Stony Plain

The big town of Stony Plain is situated in central Alberta, just to the west of Edmonton.

The fast growing town of Stony Plain has strong historical roots. The town is located within Parkland County west of Spruce Grove and is led by 6 councilors and one mayor. The area is dominated by agricultural and different resource-based industry. The nearness of Stony Plain to Edmonton makes it really attractive for many travelers, servicing a surrounding population of more than 60,000 inhabitants. Throughout the town of Stony Plain, there are numerous colourful murals that depict events and figures of local history that are important. These murals have earned it the nickname "The Town with the Painted Past." The town of Stony Plain was initially called Dog Rump Creek.

There are two probable origins of the town's name, one of which originates from the Stony people who camped within the region historically. The seconded possibility is Dr. James Hector, a geologist on the Palliser Expedition noticed boulders scattered across the region. The official name for the settlement was adopted in the year 1892.

Stony Plain celebrates Farmers' Days during the first week of the month of June every year, complete with the Kinsmen rodeo, the Farmer's Days Parade, fair grounds and a pancake breakfast. The town likewise plays host to the Great White North Triathlon in the first week of July. During the summer, Stony Plain hosts two major festivals. The first is the Blueberry Bluegrass and Country Music Festival, which is held in early August and is the biggest bluegrass event within Western Canada. The next is the Cowboy Poetry and Country Music Gathering held in the latter part of August. In the month of December, the town of Stony Plain sets up a big Christmas tree on Main Street. The tree remains lit throughout the Christmas season. In order to celebrate New Year's Eve, the town of Stony Plain holds its Family Fest event at the Rotary Park. Family Fest provides skating on the frozen pond, hot chocolate, and fireworks.

Parkland County, which borders Edmonton's on its west boundary extending to Evansburg, has many campgrounds, resorts and recreational parks to be able to accommodate the area's residents and travelers. These locations comprise: Allan Beach Resort, Ascot Beach, Glowing Embers RV Park, Chickakoo Lake Recreational Area, Hubbles Lake Resort, Hasse lake Provincial Park, Ko Ko Mo Park, Jackfish Lake Recreational Area, Lion's RV Park (located in Stony Plain), the Wabamun Lake provincial Park and Mink Lake Resort. Other well-known tourists spots include Get Hooked Fishing Tours, Wandering waters Canoe Tours, Wagner Bog, Pegasus Stables, various golf courses to accommodate from beginners to professionals, nature hikes and trails, and several U-pick farms and markets.