Dunvegan, Alberta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dunvegan
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Dunvegan Bridge
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 Dunvegan
Location in M.D. of Fairview
Dunvegan
Location in Alberta
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Alberta |
| Census division | No. 19 |
| Municipal district | Municipal District of Fairview No. 136 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Unincorporated |
| Population | |
| • Total | 150 |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (MST) |
Dunvegan is a small, unincorporated community in northern Alberta, Canada. It's located about 26 kilometers (16 miles) south of the town of Fairview. This community sits on the northern bank of the Peace River, right where Hines Creek flows into it. Dunvegan is known for its important history and a very long bridge!
Discover Dunvegan
Dunvegan is a special place in Alberta. It's called an unincorporated community. This means it's a small settlement that doesn't have its own local government like a town or city. Instead, it's part of a larger area called the Municipal District of Fairview No. 136.
The Dunvegan Bridge
Dunvegan is famous for the Dunvegan Suspension Bridge. This bridge carries Highway 2 across the mighty Peace River. It's the longest vehicle suspension bridge in Alberta! A suspension bridge uses strong cables hanging from tall towers to support the bridge deck. It's an impressive sight and an important link for travel in the region.
A Look at History
The land around Dunvegan has a rich history. Long ago, it was home to the Beaver (Dunne-za) First Nation. These Indigenous people lived here for many years. European explorers first arrived in the late 1700s.
Fort Dunvegan's Story
In 1805, a fur trading post was built here. It was established by Archibald Norman McLeod, a fur trader from the North West Company. He named it Fort Dunvegan after Dunvegan Castle in Scotland. This fort was a busy place where First Nations people and European traders exchanged goods like animal furs.
Today, you can visit Dunvegan Provincial Park to learn more about this history. The park has restored buildings from the past. These include the Hudson's Bay Company Factor's House, which was built in 1877. You can also see St. Charles Church, St. Charles Rectory, and the Revillon Freres Trading Post. During the summer, you can take tours of these historic buildings. There's also a campground if you want to stay longer!
Fort Dunvegan is recognized as a historic site by Parks Canada. This means it's a very important place that helps us understand Canada's past.
