Whitecourt crater, Impact crater in Woodlands County, Canada
Whitecourt crater is an impact depression in Woodlands County measuring roughly 36 meters across and 6 meters deep, with a raised rim visible around the edges. Meteorite fragments scatter across the surrounding ground, making them visible to visitors who walk the site.
The crater formed between roughly 1,000 and 1,100 years ago when a meteorite struck the area. A local resident named Sonny Stevens discovered the site by chance in 2007, sparking scientific investigations.
The crater site functions as an educational center where students and researchers study geological processes and meteorite impact patterns through field investigations.
The site is protected, and collecting meteorite materials is strictly forbidden and punishable by heavy fines. Plan your visit during warmer months when the ground is most accessible for walking around the crater.
Scientists have recovered more than 3,000 pieces of the meteorite from excavations, ranging from tiny fragments to one exceptional 31-kilogram specimen. This collection makes the site valuable for understanding meteorite composition and structure.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
