Lac La Biche, Alberta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lac La Biche
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Urban service area (hamlet)
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Main street
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| Motto(s):
Welcoming by Nature
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Location within Lac La Biche County
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 Lac La Biche, Alberta
Location in Alberta
Lac La Biche, Alberta
Location in Canada
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Alberta |
| Region | Northern Alberta |
| Planning region | Lower Athabasca |
| Specialized municipality | Lac la Biche |
| Founded | October 4, 1798 |
| Dissolved | August 1, 2007 |
| Area
(2021)
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| • Land | 68.39 km2 (26.41 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 560 m (1,840 ft) |
| Population
(2021)
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| • Total | 3,215 |
| Time zone | UTC−7 (MST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−6 (MDT) |
| Postal code span |
T0A 2C0-T0A 2C2 & T0A 3Z0
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| Area code(s) | -1+780 |
| Highways | Highway 55 Highway 36 Highway 881 |
| Waterway | Lac la Biche |
| Website | laclabichecounty.com |
| Official name: Notre Dame des Victoires / Lac La Biche Mission National Historic Site of Canada | |
| Designated: | 1989 |
Lac La Biche (pronounced LAK lə BISH) is a small community, called a hamlet, in northeast Alberta, Canada. It is located about 220 kilometers (137 miles) northeast of Edmonton, Alberta's capital city. Lac La Biche used to be a town, but on August 1, 2007, it joined with Lakeland County to form Lac La Biche County.
Contents
What's in a Name?
The local Indigenous peoples called the lake "Elk Lake." Early European explorers translated this name into English as "Red Deer Lake" and into French as "lac la Biche." This French name means "lake of the doe" (a female deer). Over time, the French name became commonly used in English too.
A Glimpse into Lac La Biche's Past
Lac La Biche has a rich history, especially because of its location on important travel routes.
Early Voyageur Travel Routes
Lac La Biche was part of a historic route used by voyageurs, who were early Canadian travelers and traders. This route connected the Athabascan region to Hudson Bay. Explorers like David Thompson and George Simpson used this fur trade path. David Thompson was the first known European to write about his time at Lac La Biche. He arrived on October 4, 1798, and stayed through the winter. He wrote many notes about the local Cree people, their customs, and the land, including the large supply of whitefish and beaver.
Fur Trading Posts and Settlements
Even though the North West Company was already active in the area, Thompson set up the first permanent settlement in Lac La Biche in 1798. It was a Hudson's Bay Company trading post called Red Deers Lake House. Another post, Greenwich House, was built in 1799 but was abandoned by 1801. However, Lac La Biche became a permanent home for some French-Canadian and Métis fur traders and their families. Fur trading continued because the portage (a place where boats and goods were carried over land) was very important.
In 1885, during the North-West Rebellion, the Hudson's Bay Company post in Lac La Biche was raided by Cree forces.
The Oblate Mission's Influence
A Roman Catholic mission was started in 1853 by Oblate missionaries. The community grew around this mission. People lived off the land, and some worked in logging or road construction. Many adults spoke three languages: French, Cree, and English.
The Lac La Biche Mission is now a National Historic Site and a Provincial Historic Resource. It was also one of the first residential schools in Alberta.
Treaties and Land Agreements
The Canadian government wanted to open up the land for settlement. Treaty 6 was signed in 1876, covering the lands south of Lac La Biche.
Later, Treaty 8, which covered the lands north of Lac La Biche, was signed in 1899. This agreement helped prepare the way for building railways and new settlements.
Population and Community Life
In 2021, Lac La Biche had a population of 3,215 people. This was a small decrease from its 2016 population of 3,320. The community covers a land area of about 68.39 square kilometers (26.41 square miles).
The people of Lac La Biche come from many different backgrounds. The community includes people of European, Indigenous, Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern, South Asian, East Asian, African, and Latin American heritage.
Local Economy
The community's economy is supported by several industries. These include the oil patch (oil and gas industry), logging, forestry, agriculture, and commercial fishing.
Fun Things to Do in Lac La Biche
Lac La Biche offers many outdoor activities and attractions.
- The Lac La Biche Golf Course is a popular spot.
- Many lakes and campgrounds nearby provide chances for outdoor fun.
- Lakeland Provincial Park is located to the east, offering more nature adventures.
- The community also has a small museum in the Jubilee Hall building. It shares the history of the area.
- Next to the museum are recreation grounds with baseball diamonds, a splash park, and green spaces for everyone to enjoy.
Community Facilities
The Lac La Biche Airport (YLB) is located about 1.5 nautical miles (2.8 km) west of the community. It has a paved airstrip that is 5,700 feet (1,700 meters) long and 100 feet (30 meters) wide.
Education in Lac La Biche
The main campus of Portage College is located in Lac La Biche. The college has an ACAC hockey team called the Portage Voyageurs, which started in 2008.
Local schools include:
- Northern Lights School Division No. 69
- Vera M. Welsh Elementary School (Kindergarten to Grade 3)
- Aurora Middle School (Grades 4–8)
- J.A. Williams High School (Grades 9–12)
- Lac La Biche Off-Campus (Grades 8–12)
- Other Schools
- Light of Christ Catholic School (Preschool to Grade 11)
- École Sainte-Catherine (Kindergarten to Grade 4)
Local Media
For news and entertainment, Lac La Biche has:
- The Lac La Biche Post weekly newspaper.
- The Boom 103.5 radio station.
