inside of older house

Dive into the past at the John Walter Museum, located in the beautiful Kinsmen Park in Edmonton's river valley. This accredited museum tells the story of pioneer John Walter and the Walterdale community of Strathcona from 1870-1942.

The John Walter Museum includes 3 of the Walter family's original homes. Come explore the houses and surrounding areas while learning about John, his family, his community and his experiences as a settler in the Edmonton region. 

Day Camps

Get ready for a trip through the ages! Each day brings a new adventure for campers as we travel through time.

Register for a John Walter Museum Day Camp

Programs and Activities at John Walter Museum

You can explore on your own or join in on our lively community events. Learn pioneer skills that are still useful today, take an interesting tour or just relax with a snack in the gorgeous park.

Spend time with your kids learning about John, his family and the changes and growth of the River Valley communities.

Get a taste of the pioneer life by participating in activities and exploring artifacts.

Birthday Parties and Special Events

teacup and craft dolls

Host An Unforgettable Event

  • Pioneer-themed birthday parties: Bake on a wood-burning stove, create crafts and have a good old time
  • Intimate gatherings: Escape the city's hustle and bustle for dinner functions, corporate events or meetings in a unique historical setting

Capture Your Moments

Photography and filming sessions: Our fully-renovated 1901 House provides a picturesque backdrop for permanent memories on film.

Learn More about Booking Your Special Event

Admission

General admission to the museum is free.

Hours

We are open to the public for free on Sunday afternoons throughout the summer. Registered Programs, School and Group Programs, Birthday Parties and special events are available for booking year-round.

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

Closed

Thursday

Closed

Friday

Closed

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

1-4pm

Location

Accessibility

Rating: Good

The John Walter Museum is partially accessible.

First House (built in 1876) and Second House (built in 1886) have slight ramps into the buildings, but they may not be able to accommodate all types of wheelchairs.

  • Paved walkways and wooden boardwalks connect the houses and the public parking lot
  • Third House (built in 1901) is accessible by ramp
  • Accessible entrance to the visitor orientation building
  • Accessible washrooms in the visitor orientation building

See the Accessibility Rating System for more information.

Respect for People and Property

Everyone should be able to access and benefit from City recreational and cultural sites, services and resources in a safe, enjoyable and respectful manner.

Learn about Respect for People and Property

University of Alberta Indigenous Canada Free Course

Explore the complex experiences Indigenous peoples face today from a historical and critical perspective.

Take Indigenous Canada Course

Acknowledgement

The land known as amiskwaciy (Cree for Beaver Hills), amakowsis (Niitsitapi for Big Lodge), along with other names, has long been the home of rich cultures and many stories from diverse peoples. In recent history, this place became a site of colonization. Settlement and industrialization came with different worldviews. As a result, the histories of this place are complex, layered and unique. 

The John Walter Museum is committed to the principles of Truth and Reconciliation.  We aim to represent the stories, people and activities of this place now called Edmonton. We invite everyone to join us in exploring how these stories evolve, grow, and change as we continue to learn about this place. 

Contact Us

John Walter Museum

Located at the bottom of Walterdale and Queen Elizabeth roads, on the north side of the Kinsmen Sports Centre parking lot.

Email  attractionsexperiences@edmonton.ca

Phone  311

Address 9180 Walterdale Hill NW