Community Business
If you operate a small business in or around Empress and would like to promote what you do here, then please contact us.
The Community of Empress
The village of Empress was founded in 1913 and named in honour of the late Queen Victoria, Empress of India. The Forksview Manor in turn takes it name from the proximity of the forks of the Red Deer and South Saskatchewan Rivers which lie only a few kilometers from the village. Originally intended as a hub for the Canadian National Railway, Empress is remembered as what was to be the "Hub of the West".
Today the community is primarily agricultural, however in recent years a number of artists have created a small but thriving artistic identity for the village. Travellers heading north and south along Highway 41 are able to see signs announcing "Empress has Artisans".
A community drawn map is available on the Contact Page
Local Services
Attractions
Gallery, Tea House, Restaurant and Gas Station located in the old brick bank building on Centre Street across from the Community Centre. That's Empressive has the village's only operating fuel station and provides both Diesel and Gas.
Open year long
6:30 AM to 9:00 PM
(403) 565-0009
Forks Prairie Orchard
This prairie orchard provides a serene environment to pick an assortment fruit and vegetables. A historic stone chimney and a couple picnic areas area available. Located across the Saskatchewan Border near the river forks.
Open July to September
(403) 565-2191
Knarls 'n Knots
Aaron Steinley is a mild mannered farmer by day, however by night he becomes "Aaron Steinley, Bent Willow Artisan". Knarls 'n Knots is open seasonly during the summer and provides a space to show off the furniture pieces and get a cappuccino.
Open from May to the end of September long weekend. Dean Francis and his wife Fran, are artists at heart. Over the years, they have brought a number of former churches onto their property east of Empress. The churches now act as workshops, galleries and beautiful prairie scenery. Much of the rest of their property is devoted to a prairie garden, and undoubtedly provides inspiration for Dean's prairie scenescapes, and Fran's clay pieces.
Accomodation
Forskview Manor
Apartment motel with furnished suites, complete kitchens and a meeting and presentation room. Originally established as a retirement apartment, it now provides accomodation to travellors and guests to the village.
Empress Motor Inn
A hotel with attached bar and diner. Built from ATCO trailers, it provides an economical accomodation service for visitors and crew workers in Empress.
Uptown RV Park
Serviced trailer lots located north of the Agridome on Second Street West
(403) 565-3938
(403) 565-0009
Peter Fiddler Park
Small camground north of the village past the old CPR station
(403) 565-3938
(403) 565-0009