Welcome to The Danish Canadian National Museum & Gardens

Enhancing the understanding of the Danish Canadian heritage

Our History

Over 1000 years ago, Norsemen tried colonizing L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland and failed. Later, polar explorer Jens Munk spent a disastrous winter here before sailing back home.

No other Danes arrived until Canada called for experienced farmers and skilled tradesmen. Then our Danish invasion began—a peaceful invasion of immigrants.

When You Visit:

Canada's 'Danish Invasion'

First Wave (1860-1914):
Danes typically emigrated in groups. Most went to the United States. However, a group of dairy farmers settled in New Brunswick in 1872 and forty Danish butchers arrived in Ontario in 1893.

In 1903, the first group of Danish homesteaders came to Alberta from the United States.

Second Wave (1919-1930):
About 1920, Danish immigration to the Unites States was halted. But Canada was now actively seeking experienced farmers from Europe.

Danish and Danish-American farmers arrived. Many purchased CPR land in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.

Third Wave (1945-1970's):
After World War II, Danish farm workers and skilled tradesmen arrived. Most settled in towns and cities.

After more than a century of immigration, countless Canadians can proudly identify a Danish branch in their family tree.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Museum Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:00am - 5:30pm, Sunday: 12:30pm - 5:30pm

Open Victoria Day through Labour Day

How To Get Here: Take Hwy 54 West of Innisfail, AB - Turn Left (South) at Spruce View flashing light - Straight through the 4 way stop in Dickson, AB. 0.8km south on the right.

View our admission rates View us on a map
Become a member.

Yearly passes starting at $25!

Support the museum

You can help the museum through donations, volunteering, sponsorship, and membership.

Submit your story.

Submit your personal story to be part of our Danish Canadian archives, and shared with the community.

travelalberta-logoama-logo