RAINBOW LAKE

The Town of Rainbow Lake is located approximately 132 km west of High Level, Alberta on Highway 58. (918 km northwest of Edmonton, Alberta.) This community has a population of 870 people (2011 stats) living in 305 dwellings.

One of the first things you see when arriving at Rainbow Lake is the Rainbow Centre Complex that has a variety of businesses in it.

The Town of Rainbow Lake was named for its proximity to Rainbow Lake. The lake was called Rainbow by the Cree and Slavery who inhabited the area for many years, because of its shape. A trapper by the name of Rainbow Fournier roamed the area in the late 19th century and some believe it may have been named after him.

Oil was discovered near Rainbow Lake in 1965 which resulted in the "oil boom" followed by he development of the town in 1966. The first post office wasn't established here until the year 1967 with A.G. Hislop the first postmaster.

Rainbow Lake Mini Mall

Rainbow Lake is a mixture of development, that starts with a golf course in the centre of town. On the north side of Highway 58 is the newer development with a small Mini Mall. It includes a Liquor Store, ATB Bank, Rainbow Inn and Tavern, Restaurant, and Rainbow Foods, the only grocery store in Rainbow Lake. Nearby there are schools, and the recreation complex. On the north side of Highway 58 is an older development mixed with newer developments. Industrial mixed with residential which includes the airport. The average age of Rainbow Lake is 29 years old (2002 Census).

Newer homes on Mather Crescent.

Rainbow Lake has its own Medical Clinic that offers health care with the nearest hospital located in High Level 132 km east. The town has its own Fire Hall located at 58 Imperial Drive that has two pumper trucks, one rescue unit and one utility vehicle on site. It is staffed by volunteers. An RCMP sub detachment office is located in the Rec Plex Facility with one officer assigned to Rainbow Lake. There are 7 RCMP officers in the main detachment located 49 km east in the community of Assumption on the Hay Lake Indian Reserve #209. Assumption has a population of approximately 1,100 people.

Events:
Many golf tournaments for all ages are held during the summer months in Rainbow Lake. The annual Father's Day Fish Derby is held in June. A parade is always held on Canada Day with many activities at the park.

There are many Curling Bonspiels held in the winter including the Oilmen's Curling Bonspiel and the Men's, Ladies and Mixed Bonspiels and Hockey is popular with many tournaments being held here. The Figure Skating Carnival is an annual event. Many enjoy the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and the Christmas Eve Skate. There is also a New Year's Eve Skate.

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There are many activities to enjoy through-out the year including hunting, fishing, golf, skating, curling, hockey, quadding and sledding.

The Youth Centre and Nursery School Building. The Youth Centre is a Drop-In facility for youth ages 10-17, located at 10 Commercial Road. 2011 construction: A new day care facility behind the school as well as a full size gym addition to the Rainbow Lake School.

The highway between High Level and Rainbow Lake is very straight surrounded by a very dense forest. Here we see a pumpjack along the highway.

Some of the main employers of the area are Exxon Mobil, Flint Canada and Husky Energy.

RAINBOW LAKE ALBERTA
Rainbow Lake Multi-Use Complex. Includes a curling rink with 3 sheets of artificial ice, and an arena. Also, includes a hall, meeting room, and library. Curling Rink (780) 956-3912. Library (780) 956-3656. Rainbow Lake Airport. Paved 4500' airstrip. Regular flights to Edmonton and Calgary. The Town office is located here. (780) 956-3934. Also located here is the RCMP office. Town of Rainbow Lake website The Rainbow Lake Health Centre is located across from the Multi-Use Complex. Rainbow Lake Christian Fellowship Church. Constructed in 1999. There are two other churches in Rainbow Lake; St Peter & St Paul Catholic Church and the Rainbow Lake Anglican Church.

Trout Pond: Located 2.5 km east of Rainbow Lake (south of Highway 58). Stocked annually with Rainbow Trout.