County Communities

Mackenzie County is home to three hamlets and a number of smaller communities, each with its own distinct character and history. Explore the communities below to learn more about what makes each one unique.

The Hamlet of Fort Vermilion is a historic riverfront community in Mackenzie County, located along the Peace River. As one of Alberta’s oldest settlements, it serves as a regional service centre with schools, health care, government services, and local businesses, while offering strong cultural roots, scenic landscapes, and a close-knit community atmosphere. Fort Vermilion Heritage Centre Fort Vermilion Heritage Centre preserves and showcases the rich history and culture of Fort Vermilion and the surrounding region. Through exhibits, artifacts, and interpretive displays, the Centre highlights local Indigenous and settler stories, early fur trade history, and the community’s heritage, offering visitors a meaningful connection to the past. Fort Vermilion K-12 Education Fort Vermilion is served by two schools within the community, providing education from early years through high school. Operated by the Fort Vermilion School Division, local schools offer strong academic programs, extracurricular opportunities, and supportive learning environments for students and families in Fort Vermilion and nearby rural areas.

The Hamlet of La Crete is a vibrant community in Mackenzie County known for its strong agricultural roots and thriving business sector. Serving as a regional hub, La Crete offers schools, health care, recreation, and a wide range of locally owned businesses, supported by an entrepreneurial culture and a growing population. Mennonite Heritage Village Mennonite Heritage Village celebrates the history and culture of Mennonite settlers in the La Crete area. Through preserved buildings, exhibits, and interpretive displays, the site offers visitors insight into early settlement, agricultural traditions, and community life that shaped the region. La Crete K-12 Education La Crete offers K–12 education through the Fort Vermilion School Division, delivered across three local schools serving kindergarten through high school students. Families also have access to a charter school and home education options, providing additional learning pathways to meet diverse educational needs within the community. La Crete Recreation Facilities La Crete offers a variety of recreation facilities to support active lifestyles and community events. The town’s arena complex hosts hockey, skating, and community gatherings, while outdoor spaces and rodeo grounds accommodate equestrian and rodeo activities. These amenities contribute to La Crete’s vibrant community spirit and year-round recreation options.

Zama City Zama City is a small northern hamlet in Mackenzie County surrounded by boreal forest and wetlands. The community features a central park with a swimming hole and fishing pond, an outdoor rink, community hall, and library, and sits near the range of the iconic Hay-Zama bison herd, reinforcing its strong connection to the northern landscape and wildlife. Zama City History Zama City developed in the late 1960s following major oil and gas discoveries in the Zama area. Exploration and field development led to the establishment of the community as a service centre for one of Alberta’s most significant oil and gas regions. Zama City was officially recognized as a hamlet in 1980 and continues to support industry, workers, and surrounding rural areas. Zama City Recreation Recreation in Zama City is supported by the Zama City Recreation Society, which manages local facilities and programs. Community amenities include an outdoor rink, community hall, central park with a fishing pond and swimming hole, as well as a campground and cabins that support year-round recreation and gatherings. Zama City Library The Zama City Library is a much-loved community hub offering books, audiobooks, DVDs, and a welcoming space to read or relax. In addition to traditional library resources, it provides practical lending items—from puppets and activity kits to handy tools that support creativity and everyday life in Zama City.

Blumenort is a small rural community midway between Fort Vermilion and La Crete with deep Mennonite roots. Originally settled by Mennonite families in the early 20th century, the area remains closely tied to agriculture and local culture, with landmarks like Hill Crest Community School serving local families. Blumenort Services Friesen’s General Store is a local country store serving the Blumenort community near La Crete. Known for its friendly atmosphere and convenient offerings, the store provides everyday essentials, snacks, and fuel, making it a valued stop for residents and visitors alike. Its presence adds a rural retail hub to the area’s services. Hillcrest Elementary School Hill Crest Community School is a rural K–9 school serving the Blumenort area within the Fort Vermilion School Division. Conveniently located along Highway 697 between La Crete and Fort Vermilion, the school offers a supportive, community-focused learning environment for local families.

Buffalo Head Prairie is a rural residential and agricultural neighbourhood north of La Crete in Mackenzie County. Known for its open landscapes and proximity to local amenities, the area offers a quiet country lifestyle while remaining close to schools, services, and community hubs in La Crete. Downhill Ski Resort Blue Ridge Mountain Resort is a regional ski and snowboard destination in the Buffalo Head Hills near La Crete, offering family-friendly winter recreation with runs suited to a range of skill levels. Buffalo Head Prairie School Buffalo Head Prairie School is a K–9 school located in Buffalo Head Prairie, serving students from the surrounding rural communities including Buffalo Head Hills. As part of the Fort Vermilion School Division, it offers a supportive learning environment and a range of academic and extracurricular opportunities for local families.

Rocky Lane is a small agricultural community located about 9 km off Highway 88, settled after the First World War and shaped by generations of farming families. Today, the community is centred around its K–12 school, a year-round heated indoor riding arena, and well-known cross-country ski trails, making Rocky Lane an active hub for education, equestrian activities, and outdoor recreation in all seasons. Rocky Lane History Rocky Lane, was settled following WWI by veterans who received land grants. 1929-31 saw many settlers move from Saskatchewan. A small farming community, it consisted of a one-room schoolhouse, general store and many hardworking people. Rocky Lane K-12 Education Rocky Lane School is a K–12 school serving the Rocky Lane community and surrounding rural area. Operated by the Fort Vermilion School Division, the school offers a close-knit, community-focused learning environment and plays a central role in local activities and events. Rocky Lane Recreation Facilities Rocky Lane offers well-used recreation facilities that serve as a hub for the community year-round. Anchored by the Rocky Lane Agricultural Society, the area features a heated indoor riding arena, groomed cross-country ski trails, and multi-use outdoor trails supporting equestrian activities, skiing, hiking, and community events throughout all seasons.

Rural High LevelRural High Level encompasses the agricultural lands surrounding the Town of High Level, characterized by family farms, livestock operations, and countryside framed by boreal forest. The area is supported by community facilities such as the High Level Agricultural Society, local rodeo grounds, and a rural hall, which serve as gathering places for agricultural events and community activities.High Level Rural Community HallThe Rural Community Hall is located just off Highway 58 and serves the east side of High Level as a gathering place for community events, meetings, and celebrations. The hall provides a welcoming, flexible space that supports local groups, family functions, and seasonal activities throughout the year.Mosquito Creek Rodeo GroundsThe Mosquito Creek Rodeo Grounds are operated by the High Level Agricultural Society and serve as a key venue for agricultural and community events. The grounds host the annual Mosquito Creek Rodeo each mid-July, along with roping events, practices, and other gatherings throughout the year.

Tompkins - Blue HillsThe Tompkins–Blue Hills neighbourhood near La Crete is a rural area shaped by the historic Tompkins Landing Ferry, one of only two ferry crossings in Alberta. Long serving as a key link across the Peace River, the area today includes agricultural lands, a campground, and seasonal recreation, while maintaining its role as an important river crossing and community gateway.