ECHOES OF THE PAST BETHLEHEM Every year, hundreds of people visit Fort Assiniboine for an annual Christmas tradition, “Journey to Bethlehem.” The tradition was started in 1998 by the Fort Assiniboine Friends Christian Community and takes visitors on a non-denominational 20 minute interactive play through the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem to register for the census, and understand what Mary and Joseph experienced more than 2,000 years ago. Visitors will encounter soldiers, beggars, shepherds, and a prophet on their way to see the stable where Jesus is born.
World’s Largest Wagon Wheel and Pick
SANDHILLS
SNAKE PIT
While in the area, take time to walk through the trails at the Fort Assiniboine Sandhills Wildland Provincial Park. If you have your own horse it is a perfect place for a trail ride.
In the heart of the county lies an intriguing tourist attraction: a garter snake pit. The pit is located beside the museum on Main Street. The snake pit is a fenced in area where the snakes breed at specific times throughout the year. The pit holds hundreds of snakes. Don’t worry, the snakes won’t hurt you. Informational signs at the site will give you information all about the species and breeds of the snakes. The attraction is free.
While ATV riding is not allowed in the park, directly across from it is a campground with sand dunes for the off-highway vehicle enthusiast. This site is located just a few kilometres from the Klondyke Ferry.
CAMPING There are numerous camping locations in the Fort Assiniboine area. One such campground offers up a bit of adrenaline with your stay - if you so choose. The Woodlands RV Park and Marina offers visitors the chance to take a jet boat ride down the Athabasca River. To book your ride call 780-584-2222 or email woodlandsrvpark@gmail.com.
The walk-through nativity story starts at the St. John Vianney Catholic Church on Main Street in Fort Assiniboine and ends at the Friendship Centre or museum. The event runs from 6:30pm - 8:30 p.m. on November 18-19 & 25-26. Music and entertainment is featured at the Catholic Church, with refreshments hosted at the Friendship Centre. As the nativity walk-through is held entirely outdoors, proper winter attire is recommended.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR November 18 -19, 2017 November 25 - 26, 2017
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Snake Pit
Regional Municipal Office
1-866-584-3866
Journey to Bethlehem 2017 Fort Assiniboine
whitecourtwoodlandstourism.com Your Guide to Whitecourt & Woodlands County
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