Recognized Federal Heritage Building

Pavilion

Sandy Beach, Alberta

Also known as Pavilion, former Recreation Building, Pavillon, ancien édifice des loisirs

General view of the Pavilion's east elevation and the prominent low-hipped roof, 1984.

General view of the Pavilion's east elevation and the prominent low-hipped roof, 1984.

Photo: Parks Canada Agency/Agence Parcs Canada, R. Sutart, 1984.

Built
1933–1934
Recognized
1987
By
Government of Canada

The register’s text, word for word

Description

The Pavilion is located on a high point of land between Sandy Beach and the camping area. It is a long structure with a low hip roof supported by a row of square posts. The sides of the building are open except for the west end, which is clad with log siding. The entire structure rests on a concrete pad. A distinguishing feature of the building is the attractive fieldstone fireplace in the enclosed portion at the center of the west façade. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage value

The Pavilion is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental value.

Historical Value

The Pavilion aptly illustrates the growth of the popularity of Elk Island National Park for recreational use and the development of its tourist facilities during the 1930s. It is the oldest and most prominent building at Sandy Beach. It was constructed under the Federal Government’s unemployment relief program during the Depression.

Architectural Value

The Pavilion is a product of the National Parks design office and is a simple but well executed public shelter constructed of rustic materials. The craftsmanship, particularly found in the stonework is of high quality. It exhibits good functional design. A similar configuration was used for many park shelters.

The Environmental Value

The historical relationship between the Pavilion and its site has remained unchanged. Its elevated and prominent location and long association with the Park have made it a familiar landmark to the thousands of visitors it accommodates each year. The Pavilion reinforces the recreational character of its popular park setting.

Sources:

James De Jonge, Pavilion, Sandy Beach, Elk Island National Park, Alberta, Federal Heritage Building Report, 87-028; Pavilion, Sandy Beach, Elk Island National Park, Alberta, Heritage Character Statement, 87-028.

Character‑defining elements

The character defining elements of the Pavilion should be respected:

Its good functional design, well executed construction and high quality craftsmanship such as:

-the long structure resting on a concrete pad and built of post and beam construction, supported by a row of square posts along each side and running through the middle of the interior;

-the prominent low-hipped roof;

-the sides of the building that are open except for the west end which is clad both on the interior and exterior with log siding;

-the stone facing found on the portion of the building with a raised concrete foundation and the bases of the supporting posts around the exterior;

-the smooth uncoursed fieldstone fireplace in the enclosed portion at the center of the west façade.

The manner in which the Pavilion reinforces the recreational character of Sandy Beach as evidenced in:

-the unchanged historical relationship to its site;

-the elevated and prominent location, which makes it a familiar landmark to visitors of Elk National Park.

End of the register’s text

Location

Sandy Beach, Alberta, Canada

53.68342° N, 112.83330° W

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From the Canadian Register of Historic Places, as last updated on December 12, 2025. The register’s text is shown word for word.