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Each July, thousands of pilgrims make their way to the shores of Lac Ste Anne. Many come in search of healing and spiritual renewal. Some simply come to reconnect with old acquaintances and forge new friendships.

This pilgrimage, which began over a hundred years ago, has become the largest annual Catholic gathering in Western Canada.

First called Wakamne or God’s Lake by the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation who live on the west end of the Lake, and Manito Sahkahigan or Spirit Lake by the Cree, Lac Ste Anne, about 75 km northwest of Edmonton, is the site of the annual pilgrimage, one of the most unique and memorable spiritual gatherings in North America.

As Pope Francis said during his 2022 pilgrimage visit to Lac Ste Anne,

“Dear brothers and sisters, âba-wash-did! Tansi! Oki! [Good day!]
I am very pleased to be here, a pilgrim with you and among you.
In these days, and today in particular, I have been struck by the sound of drums that accompanied me wherever I went.
This beating of drums seems to echo the beating of so many hearts: hearts that, over the centuries, have beat near these very waters; hearts of the many pilgrims who walked together to reach this “lake of God”!
Here we can truly feel the choral heartbeat of a pilgrim people, of generations who set out on a journey towards the Lord in order to experience his work of healing.”

Please join us, all are welcome!

The pilgrimage needs your financial support to continue during these challenging times.
Be part of Lac St Anne Pilgrimage’s ministry of healing and spiritual renewal!

Event

We gather in faith and healing Thousands of people from across Alberta, Western Canada, and North America make the pilgrimage to Lac Ste. Anne each July. Everyone is welcome, no matter where you come from, what language you speak, or what challenges you experience in your life. To accommodate so many people in safety, comfort,… Continue reading Event

Worship

The founding of the Mission at Lac Ste Anne was the beginning of the long relationship of Indigenous and Métis peoples with Catholicism in what is now called Treaty Six territory. Lac Ste Anne has long been revered as a place of sacred significance, and people travel from great distances to join together for an… Continue reading Worship

History

First called Wakamne (or “God’s Lake”) by the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation who live on the west end of the Lake and Manito Sahkahigan (or “Spirit Lake”) by the Cree, the lake was called “Lac Ste Anne” by Rev. Jean-Baptiste Thibault, the first Catholic priest to establish a mission on the site. The pilgrimage grounds… Continue reading History