After climbing the steep trails along the banks of the Whitemud Creek, visitors are rewarded with scenic views of Rainbow Valley Park, a wide valley through which the creek flows. The area features beautiful hiking trails across ravines and bridges, yet its true legacy lies hidden deep underground—the Whitemud Creek Coal Mine.
The coal extracted from this mine was formed over 280 million years ago. Early mining began with open coal seams visible along the North Saskatchewan River banks. The first settlers mined and transported coal to Edmonton’s blacksmith forges. By 1855, Edmonton already had six commercial mines. Learn more on edmonton.name.
The Opening of Whitemud Creek Mine
The Whitemud Creek Mine was opened in 1952 near the Snow Valley Ski Resort and Rainbow Valley Campground. It became Edmonton’s last operational coal mine.
The underground workings extended on both sides of the creek, covering more than 67 acres. The coal seam here was substantial, with a depth of 8 feet, allowing miners to work standing up.
From its opening, the mine was highly productive. By 1960, it had produced 273,000 tonnes of coal. Miners worked with picks and shovels, loading coal into mine carts pulled by two horses—a process that continued until the mine’s closure.
The mine’s owner was Polish immigrant Vaclav Friedel and his son Joe Friedel. Vaclav had arrived in Alberta well before World War I, gaining experience in Edmonton’s various coal mines. Notably, Friedel founded several other coal operations, including Red Hot Coal and the Friedel Coal Company.
Whitemud Creek Mine and Edmonton’s Coal Industry
The Whitemud Creek Mine was situated in a bustling natural area. Visitors could enjoy skiing in winter and camping and picnicking in summer. Nearby, Bert’s Saddle Club offered horseback riding experiences.
Coal mining operations took place in two regions: South Brookside and Lansdowne. The area frequently experienced landslides and collapses, yet mining operations continued. In 1969, a study was conducted to assess the stability of the Whitemud Creek banks and the mine’s impact on the soil. The findings revealed no evidence that coal mining had affected the creek or the surrounding valley.
The Whitemud Creek Mine was closed in 1970 due to declining demand for coal products. Its closure marked the end of underground coal mining in Edmonton.
Edmonton’s Century of Coal Mining
Coal mining in Edmonton spanned 100 years, during which the city saw the establishment of 160 mines and pits, covering a total area of 3,260 acres. More than 15 million tonnes of coal were extracted during this period.
Edmonton’s coal was bituminous, characterized by its long, bright burn and low ash content—ideal for heating homes. For approximately 20 years, underground coal mining was Edmonton’s second-largest industry. Farmers were among the primary buyers of coal extracted from local mines.
With the discovery of oil in Leduc, Edmonton’s households gradually transitioned to natural gas, electric-powered streetcars, and diesel trains. Supplementing these energy sources was the coal generator at Wabamun Lake, which supplied electricity. Eventually, most of the city adopted natural gas as its primary energy source.
A Changing Era
As the city moved away from coal, the era of miners laboring to load and mark coal-filled carts came to an end. The Whitemud Creek Mine was the last coal mine in Edmonton. Following its closure, the city no longer needed new mines, signaling the end of an important chapter in Edmonton’s industrial history.