Rural Road Trip Feature Parish - St. Matthew's, Viking

St. Matthew’s Anglican Church is located 135 kms east of Edmonton in the community of Viking. St. Matthew’s is a parish that worships God, follows Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit loves others.

The town of Viking is located at the intersection of Highway 14 (Poundmaker Trail) and Highway 36 (Veterans Memorial Highway). Settled primarily by Scandinavian settlers — hence the name “Viking” — the community’s cultural and historical roots can be seen around town. 

St. Matthew’s Anglican Church itself is a local attraction in the town of Viking. The small church was built in 1935 in a “unique 16th-century design,” a miniature copy of a cathedral in England. 

The local CN Rail Station (still an active Via Rail stop), has been restored as the Station Gallery where you can enjoy a fine cup of tea or coffee with a meal and then spend time browsing the art gallery with its unique collection of Scandinavian Rosemaling items. 

Adjacent to the station is Troll Park, a naturalization park, with a Scandinavian theme, including trolls that in Scandinavian folklore are supernatural beings represented as dwarfs. The park also contains many Scandinavian native plants. 

Enjoy a round of golf at the Viking Golf and Country Club or visit the Viking Historical Museum in the old hospital building. Don’t leave town without stopping in at Viking Meats on Hwy 36 to grab a handful of Viking Wieners, made and sold only in Viking. You’re guaranteed to find yourself driving back to Viking Meats for your fill!

Fan of Hockey? The Sutter Brothers grew up east of Viking and spent many of their days at the Carena Rink. After an unfortunate fire that destroyed the original rink, a new Carena Complex was built. The town sold raffle tickets for cars to help raise money for the original Viking arena, hence the name “Carena”. The front mural was saved at the original site and stands today where the Carena was located and where the Sutter brothers learned the game of hockey on their way to the NHL.

**Please Note: When visiting Viking and area, please adhere to the guidelines mandated in Alberta. Stay 6ft apart. Wear a mask. Stay home if you are sick.