Brule is one of the oldest named locations in Yellowhead County, with historical records dating back to 1870. The name Brûlé, French for “burnt,” was originally applied to the nearby lake by early French voyageurs, who used the term to describe the charred logs scattered along its shores—evidence of a past wildfire.

This area also holds significance in Canada’s early exploration history. It was one of the campsites used by renowned explorer David Thompson during his expedition to chart a transcontinental route for the fur trade, a path that would later become part of the famed Columbia Express Brigade.

The Brule townsite developed around the Blue Diamond Coal Mine, established in 1912 by William Mackenzie and Donald Mann of the Canadian Northern Railway. At its peak, the mine—located on the front ranges of the Alberta Rockies—produced 1,800 tons of coal daily. The flourishing community that sprang up around the operation boasted amenities rarely found in towns of its size, including a racetrack, golf course, and covered arena.

At the height of its prosperity, the mine employed approximately 500 workers, who resided in 80 single-family homes, duplexes, and apartment buildings. However, this period of growth came to a sudden halt when the mine closed in 1928, leading to a rapid decline in population and transforming Brule into a near-abandoned ghost town.

Concerned about the risk of fire posed by the deserted settlement, the Alberta government put the town up for removal. In 1944, Soren Madsen of Mountain Park purchased Brule for $8,000 under the condition that all structures be dismantled within two years. Madsen and his team carefully deconstructed the buildings, labeling each component for reconstruction at new locations—some of which were reassembled in downtown Edmonton.

Today, Brule has experienced a quiet revival and is cherished as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The area offers exceptional opportunities for hiking, biking, off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding, and horseback riding. A newly constructed community hall now serves as a vibrant gathering space for residents and visitors alike.

Notable Sights Around Brule:

• Brule Pet Cemetery
• Solomon Hill Pullout & Heritage Signage
• Brule Mines Historic Cemetery
• Brule Mine Ruins Walking Tour
• Ogre Canyon
• Brule Lake
• Brule Sand Dunes
• Athabasca Lookout

In 1912, prospector Frederick L. Hammond discovered a coal seam near the headwaters of the McLeod River. The community that would eventually emerge was named Cadomin—an acronym derived from Canadian Dominion Mining. While mining and settlement did not begin in earnest until 1917, production was well underway by the following year, with over 153,000 tons of coal extracted in 1918.

The coal seams in Cadomin presented unique challenges: they were steeply pitched—often vertical rather than horizontal—and contained high concentrations of methane gas. In 1920, an underground fire ignited due to methane accumulation. To halt its spread, the mine was sealed and operations temporarily ceased.

From this adversity, innovation emerged. The Cadomin Coal Company pioneered the Isolated Panel Rock Tunnel (IPRT) method—an engineering breakthrough in underground mining. The mine was divided into independent districts or “panels,” each of which was filled with concrete and sealed once depleted. This technique significantly reduced the risk of methane explosions and allowed mining to continue even in the presence of active underground fires. The enhanced safety provided by IPRT was a key factor in attracting workers to Cadomin.

The town grew rapidly. By 1926, the population reached 806 residents. By 1930, Cadomin had become the commercial heart of Alberta’s Coal Branch. The town featured three hotels, three churches, two department stores, a community hall that also served as a movie theatre, a butcher shop, a dairy, a drugstore, a bank, and a recreation complex with a bowling alley, curling rink, and billiards. Later additions included an RCMP detachment, a photo studio, and four tennis courts.

Cadomin was also a cultural hub. Under the leadership of General Manager W.J. Dick—an arts advocate—and Superintendent J.H. McMillan—an accomplished violinist—the community formed a full orchestra, the only one between Edmonton and Vancouver at the time. Talented musicians were drawn to Cadomin by the promise of stable employment and the opportunity to perform regularly at concerts, dances, and public events.

While much of Alberta struggled during the Great Depression, Cadomin remained relatively unaffected. A longstanding contract with Canadian National Railways ensured steady coal demand and employment. Infrastructure development continued during this period, including the 1934 construction of a road from Luscar to Cadomin by unemployed labourers hired through a provincial initiative, and a second road to Edson in 1946. These roads brought newfound mobility to residents previously reliant on train travel.

