Rundle Mission Spring, Thorsby, AB, T0C 2P0, Canada

## Overview Rundle Mission Spring is a historic artesian spring located along the northwest shore of Pigeon Lake, near Sundance Beach in central Alberta. For centuries, Indigenous peoples used the trail that runs along this stretch of lakeshore, and the naturally flowing artesian well provided a reliable source of fresh water for both animals and humans traveling through the area. In 1847, the Reverend Robert Terrill Rundle — a Wesleyan Methodist missionary who had been sent to the Canadian West by the Hudson's Bay Company in 1840 — chose this very spot to establish his mission, drawn in part by the dependable spring water and the well-traveled trail. Rundle is a notable figure in Alberta's early European history; he is also the namesake of Mount Rundle near Banff. His mission at Pigeon Lake was one of the earliest Christian missions in what would become the province of Alberta, and the spring that sustained it still flows today. The spring is classified as a public drinking spring, and the water has historically been used as a source of drinking water by both Indigenous peoples and early settlers. The artesian nature of the well means the water is naturally pressurized and rises to the surface without the need for pumping — a sign that it originates from a confined aquifer below. ## Directions 1. From the town of Thorsby, head west toward Pigeon Lake. 2. Make your way to the Sundance Beach area on the northwest shore of Pigeon Lake (GPS: 53.077328, -114.141242). 3. Look for the historic Rundle Mission site and the trail that runs along the northwest side of the lake. The artesian spring is located along this trail. *Note: The spring is situated in a historically significant area. Signage related to the Rundle Mission may help identify the location once you are in the vicinity.* ## What to Expect Visitors will find a naturally flowing artesian spring set along a scenic trail on the northwest shore of Pigeon Lake. The trail itself has deep historical roots — it was a travel corridor for Indigenous peoples long before European contact and remains a beautiful route through the lakeside landscape. The spring flows from a confined aquifer, producing a steady, year-round output of fresh water. The surrounding area is steeped in history, with the site of Reverend Rundle's 1847 mission nearby, making this a rewarding stop for history enthusiasts as well as spring water seekers. Pigeon Lake is a popular recreational area in central Alberta, so visitors can combine a trip to the spring with other lakeside activities. The area is generally accessible during the warmer months, though conditions along the trail may vary seasonally. As with any natural water source, water quality can change over time and with environmental conditions — the spring has historically been used as drinking water, but visitors should be aware that no ongoing water testing results are publicly available.