Rural Road Trip Feature Parish - St. Saviour's, Vermilion

St. Saviour's Anglican Church is located 194 kms east of Edmonton in Vermilion. St. Saviour's is a community that celebrates the grace and love of God in worship and service.

You'll find St. Saviour's at 5212 - 51 Avenue. Stop by the church when you arrive in town and take a selfie out front before checking out some favourite attractions recommended by local community members.

Vermilion is situated on the south bank of the Vermilion River and on the edge of one of the great flyways. Spring and fall offer opportunities for birders to identify migrating species. Observers can watch over the comings and goings of both marsh and water birds from the Birders Hut perched on a promontory overlooking the river.

Vermilion Provincial Park is a fully serviced campground that offers a variety of camping experiences. Walk the wooded trails beside the river, jump in a kayak or canoe and cruise the calm waters as you watch beavers and otters play, or cool off in the water park. The park is located within walking distance of the historical and picturesque downtown.

Downtown Vermilion offers both shopping and an opportunity to explore the history of this vibrant town. Many of the distinctive red-brick buildings remain and give a unique character to the downtown section of Vermilion. Craig's Cornerstone, a traditional “general store,” served the town for many years, but when the original business family decided to retire, enterprising entrepreneurs redesigned the building and it now houses several businesses, including the “Upper Level Gallery” that showcases fine art from local artists. 

As you stroll Vermilion’s Main Street watch for Historical Plaques, stop in for a refreshment at a restaurant or coffee shop, or possibly enjoy a libation at the Copper Cork Brewery. Other shops include two drugstores, several hair cutters, a candy and ice cream shop, an electronics store and gift shops.

Occasionally it does rain in eastern Alberta, and when it does, use the day to explore the Vermilion Museum. Located in the old Vermilion High School, (with a great playground right outside the front doors), this lovingly curated museum is filled with historical artifacts from the past (and not so distant past). It is easy to spend a whole day identifying and remembering items that our parents and grandparents used. The museum is located right next to the “Community Oven” and, if you time it right, you can join locals as they come together to cook their supper in the woodfired oven. (Premade pizzas can be purchased at the local Pizza shop or from a local grocery store). 

Vermilion is a great place to use as a home base for a number of day trips. Situated at the intersection of Highway 16 and 41, you can drive north to the edge of the boreal forest and explore the historical communities of Elk Point, St. Paul, ClanDonald and Marwayne. The interpretive center of Fort George and Buckingham House (outposts of rival fur trading companies) is not to be missed. Perched on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, it dates from the earliest days of the fur trade and is staffed during the summer months. In the spring and fall walk between the two forts. Interpretive signs make this time from the past seem much closer.

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