Visitors

The first visitors to what is now Drayton Valley were explorers and hunters working in the fur trade. When they arrived in this corner of Alberta they found a splendid valley with tall and thick pines all around.

It was at the turn of the 20th century when the first permanent European settlers arrived in the area. They made their living as lumberjacks and trappers. No road connection existed with Edmonton, and the North Saskatchewan River was their only connection to the outside world. The area remained a quiet backwater for almost half a century until in 1953, oil was discovered in the area. Drayton Valley grew from a population of approximately 75  to 2,000 within a year. Oil and gas has since remained as the primary economic base of the community. The Pembina oil field is Canada’s largest and most prolific oil field, encompassing more than 900 square miles.

Many of the local attractions are linked to the area’s industrial history. The pump jacks that dot the landscape are an essential part of the town—not only industrially, but also, in spirit. Close to the Omniplex, looms a large pump jack painted in the town’s colors.

Visit our parks and relax in a gazebo or listen to the babbling of the creek. Bring the family and have a picnic in Lions West Valley Park. Walk the extensive trails and get a close and personal experience of the Town. Take in the Drayton Valley and District Historical Society Museum or visit the Farmers’ Market at the Omniplex every Wednesday.

A unique feature of Drayton Valley is the newly developed main street streetscape concept.   The downtown redevelopment is underway with local businesses renovating their store fronts that look out to the town’s new sidewalks that easily accommodate large strollers and wheel chairs.

Are you a hockey lover? Then head on down to the Omniplex and see the Drayton Valley Thunder. They joined the Alberta Junior Hockey League in the 1998-1999 season and they play a fast-paced, highly skilled game.