Kalyna Country, Ecomuseum in Central Alberta, Canada

Kalyna Country is an ecomuseum in Central Alberta where the Aspen Parkland transitions into the Boreal Forest along the North Saskatchewan River Valley. The region connects various historical sites, museums, and natural landmarks that tell the story of early settlement and landscape through self-guided exploration.

This region became the site of the largest Ukrainian settlement outside Eastern Europe, centered on the Edna-Star colony established by early Canadian immigrants. The settlers shaped the landscape and continue to define the area's character and legacy.

The name comes from the highbush cranberry, kalyna in Ukrainian, a berry that fed early pioneers, fur traders and Indigenous people. Ukrainian settlers saw the plant as a reminder of home, hence the saying "Without Kalyna, there is no Ukraina". Today the theme runs through the roadside Giants of the Prairies, from Vegreville's giant pysanka to Glendon's perogy and Mundare's kubasa.

You can explore the region using self-directed driving tours that connect historical sites, museums, and natural landmarks across the area. Plan for travel time between locations since attractions are spread throughout the territory.

Lamont County within the territory is known as North America's Church Capital, with nearly 40 historical churches concentrated in a small area. This remarkable density reflects how important religious life was to the settlers who built their communities here.