Lac Ste. Anne

Lac Ste. Anne is a pilgrimage destination in Alberta that brings together thousands of worshippers each summer for religious celebrations centered on the lake. The grounds feature a church, cemetery, Stations of the Cross, food services, and overnight accommodations to support the visiting crowds.

A Catholic missionary established a mission station here in 1841, on a lake previously known as Wakamne by the Alexis Nakota Sioux and Manito Sahkahigan by the Cree. This early meeting point between European and Indigenous communities transformed the location into a shared sacred space.

The lake holds deep spiritual meaning for Indigenous communities and Catholic worshippers who gather for water blessings and ceremonies during the annual pilgrimage. Visitors use the grounds to pray and connect with their faith through rituals that have been practiced here for generations.

Plan your visit for the main pilgrimage season in July, when full services and infrastructure are in place. Come prepared for changeable weather and crowds, particularly on weekends when visitor numbers peak.

Pope Francis visited this pilgrimage in 2022, marking a significant international moment at the site. This historic visit brought greater global attention and reinforced the lake's role as a gathering place for believers across multiple continents.

Location: Lac Ste. Anne County

Elevation above the sea: 720 m

GPS coordinates: 53.70000,-114.40000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:46