Cadomin reached its peak population in the 1940s, with approximately 2,500 residents. However, in 1952, the McLeod River flooded extensively, devastating the mine and much of the town’s infrastructure. With neighboring Coal Branch communities already in decline, many residents left in search of employment elsewhere. By that same year, Cadomin’s population had plummeted to 900.

A revival began in the early 1970s with the development of new mining projects in the region. Today, the community’s primary industry is a limestone quarry located southeast of the original Cadomin Mine, which operates within the Palliser Formation.

Cadomin’s iconic single-story log cabins remain one of its most defining features. After the nearby Pocahontas Mine ceased operations, many of its residents relocated to Cadomin, bringing their homes with them. These cabins were transported—some intact on horse-drawn skids, others dismantled and rebuilt—forming the foundation of Cadomin’s housing. Three of these original homes, the Kemble, Vass, and Gilmore cabins, are now part of Yellowhead County’s Heritage Inventory for their historical significance.

In 2011, Cadomin’s population reached its lowest since its early days, with only 36 permanent residents. By 2021, however, the population had grown to 54. Thanks to the dedication of community members, a new community hall was recently constructed—nearly a century after the first one. This space now serves as a vibrant gathering place, fostering connection among current and former residents.

Notable Sights Around Cadomin:

• Cardinal Divide
• Mountain Park Cemetery
• Luscar Mine Viewpoint
• Cadomin Mine Ruins
• Cadomin Historic Cemeteries
• Whitehorse Wildland Provincial Park

Located approximately 100 kilometers west of Edmonton along Highway 16, Evansburg is nestled in the scenic Pembina River Valley and serves as the eastern gateway to Yellowhead County. As the largest hamlet in the County, Evansburg plays a vital role in both the region’s history and its current community life.

Evansburg boasts a thriving small business sector that supports the surrounding agricultural region. Local amenities include a grocery store, clothing retailers, restaurants, a bakery, hair salons, and various independent businesses. The Evansburg/Entwistle Chamber of Commerce plays an active role in promoting economic development and supporting entrepreneurship within the hamlet.

The community’s origins date back to 1910, with the arrival of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway and the construction of the bridge across the Pembina River. Coal mining, particularly the Pembina Peerless Coal Mine, fueled early growth and immigration. The mine operated for 24 years before closing in 1936 during the Great Depression, which marked a turning point for the hamlet. With the mine’s closure, much of the community—largely owned and maintained by the mining company—was abandoned. Homes were sold off, electricity service ended, and many residents relocated to Drumheller or other coal mining communities in the Coal Branch.

Evansburg’s resurgence began a decade later with the rise of mixed farming and the establishment of the Evansburg Creamery. The village gradually rebuilt its economic base and transformed into a vibrant local hub. Traces of its mining heritage remain to this day; coal slack from the defunct mine was used to fill potholes on Main Street. Today, the Tipple Park Museum—the only museum owned by Yellowhead County—is located on the original mine site, preserving this important legacy.

Evansburg officially became a village on December 31, 1953, although the post office had opened earlier in 1914 under the name “Evansburgh.” The “h” was dropped in 1950, and in 1998, following the transformation of the Municipal District of Yellowhead No. 94 into Yellowhead County, Evansburg reverted to hamlet status.

The community was named in honor of Henry Marshall E. Evans (1876–1973), who moved west from Toronto to Winnipeg in 1900 and later prospected for coal near the Pembina River in 1904. Evans would go on to become a key civic figure in Edmonton, serving as both President of the Edmonton Board of Trade and Mayor of Edmonton.

Among Evansburg’s most beloved traditions is the annual selection of the Evansburg Grouch—a humorous local custom that began in 1961. Artist John Lauer, while designing a new welcome sign, added a tongue-in-cheek line that read, “603 people, 29 dogs, 41 cats, and one grouch.” The identity of the “grouch” sparked community interest and eventually led to a yearly election during Pembina Valley Daze, a summer festival that continues to celebrate the town’s unique charm and community spirit.

Notable Sights Around Evansburg:

• Pembina River Provincial Park – A popular destination for camping, tubing, and hiking along the riverbanks.
• Evansburg Cemetery Lookout – Offering a peaceful view over the Pembina Valley.
• Tipple Park Museum – Located on the former mine site, showcasing local history and heritage.
• Rangeton Park – A nearby recreational area perfect for outdoor activities.

