GP TOURISM GUIDE BOOK 2017

and
La Glace
3 kilometres north of Sexsmith and 30
kilometres west on Highway 59 The Hamlet of La
Glace traces is roots back to the early 1900s. Folklore has it that it was
named after Chief La Glace who drowned in 1909 in nearby Valhalla Lake
while trapping muskrats. Within the Hamlet is La Glace Heritage Park,
which has beautiful brick-pathed gardens and a Cairn in memory of the
well-respected native leader plus many pioneers of the area. The Cairn
explains the local history, names of pioneers and has a time capsule filled
with memorabilia and predictions from local children.
Just a few minutes drive from Valhalla Centre and La Glace is the Spring
Lake Ski Hill, which is open from January through March. Run by
volunteers for over 20 years, the Spring Lake Hill is accommodating to
skiers and snowboarders alike and has an excellent Beginner hill.
Besides downhill skiing, there are over 10 kilometres of cross country ski
trails at the facility. As well, ice fishing, snow shoeing and snowmobiling
are also offered. A chalet and concession are also onsite to accommodate
all visitors.
Valhalla
15 kilometres west of La Glace is the
Hamlet of Valhalla Valhalla is home to many Norwegian
descendants including Halvar Ronning, a Lutheran minister and
missionary who facilitated a significant Scandinavian settlement. His son
Chester, who was born in China, also lived in Valhalla Centre becoming a
teacher and diplomat. Chester was an important link between China and
North America, advocating recognition of the Peoples Republic of China
and its admission into the United Nations. The Ronning Homestead in
Valhalla became a Provincial Historic Resource in 2001.
Make sure to stop and visit the restored Melsness Mercantile, a provincial
historic site in Valhalla Centre. Originally a general store and post office,
the local residents decided in 1994 to restore and save it as a local
landmark. Thanks to the efforts of the Valhalla Heritage Society, the once
rundown, abandoned building is now a coffee shop, serving scrumptious
homemade food, a museum and a studio for local artists. Valhalla Park
is a picnic area that preserves plants indigenous to the region and where
3 ft, hand-carved wooden trolls greet visitors in tribute to the area’s
Scandinavian heritage.
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GRANDE PRAIRIE & REGION 2017 VISITOR GUIDE