Rainbow Lake, Alberta (original) (raw)

Rainbow Lake, Alberta

The Town of Rainbow Lake is located approximately 132 km west of High Level, Alberta on Highway 58. (918 km northwest of Edmonton, Alberta.) This community has a population of 495 (2021 statistics) with 204 dwellings occupied. Compared to 2016 the population dropped by -37.7% when it was 795 people living here.

The highway between High Level and Rainbow Lake is very straight surrounded by a very dense forest. Some of the main employers of the area are Exxon Mobil, Flint Canada and Husky Energy. The average age of Rainbow Lake is 29 years old (2002 Census).

HISTORY OF RAINBOW LAKE, ALBERTA

The Town of Rainbow Lake was named for its proximity to Rainbow Lake. The lake was called Rainbow by the Cree and Slavery who inhabited the area for many years, because of its shape. A trapper by the name of Rainbow Fournier roamed the area in the late 19th century and some believe it may have been named after him. Oil was discovered near Rainbow Lake in 1965 which resulted in the "oil boom" followed by he development of the town in 1966. The first post office wasn't established here until the year 1967 with A.G. Hislop the first postmaster.

CAMPGROUNDS:
Shady Acres Campground. Running water, fire pits, parking service for RVs. 34 Milne Avenue, Rainbow Lake. 780-956-0707. Rainbow Lake Forest Provincial Recreation Area. Approximately 45 km southwest of the Town of Rainbow Lake. Water skiing, fishing, boat launch, playground. 28 overnight stalls. No services. FIrst come first served. There is no potable water at this campground. Small day-use area. (780) 956-3620. Rainbow Lake Trout pond. Day use area 2.5km east of Rainbow Lake on Highway 58. Fishing, swimming, playground, picnic facilities.

On the north side of Highway 58 is the newer development with a small Strip Mall. It includes a Liquor Store, Bank, Rainbow Inn and Tavern, Restaurant, and Rainbow Foods, the only grocery store in Rainbow Lake. Nearby there are schools, and the recreation complex. On the north side of Highway 58 is an older development mixed with newer developments. Industrial mixed with residential which includes the airport.

Rainbow Lake has its own Medical Clinic that offers health care with the nearest hospital located in High Level 132 km east. The town has its own Fire Hall located at 58 Imperial Drive as well as a resident RCMP sub detachment with service also out ot the Chateh Detachment 57 km west and north of Rainbow Lake.

Events of Rainbow Lake:
Many golf tournaments for all ages are held during the summer months in Rainbow Lake. The annual Father's Day Fish Derby is held in June. A parade is always held on Canada Day with many activities at the park. There are many activities to enjoy through-out the year including hunting, fishing, golf, skating, curling, hockey, quadding and sledding. There are many Curling Bonspiels held in the winter including the Oilmen's Curling Bonspiel and the Men's, Ladies and Mixed Bonspiels and Hockey is popular with many tournaments being held here. The Figure Skating Carnival is an annual event. Many enjoy the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and the Christmas Eve Skate. There is also a New Year's Eve Skate.

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