Marlboro is more than just a name—it’s a testament to the power of the land beneath our feet. This small community sits atop vast deposits of marl, a unique blend of sand, clay, and calcium carbonate that played a crucial role in Canada’s early cement industry.

In 1911, the Edmonton Portland Cement Company saw potential in Marlboro’s rich marl beds and set out to build Western Canada’s first cement plant. By 1913, the factory was up and running, churning out cement that would help build the province. However, the economic strain of World War I forced the plant to shut down, reopening in 1917 on a seasonal basis before operating through the 1920s.

Marlboro quickly became a hub of industry and transportation. The Grand Trunk Pacific Railway station opened in 1911, and the Marlboro Post Office opened the following year with G. E. DeMerritte as the first postmaster. That same year, the town saw the arrival of Canada’s largest kilns. These massive rotary kilns, each 43 meters long and weighing 64,000 kg, made an epic 5,000-km journey from Ohio to Marlboro, travelling across four major rail networks. The cost? A staggering $30,000 at the time—equivalent to nearly $1 million today.

Portland cement, the most widely used cement in the world today, owes much to marl. When heated in a rotary kiln, marl transforms into sinter, a key ingredient in concrete, mortar, and stucco. The Marlboro plant produced up to 1,500 barrels of sinter daily at peak operation. Today, one of the few remnants of this industrial era is the towering smokestack—now an iconic landmark of Marlboro’s past.

During its years of operation, approximately 23,000 cubic meters of marl were extracted, with an estimated 124,000 cubic meters still lying in deposits today. Yet, despite its high quality, marl fell out of favor as cement manufacturers shifted to limestone, which allowed for better quality control and lower drying costs. By the 1930s, the Edmonton Portland Cement Company had shut down, leaving behind only traces of its once-thriving industry—some of which are now documented in Yellowhead County’s Heritage Inventory.

Prior to 1900, the “Whitemud” Trading Post—located just north of the present-day Marlboro Cemetery—served as a significant stop along regional trade routes. The post derived its name from the distinctive white marl deposits first noticed by early travelers passing through the area.

Today, Marlboro is home to a vibrant Métis community. The region celebrates its rich cultural heritage through events such as medicine walks, ribbon skirt workshops, and community jamborees, which highlight the traditions and resilience of the Métis people.

Notable Attractions in and Around Marlboro:

• Edmonton Portland Cement Ruins
• Dreamcatcher Golf Course
• Millers Lake
• Hornbeck Recreation and Cross-Country Ski Area
• Sundance Provincial Park

During the construction of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway in the early 1900s, stations along the route were named following an alphabetical convention. Moving westward through the region, the stations were designated Imrie, Junkins, Keston, Leaman, MacKay, and finally Niton.

While some local accounts suggest that the name “Niton” originated from a humorous anecdote about a station agent frequently being “not in” at his post—later reversed to form “Niton”—this explanation is likely untrue, as station names were typically assigned by the railway company before agents were stationed. Alternative theories propose that the name may refer to a railway construction contractor, the historical name for the chemical element radon, or even the village of Niton on the Isle of Wight. The Grand Trunk Pacific Niton station officially opened in 1911.

A thriving community soon developed along the railway line, complete with a boarding house, grain elevator, general stores, post office, and a garage. However, as road transportation began to replace rail as the primary mode of travel, the community shifted southward. Approximately 5.5 kilometers from the original rail station, Niton Junction emerged at the intersection of the local highway and Highway 16. The area gained its name from its proximity to both the original Niton settlement and the junction.

Niton Junction’s first post office opened in 1956 and was operated by Dorothy Kjeland. Today, remnants of the original Niton community remain, including the historic boarding house and the restored Niton School, now preserved by the Niton Memorial Society.

Present-day Niton Junction serves as a key stop along Highway 16, offering amenities such as three gas stations, multiple restaurants, and community services. Niton Central School, which serves students from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 9, also houses the local public library. On the east side of the school lies Green Grove Pool, the only county-operated swimming pool in the region.

The community remains culturally active, hosting numerous jamborees and gatherings at its well-known outdoor dancehall.

