing some land to make it possible, including some property owned by livestock farmer Joseph Vollmer. A railway agent suggested naming the stop after Volmer, insisting that the spelling be changed slightly.
A joint venture by farmers to subsidize the purchase of six more acres, where they built a station and stockyard, quickly followed. Once the station was built, a general store and post office was opened by Emile Makus, Volmer’s first postmaster. Meanwhile, the Gillespie Grain Company built the hamlet’s first grain elevator, which became so successful, locals built another elevator in 1928.
Although a school had existed in the area since 1897, the hamlet benefited from a new schoolhouse and teacher’s residence built in 1927. The Volmer School also doubled as a venue for sporting events and recreational gatherings.
1930s-1940s
William Wood, an entrepreneur who took over the general store in 1924 and expanded it to include selling farm equipment, a blacksmith shop, and a trucking firm, died in 1933, leaving his wife Martha to become postmistress and run the operation until 1941. After changing hands once again, the store expanded services to include an Imperial Oil service station.
Volmer’s prosperity seemed assured until 1945, when fire destroyed the Gillespie elevator. Hamlet residents and farmers in the vicinity were devastated over the news, which worsened when the CNR decided to discontinue the railroad line, which in turn prompted the dismantling of the other elevator. To most folks in the area, the inferno marked the beginning of the end of Volmer.
1950s-1960s
Sturgeon School Division No. 24 decided to shut down the Volmer School in 1954, leaving whatever residents that remained to arrange for their children to pursue their education elsewhere. Additionally, the closure of the school eliminated the only venue that the hamlet could use for social activities. Three years later, the property previously occupied by the school was sold as farmland.
The post office that operated in the general store eventually shut down in 1968, with residents in the area switching over to mail delivery. Mrs. Anne Bambush, whose husband purchased the general store in 1948, wound up being Volmer’s final postmistress.
1970s-2000s
By the mid-’80s, the only business still in operation was the general store under the proprietorship of Stan and Evelyn Walker. However, the business eventually closed down and the building was dismantled. And although the school was long gone, the Volmer School District was still recognized as part of Sturgeon School District No. 24.
Today
If you head out to the junction of Hwy. 37 and Range Road 255 (accessible via Hwy. 2. a few km north of St. Albert, then heading west), all you’ll find are crop fields, with nary a standing structure indicating that Volmer ever existed. Immediately west, however, you’ll find a sign visible on the south side of Hwy. 37 revealing that the spot was where the old Volmer School was located.
Oddly enough, Volmer still exists in the virtual world. Simply type into Google Maps the search words Volmer, Alberta, and you’ll see a marker for the hamlet on your screen pointing to the junction.
ONE NIGHT IN VOLMER
Despite Volmer’s short history, the hamlet wasn’t without its misadventures. Tony Iseke wrote in the St. Albert biography, The Black Robe’s Vision (the primary source for this piece), about one particularly hilarious night in the community.
“During the winter months, the men of the district congregated at the Volmer Store for quite a different pastime—regular poker playing nights. I recall one cold winter night when my dad, Henry Iseke, drove with horse and cutter to join in one of these sessions, and stayed 'til the wee small hours of the morning.
“The horse, tired of waiting for his driver, released himself from the hitching post, leaving my dad to walk home. When he reached the farmstead, he found the horse patiently standing at the barn door waiting to be put in for the night.”
5 ways to drink in all that national pride
BY: GENE KOSOWAN
IN THE WAKE of the 51st State threats from stateside, Canadians have demonstrated their true patriot love like never before. But folks can do more than brandish the coveted maple leaf to show off all that national pride. For openers, consider these domestic cocktails, ideal to serve not only on Canada Day, but all summer long.
The Angry Canadian
The appellation for this whistle-wetter is pretty timely, although it’s been around for more than a decade. Credit Calgarian Steve Johnston for this 2013 creation, a Canuck take on the Old Fashioned, and a beverage that’s the perfect imbibement metaphor for the frosty relationship Canada has had with the U.S. of late. But contrary to the demeanour suggested by the beverage’s moniker, this one goes down rather smoothly with a touch of sweetness. It’s also a simple drink to make, involving two ounces of Canadian (What else, eh?) rye, then adding a teaspoon of maple syrup, two dashes of Angostura bitters, a Maraschino cherry and a few ice cubes.
The B-52
Forget about that gargantuan star-spangled bomber, which many people believe inspired this drink. Banff Springs Hotel bartender Peter Fich actually named this late 1970s creation after his favourite band, the B-52s, and from the contents alone, it’s clear that this shot-glass concoction got the whole Rocky Mountain joint hopping to the point where it became a globally-known shooter. Allegedly packing the punch of a “Rock Lobster,” this B-52 has the right stuff to shake things up all the way from Canada to “Planet Claire.”
To get in tune with the drink, start with a layer of coffee liqueur like Kahlua or Tia Maria, very carefully pour another layer of Bailey’s on top, and cap it off cautiously with some Grand Marnier. To prevent the layers from mixing during the whole process, pour the Bailey’s and Grand Marnier into the shot glass over the back of a spoon.
The Caesar
While the origins of this clam-juice beverage vary, the Caesar with which we’re most familiar was the result of a brainchild by Calgary Inn bartender Walter Chell, who in 1969 spent months on the formula before its introduction. The drink, originally dubbed the Bloody Caesar, has since become Canada’s official drink, although it’s still virtually unknown outside the country. Anecdotes of bartenders in the U.S. mistaking the Caesar for the Bloody Mary are apparently quite common, every time a neighbour from the north orders one.
Making a Caesar starts with rubbing the glass rim with lime, before placing the glass upside down on a thin pile of celery salt. Then add one and a half ounces of vodka, two dashes of Tobasco sauce, three dashes of salt and pepper, and four dashes of Worcestershire sauce and five ounces of clamato juice. Then add ice, and mix and garnish with a short celery stick.
The Donald Sutherland
You’d be have to search far and wide to find a cocktail named after a Hollywood-based actor, although the non-alcohol Shirley Temple might immediately spring to mind. But in eastern Canada, film legend Donald Sutherland—best-known for his roles in the original “M*A*S*H,” “Kelly’s Heroes,” and “The Hunger Games” (and recognized more by Gen-X types as Kiefer’s dad)—is celebrated with a drink that hearkens his own fondness for Canadian rye whiskey.
Not surprisingly, the base of the concoction is Canadian Club, roughly two and a quarter ounces of it, mixed with three quarters of an ounce of Drambuie, complete with an ice cube and garnished with a lemon twist. It’s best imbibed before anyone reminds revelers that the drink is loosely based on the Rusty Nail.
The Maple Leaf
While this entry might suffice as a liquid anthem for the entire country to enjoy, it was actually introduced in 2007 at an exclusive bash at Toronto’s posh Four Seasons Hotel to inaugurate its new executive chef at the time.
Creating this Hogtown wonder involves mixing one and a half ounces of Canadian rye whiskey with a dash of maple liqueur and a dash of Angostura bitters. The capper, however, is the garnish, created by drizzling maple syrup into a bowl of ice until the stuff morphs into a taffy, which is then skewered with a swizzle stick and dipped into the cocktail.
That tricky syrup manoeuvre, however, might be a few degrees too difficult to perform in a regular bar setting, which could in part explain why it hasn’t quite caught on with the rest of the country. Others find an easier remedy by using cinnamon sticks instead.
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Festive Find
Hunt for 23 local events in this word search puzzle
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