Located on the northwest shores of Pigeon Lake in Alberta, Rundle's Mission is both a provincial historic site and a national monument. It is named after Reverend Robert Rundle a British Wesleyan Methodist missionary that worked for the Hudson's...
Located on the northwest shores of Pigeon Lake in Alberta, Rundle's Mission is both a provincial historic site and a national monument. It is named after Reverend Robert Rundle a British Wesleyan Methodist missionary that worked for the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC). In 1847, he received approval to build his mission overlooking Pigeon Lake. He met with and became friends with the First Nations (Plains Cree and Stoney Nakoda) people that travelled and gathered in the area. He learned their languages and customs. He is recognized by Historic Sites and Monument Board of Canada for introducing agriculture to the area. He returned to England in 1848 due to an injury and left the mission to his friend, Benjamin Sinclair a Metis man from New Norway and Methodist missionary.
Fun fact: Banff's famous Rundle Mountain is named after Reverend Robert Rundle.
Today Rundle's Mission is still a gathering place with events and programs, nature trails and group accommodations.
Rev. Robert Rundel chose this site to build a permanent mission. Life was tough in 1847 as periodic food shortages were common. Rundel picked this location for its year round artisanal well, a lake full of fish and land suitable for introducing...
Rev. Robert Rundel chose this site to build a permanent mission. Life was tough in 1847 as periodic food shortages were common. Rundel picked this location for its year round artisanal well, a lake full of fish and land suitable for introducing agriculture to the area.
I have always enjoyed visiting Rundle's Mission and attending community events here during the summer. It is a special place for people that reside, visit and have vacation cottages on the lake.
This tiny church was built in 1912 to serve the community. It is open to the public to visit. Inside there are just 4 pews and a small organ. It can hold up to 35 people.
The Tipi is dedicated to Chief Maskipeton (Broken Arm) and his People. He...
This tiny church was built in 1912 to serve the community. It is open to the public to visit. Inside there are just 4 pews and a small organ. It can hold up to 35 people.
The Tipi is dedicated to Chief Maskipeton (Broken Arm) and his People. He was a Cree leader, warrior, Christian, a peacemaker, and a martyr. Now school children attend programs here to learn about Chief Maskipton and his people.
The Lakeshore Lookout is a newer addition to Rundle's Mission. The gazebo is a nice spot to sit and watch people playing on the water, the birds or just to rest and enjoy nature.
Rundle's Mission was recognized by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada in 1965 for the role the mission played in introducing agriculture to the area.
Rev. Robert Rundel planted the first garden on the site with the help of a Cree lady named Susette Witaskimakan. Together they planted beans as the first crop.
The 89 hectare nature conservancy has approximately 8km of trails for hiking, biking, snowshoeing and groomed cross-country skiing. Wildlife such as deer and moose are common here.
Built in the 1920's this is a nondenominational cemetery that is open to the community. It is a very peaceful and serene resting place for those who loved Pigeon Lake.
The Beach House is one of the accommodation options available at Rundle's Mission. It has 5 bedrooms, one of which is accessible. The common spaces include a dining room, living room and kitchen.
The Country Cottage has five bedrooms each with its own full bath. One of the rooms is accessible. The common area in the centre of the cottage has a dining room, living room and kitchen. The cottage also has a BBQ and fire pit.
The Memorial Lodge was built by master craftsman Hobart Dowler in 1957. This rustic log building has two stone fireplaces and a large deck overlooking Pigeon Lake. It can be booked for weddings and events for up to 100 people. The Lodge also has...
The Memorial Lodge was built by master craftsman Hobart Dowler in 1957. This rustic log building has two stone fireplaces and a large deck overlooking Pigeon Lake. It can be booked for weddings and events for up to 100 people. The Lodge also has group accommodations for 24 guests.
Hobart Dowler, the guy who built this one also built the Old Timer's Cabins in both Edmonton and Calgary, The Pioneer Cabin in Red Deer, Camp Maskeptoon (that I went to as a child) and Camp Whohelo on Pigeon Lake and two for the Alpine Club of Canada - Wates-Gibson Hut in Jasper and Stanley Mitchell hut in Yoho National Park. More ...