Notable Attractions in and Around Niton Junction:

• Niton One-Room School Museum
• Green Grove Pool
• Nojack Campground
• Niton Public Library
• Hidden Grove Campground and RV Park

The hamlet of Peers was named in honour of Marion Peers Davidson, mother of Sir Charles Peers Davidson, who served as Chief Justice of the Quebec Superior Court in the early 1900s. While Marion herself held no notable public achievements, the Davidson family’s close ties to the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway make the naming more understandable. Sir Charles’s son, Thornton Davidson, was married to Orion Hays, daughter of Charles Melville Hays, President of the Grand Trunk Pacific.

As part of the railway’s alphabetical naming convention, the Grand Trunk Pacific selected the name “Peers” to fulfill the ‘P’ designation, with the station opening in 1911. The first post office followed in 1912, with Frank Jones appointed as the inaugural postmaster.

Situated approximately 32 km east of Edson via Highway 16 and 8 km north on Highway 32, Peers was initially settled by pioneers from the western United States in the early 20th century. Initially a thriving farming community, farm consolidation during the 1940s reduced the number of homesteads, resulting in fewer but larger agricultural operations. Today, Peers continues to maintain a strong agricultural identity.

Peers also boasts one of only four Municipally Designated Heritage Buildings in Yellowhead County: the Mathews United Church, a charming historic site located just off Willow Drive.

Gold exploration in the Peers area dates back to the early 1900s. Prospector John Gentle, who had been active in the region since 1881, staked a claim near the confluence of the Embarrass and McLeod Rivers. Although he later denied discovering gold nuggets as large as two ounces, the West Land Investment Company proceeded with development, conducting ground tests and employing a team to assess the area’s mining potential.

In 1922, a dredger was introduced, and up to 50 men engaged in gold panning. By 1926, the McLeod River Mining Company was formed and granted exclusive mining rights to 117 miles of the river. Though early tests showed only 17 cents worth of gold per cubic yard, optimism remained high.

A significant investment of $225,000 went into dredging operations at a site known as Horseshoe Slough. Despite initial excitement and a shipment of gold sent to the Royal Mint in 1934, persistent mechanical issues led to the abandonment of the site later that year. The dredge eventually sank and was salvaged by an Edmonton company.

A second dredging attempt began in 1945 near the current McLeod Valley Recreation Area, but high operating costs forced the project to shut down within a year. A final attempt occurred in 1953 when McLeod River Exploration, later acquired by Tiber Mines, operated a small screening plant and amalgamator. Though this effort yielded slightly better results, large-scale mining on the McLeod River ultimately ceased by 1956.

Despite this, the McLeod River remains a destination for recreational prospectors seeking flour gold—fine flakes still found in its sands today. It is this thrill to seek the next gold claim that the  first Gold Dust Daze, was held in 1977, and featured events such as a family casino, Prospector’s Hoedown, a raft race from the Rosevear Ferry to the Peers bridge, baseball tournaments, and gold-panning competitions. The original festival also included the crowning of a Gold Dust Daze Queen, later replaced by the quirky and beloved tradition of selecting Puffed Wheat John (or Jill)—a character inspired by local lore who reportedly lived in a cave along the river and introduced puffed wheat as a dietary staple during the 1930s. Gold Dust Daze is still held annually and is a cherished community tradition.

Notable Attractions in and Around Peers:

• Ina’s Gallery
• Jerry Vanderwell Memorial Park
• McLeod Valley Recreation Grounds
• Peers Gold Dust Daze
• McLeod River Boating Access

Located 60 km southwest of Edson along the Embarras River, Robb is one of the last two remaining communities in Alberta’s historic Coal Branch. Deeply rooted in coal mining and forestry, Robb continues to reflect the rugged resilience and resource-driven history of the region.

The hamlet is named after Peter Addison Robb, a Scottish immigrant who arrived in Canada as a child and later ventured west as a young man. He initially worked in Manitoba before joining a group of prospectors who made significant discoveries in the Coal Branch. Robb established a ranch and freighted supplies between the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway’s mainline and the branch line at Luscar.

In 1910, he served as a packer for Dominion Land Surveyor A.L. McNaughton, which sparked his interest in prospecting. By 1918, he had opened the Minehead Mine—later renamed Balkan—and, alongside his business partners Dr. A.E. Porter and Joe Morino, developed several coal claims, most notably the Minehead and Bryan mines.

