Canadian Energy Museum

In 1946, Imperial Oil commissioned a team of seismologists to survey Central Alberta. The results were comparable to data gathered near Norman Wells in the Northwest Territories, which encouraged Imperial Oil to drill an exploratory well, near the hamlet of Leduc. It was believed that the region belonged to an oil bearing, Devonian formation, thus on November 20, 1946, after drilling 133 dry wells, Hunter and his 30 man crew began drilling the Leduc #1 exploratory well. Within months, core samples caught the attention of Imperial Oil executives, as they indicated that the team was nearing an oil discovery. In January 1947, Leduc #1 struck oil. The team drilled into a layer of wet gas and rock laced with oil, before stopping at a depth of 5066 ft. On the 13th of February, Hunter and his team brought the well into production.

February 13th, 1947 was a cold day. Hundreds of locals showed up to witness the making of history: teachers drove out with buses full of school children, local farmers and politicians, journalists, and government officials arrived excitedly. The event proved anti-climactic, however, as equipment failed and froze. People waited outside. Some grew impatient and left, so by 3:55 p.m. when the flare line was lit, many observers had left the premises. Nevertheless, Leduc #1 changed the course of Alberta's economic future. The well signified prosperity and is the reason the Canadian Energy Museum exists today. We continue to celebrate Canada's relationship with energy, past, present, and future. 

For more information on programs, tours, and facility rentals, please visit our website www.canadianenergymuseum.ca, or call 1-866-987-4323. 

Hours and Admission:

Tuesday to Saturday (Year-Round)
9:00am - 4:00pm
Thursday
9:00am - 8:00pm

Rates:

Adults: $6.00
Youth and Students: $4.00
Seniors: $4.00
Family: $15.00
Children 5 & Under: Free

Last Thursday of every month is free admission!

Visit the site of the original Leduc #1 well, the well that sent Alberta's oil economy skyrocketing, and learn about Canadian energy sectors today!

Address: 50339 Hwy 60 S, Leduc County, Alberta, Canada T9G 0B2
Directions: 2 km south of Devon
Phone Number: (780) 987-4323
Toll-Free: (866) 987-4323
Website: https://www.canadianenergymuseum.ca
Email: info@canadianenergymuseum.ca

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Women of Aspenland

To learn more about the remarkable Women of Aspenland connected to this museum, click on their names below. Each profile highlights their incredible contributions, resilience, and lasting impact on our region's history.

Joyce Neary