Castor, Alberta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Castor
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Town
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| Town of Castor | |
Welcome sign in Castor
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 Castor
Location in Alberta
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Alberta |
| Region | Central Alberta |
| Census division | 7 |
| Municipal district | County of Paintearth No. 18 |
| Incorporated | |
| • Village | November 26, 1909 |
| • Town | June 27, 1910 |
| Area
(2021)
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| • Land | 2.61 km2 (1.01 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 816 m (2,677 ft) |
| Population
(2021)
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| • Total | 803 |
| • Density | 307.9/km2 (797/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC−7 (MST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−6 (MDT) |
| Postal code span |
T0C 0X0
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| Area code(s) | 403, 587 |
| Highways | Highway 12 Highway 36 |
| Waterways | Battle River Sullivan Lake |
Castor is a town in Alberta, Canada. It's found where Highway 12 and Highway 861 meet. This town is about 143 kilometers (89 miles) east of Red Deer. It sits high up, at 816 meters (2,677 feet) above sea level.
The name Castor comes from French and Latin words meaning 'beaver'. The town is famous for its amazing bird migrations in the fall. Many ducks and geese stop here on their long journeys. This is because Castor has many great resting spots for waterfowl.
Contents
Discovering Castor's Past
The area where Castor is located began to be settled around the early 1900s. The town officially became a village on November 26, 1909. It was then incorporated as a town on June 27, 1910.
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Who Lives in Castor?
In 2021, Statistics Canada counted the population of Castor as 803 people. These residents lived in 383 homes out of 426 available houses. This was a change from its 2016 population of 929 people.
The town covers a land area of about 2.61 square kilometers (1.01 square miles). This means there were about 308 people living in each square kilometer in 2021.
Fun Things to Do in Castor
Castor is a popular place to visit, especially in the summer. A unique feature is Castor Creek. This creek winds around the north-east side of town. It's surrounded by cool sandstone cliffs. Visitors often see lots of wildlife here.
Exploring Castor Creek
The creek is one of the best spots in the Alberta prairies for kayaking and paddleboarding. You can also enjoy motor-boating and swimming. In dry years, natural beaches appear at the bottom of the cliffs. These are perfect for docking your kayak.
Castor's Museums and History
Castor has many interesting museums to explore:
- The town's original hospital, built in 1911.
- The Machine Shed Museum.
- The Pharmacy Museum, located in the town's first drug store.
- The Beaver School Museum.
- The historic All Saints Anglican Church.
- The Grain Elevator Historical Site.
- The Train Station Museum.
What Drives Castor's Economy?
The main ways people make a living in Castor are through agriculture (farming). Other important jobs are in mining and services related to oil and gas.
Important Services in Town
Castor is home to the Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital. This hospital provides important healthcare services to the community.
Learning in Castor
The Town of Castor has two schools for students:
- Gus Wetter School, which is a public school.
- Theresetta Catholic School, which is a Catholic school.
A fun fact for those who know Castor is the name of Gus Wetter's school sports teams: The Castor Raiders!
Local News and Stories
The local newspaper is called the Castor Advance. It shares news and events happening in Castor. It also covers stories from nearby communities.
Castor in Books
A famous writer named W. O. Mitchell was a teacher in Castor. While he was there, he wrote his well-known novel, Who Has Seen the Wind.
Famous People from Castor
- Darcy Tucker, a former professional hockey player.
