Since the North-West Mounted Police first set up residence in 1875, Fort Saskatchewan has been one of Canada's most picturesque communities. Now considered more of a bedroom community to Edmonton, Fort Saskatchewan offers residents the perfect balance between the benefits of small-town life and the convenience of the big city.

The approximately 25,000 residents of Fort Saskatchewan enjoy unique traditions like the annual Farewell to Sheep event, a pool and water park, lovely green spaces and trails, and a bustling city centre with plenty of shopping, facilities, and entertainment events. And thanks to its uniquely strategic position on the transport corridors, Edmonton is just a short distance away.

Below are ten reasons why people love living in Fort Saskatchewan:

1. Shopping

Budget-conscious Canadians love all the shopping options available in Fort Saskatchewan, including Sobeys, Home Depot, Canadian Tire, Safeway, and Wal-Mart. And you'll find all your favourite retailers over at the mall.

2. Dining

Residents of Fort Saskatchewan have many dining options to choose from, including Montana's BBQ, Original Joe's, and Dare 2 Donair. Locals rave about unique restaurants like Hanabi (world-class sushi) and The Downtown Diner. 

3. Coffee and Tea

It doesn't matter whether you prefer Tim Hortons or Starbucks because you'll never be more than a few minutes away from either one when you live in Fort Saskatchewan. And if you're looking for more local flavour and ambience, enjoy your favourite hot drink at the Second Cup.

4. Dow Centennial Centre

In the heart of Fort Saskatchewan lies the Dow Centennial Centre, your home for music events, sports competitions, art exhibitions, and many more exciting activities.

5. Jubilee Recreation Centre

Featuring ringette, figure skating, and hockey during the winter, the Jubilee Recreation Centre is another great place to see champion athletics.

6. Parks and Trails

Fort Saskatchewan has more than 75 kilometres of paved trails, as well as countless sports fields, an off-leash dog park, a spray park, a skateboard park, and six different hills ideal for tobogganing in the winter. 

And the world-famous Elk Island National Park, renowned for its herds of bison, is just outside the Fort Saskatchewan city limits.

7. Harbour Pool

You and your family can enjoy the fun all year around at the Harbour Pool, a large indoor swimming pool with six lanes and enclosed recreational area that includes a sauna, hot tub, water slide, Tarzan ropes, and diving board.

8. Sports

Children are happy and healthy in Fort Saskatchewan. The city is home to one of the country's most active youth sports associations for baseball, lacrosse, cross-country skiing, soccer, football, ringette, and hockey. 

And if golf is more your style, Fort Saskatchewan has its own course with three more just a short drive away.

9. Health Care

Whether it's a minor ailment or something more serious, you're never more than a few minutes from the Fort Saskatchewan Community Hospital.

10. Things to Do and See

Beyond all of the above, here are other exciting activities to enjoy when you live in Fort Saskatchewan:

99 Avenue Blossoms – Every spring, enjoy a leisurely stroll down beautiful 99 Avenue when the cherry trees blossom.

Pottery Guild May Sale – Every May, the region's best potters sell their handcrafted wares at the Dow Centennial Centre.

Fort Heritage Precinct – The old heart of Fort Saskatchewan, the Precinct is a chance to walk through a living history museum.

Sheep – Sheep are much beloved in Fort Saskatchewan. Visit them at the Fort Heritage Precinct in summer. Every fall, the Sheep Leaving Parade marks their departure to winter quarters.

Farmer's Market – Fresh produce and handicrafts for sale.

Canada Day – The city celebrates with a big pancake breakfast followed by a parade, fun games and activities, and then a concert and fireworks display.

Movie Under the Stars – You can't have summer in Fort Saskatchewan without Movie Under the Stars at Legacy Park.

The Enchanted Forest – Every winter, local businesses and civic organizations collaborate to create an enchanted forest of decorated Christmas trees.

Often hidden in Edmonton's long shadow, Fort Saskatchewan is a true gem. With a lovely location right on the North Saskatchewan River, the city is one of the greenest, most family-friendly communities in the region. 

Small enough to maintain hometown values, peace and goodwill among neighbours, and plenty of green space and parks to enjoy and explore, Fort Saskatchewan has the right balance of shopping, entertainment, infrastructure, and community. And with Edmonton proper just a short drive away, it's easy to see why Fort Saskatchewan is often called Alberta's best-kept secret.