Initially called Minehead, the community’s post office and railway station were renamed Robb in 1923, after which the name appeared on maps. While it is widely believed the town was named in honour of Peter Robb, he modestly claimed it was named for “some fellow down East,” likely referring to James Alexander Robb, a prominent early 20th-century businessman and politician.

In the mid-1920s, P.A. Robb was convicted of ballot tampering and served a reduced sentence at the Prince Albert Penitentiary, possibly due to a petition for leniency signed by hundreds of supporters.

Despite initial success, mining activity in the area declined, and by the 1950s, local mines had closed. However, with the resurgence of coal demand in the 1970s, several mines were reopened, leading to renewed economic activity. Today, Robb is home to both those working in the resource sector and individuals who are drawn to the hamlet’s peaceful, rustic setting—whether as permanent residents or seasonal visitors.

Robb is a popular destination for snowmobiling in the winter and quadding in warmer months. Surrounded by vast wilderness, it offers excellent random camping, with easy access to lakes, rivers, and forested trails via the Forestry Truck Road, located south of the hamlet. Visitors are encouraged to respect the natural environment by packing out all waste and preserving the area’s pristine condition.

In 2023, Robb proudly celebrated its Centennial, marking 100 years since the community was officially renamed. Several heritage buildings listed in Yellowhead County’s Historical Inventory can be found in Robb, including:

• Mountain Park Anglican Church
• The Bryan Hotel (now the Coal Branch Hotel)
• Brazeau Forestry Headquarters Building

The hamlet is also home to Yellowhead County’s oldest operational train tunnel, built in 1912.

Notable Attractions in and around Robb:

• Historic Coal Branch Hotel (formerly The Bryan Hotel)
• Robb Multiplex and Park
• Longest Mile EFAGA Shooting Range
• Extensive Hiking and Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Trails
• Fishing in Local Rivers and Lakes
• Mercoal Cultural Landscape and Mine Ruins

In the early 1900s, African American pioneers established a community near Chip Lake, forming what is recognized as the first acknowledged Black settlement in Alberta. These settlers faced considerable adversity—including discriminatory physical and economic barriers—yet their perseverance and hard work were instrumental in developing the area. The Jarrow Post Office was established in 1909 to serve the growing community.

Shortly after the settlement was founded, the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway extended into the region. However, the name “Jarrow” was already in use for another station near Wainwright. To avoid duplication, the local station was renamed Junkins, after S.E. Junkins, Vice President of the engineering firm Westinghouse, Church, and Kerr. Consequently, the post office adopted the name Junkins in 1910.

By 1928, community members sought a more appealing name for their town. A local contest was held, and “Cloverdale” was the winning entry. However, as that name was already taken by a community east of Edmonton, the runner-up—”Wildwood”, submitted by Ruby Lord—was chosen instead. The Village of Wildwood was officially incorporated in 1948 and remained so until 1990, when it transitioned to hamlet status.

To the west of Wildwood, in Granada, a large sawmill operated by Swan Swanson played a significant role in the area’s economy during World War II. Due to labour shortages, the mill employed German prisoners of war, many of whom were treated well and later returned to visit or immigrated permanently after the war.

Wildwood and the surrounding region are rich in history. The area is home to several heritage churches and historic cemeteries, including a Russian Orthodox monastery and the Empyrean Cemetery—Alberta’s first African American cemetery.

Although the rerouting of Highway 16 led to a decline in local businesses and the closure of many service stations, Wildwood has recently experienced a resurgence. This includes the development of a large fuel station, a senior living facility, and several new businesses that reflect the community’s resilience and optimism for the future.

Two major annual gatherings celebrate its rich rural and cultural heritage:

• Wildwood Bronc Bustin’ – Founded by rodeo legend Rod Hay, this professional saddle bronc competition is held the second Saturday in June, drawing participants and spectators from across the country.
• Wildwood Agricultural Fair – Running since 1939, this annual fair includes a parade, bench show, community breakfast, and livestock exhibition, making it a staple in the region’s calendar.

Wildwood is also home to the Yellowhead County East Services Office, which provides administrative support and services to residents throughout the region.

Notable Attractions in and Around Wildwood:

• Chip Lake Park
• Empyrean Cemetery
• Lobstick River Paddling Routes
• Wildwood Legion Historical Display