Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan, is a small, multicultural town nestled in south-central Saskatchewan, Canada. This charming community is situated just west of the Wood River, at the junction of provincial Highway 43 and Highway 58. It's approximately 125 kilometres from Moose Jaw, Swift Current, and the United States border. Gravelbourg's rich history and cultural diversity make it a must-visit destination for history buffs and cultural enthusiasts alike.
Gravelbourg's history dates back to the early 1900s when it was one of the French block settlements in the Gravelbourg-Lafleche-Meyronne area in southwestern Saskatchewan. In 1930, it became the cathedral city of the Roman Catholic diocese of Gravelbourg. The town carries the name of its founder, Abbé Louis-Pierre Gravel, who was designated a Person of National Historic Significance in 1956. A monument built in his honour in 1958 stands as a testament to his contribution to the community.
Gravelbourg's historical significance extends beyond its founding. The region served as a path for First Nations peoples many years ago and was integrated into the Redcoat Trail of the 19th century. Today, Gravelbourg is a key link on the 21st-century Trans Canada Trail. The town also holds a place in popular culture, being referenced in the fourth verse of the North American version of "I've Been Everywhere", written by Geoff Mack and popularized by Hank Snow and Johnny Cash.
Gravelbourg is home to a number of heritage buildings that add to its historical charm. The Our Lady of the Assumption Roman Catholic Cathedral, the former Convent of Jesus and Mary, and the former Bishop's Residence were designated the Gravelbourg Ecclesiastical Buildings National Historic Site of Canada in 1995. Other listed heritage sites include the Gravelbourg Court House, College Mathieu Pavilion, Gravelbourg Post Office, Gaiety Theatre, and Canadian National Railway Station.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Gravelbourg had a population of 986 living in 438 of its 482 total private dwellings. This represented a change of -9% from its 2016 population of 1,083. With a land area of 3.12 km2 (1.20 sq mi), it had a population density of 316.0/km2 (818.5/sq mi) in 2021.
The 2011 Canada Census revealed a diverse linguistic landscape in Gravelbourg. Out of a total of 1,116 residents, 625 chose English while 300 chose French as their mother tongue. Thirty-nine percent or 430 residents spoke both English and French. Other languages spoken in Gravelbourg included Bisayan languages, Chinese, Dutch, German, Korean, Lao, Spanish, Swahili, and Tagalog (Pilipino, Filipino).
Gravelbourg is a vibrant cultural hub that celebrates its many cultures at its annual Summer Solstice Festival d'été. The town's French-language Fransaskois community is the subject of a short documentary, Les Fransaskois, produced for the documentary series The Grasslands Project. This celebration of culture and diversity makes Gravelbourg a unique and exciting destination for visitors.
