Museums

Located atop "Radar Hill," on 69 Avenue just east of Tri City Mall, the Cold lake Museum Group resides in the former 42 Radar Squadron facility, a relic from the Cold War (1947-1991). The Cold Lake Museums are a group of multi-themed, individual museums in separate buildings connected by a covered walkway. They include the Air Force Museum, Indigenous Museum, Heritage Museum and an Oil & Gas Interpretive Museum.

The Cold Lake Museums is a non-profit organization operated by the Cold Lake Museum Society. It is supported by the City of Cold Lake, but not owned or operated by the City. The museums are open from the Friday of the May long weekend to the end of August each year.  For more information, call 780-594-3546 or visit www.coldlakemuseums.org.

Air Force Museum

The first museum of the group is the Cold Lake Air Force Museum. Coming up the hill and pulling into the yard, visitors receive their first glimpse of aircraft in an outdoor display as well as a Radar Dome.  There were formerly three large domes on site, atop their own buildings. The current dome is a smaller version, but still impressive. It was built on the ground to enable visitors to have a look inside and get a good idea of their scale.

Inside the Air Force Museum, visitors are greeted and oriented to the entire facility, then begin their journey learning about 4 Wing’s operating and support units, including the flying squadrons and the base hospital.

Inside the Cold Lake Air Force Museum, visitors can:

• Take a look at the model of what the 42 Radar Site looked like while it was operational.
• View the radar equipment and the immense height-finder antenna that aided in the protection of North America from the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
• Look inside an F-5 cockpit (outdoors).
• Explore the stories and history of 4 Wing Cold Lake and CFB Cold Lake.
• Purchase unique souvenirs for all ages in the Gift Shop.

Indigenous Museum

Long before Europeans came to the Cold Lake area, Indigenous Peoples inhabited the shores and woodlands of the Lakeland Region. The Dene Suline and Cree nations made use of the resources of the lake and surrounding areas. Their histories and the history of the Metis people are told through artifacts, art and stories displayed in this museum. The Museum was created by the Cold Lake Friendship Centre and the Cold Lake Museums.

Heritage Museum

Cold Lake is currently known for oil exploration and development, as well as being home to one of the busiest military bases in Canada. However, the modern history of Cold Lake goes back to the 18^th century with the arrival of the first Europeans. Historical industries include fur trapping, logging, fishing and farming. The Heritage Museum contains the artifacts and storyline of that bygone era, as well as the civilian history of the last century.

Oil & Gas Interpretive Museum

Originally designed, researched and constructed by local high school students, the Oil & Gas Interpretive Museum highlights the discovery and significant development of the oil sands in the Cold Lake area. Learn about the history, geology, production, transportation and various uses for Cold Lake oil. The history of the “Oil Patch” stretches from Paleolithic times to the present. With the assistance of interactive exhibits, visitors can understand why unique technology was developed specifically for the Cold Lake Oil Sands.