What is the Good Life Institute? The Good Life Institute was formed as a branding initiative for the Town of Vermilion, in consultation with local businesses and community organizations. The mission of The Good Life Institute is to provide top notch hands-on learning classes and events that allow you to discover your passion: Live it, Learn it and Take it to the next level. The Town of Vermilion and its residents live the good life, and would like to share this commitment with the world.
Where is the Good Life Institute located? The Good Life Institute is located in Vermilion, Alberta, Canada. Situated under blue skies and atop the valley of the Vermilion River, Vermilion is a beautiful town to visit or call home. The town is easily accessed from points east and west by the Yellowhead, Alberta Highway 16, or from points north and south via Alberta Highway 41. More information on the Town of Vermilion can be found here.
What can I do when I visit Vermilion? Vermilion has numerous outlets for your enjoyment.
Shopping: Vermilion offers a variety of specialty shops and products. The central business area along Historic Main Street offers pedestrian-friendly shopping at dozens of stores – including two of Vermilion’s original businesses. Lakeland Mall houses several feature shops in a comfortable indoor setting. Railway Avenue and 47th Avenue are home to businesses that showcase expertise in automotives, agriculture, construction and landscaping.
Wellness & Beauty: Our community is a centre for health and wellness. Skilled and qualified practitioners offer sessions in massage, aromatherapy and natural healing. Vermilion’s spas provide a full range of aesthetic and relaxation services.
Food: Whether it’s dining or take-home Vermilion has it covered. Specialty food stores, restaurants, and groceries.
Vermilion Provincial Park: Vermilion Provincial Park welcomes over 20,000 people a year. More than 1,875 hectares of forests, wetlands and prairie grasslands offer spectacular trails for viewing one of North America’s richest areas for migratory waterfowl. Moose, deer, beavers and other wildlife frequent the park – and year-round trails for all skill levels offer opportunities for hiking, biking, skiing and horse-back riding.
The land of Vermilion Provincial Park has hosted local sports and social functions for over a century. The facilities of the park have grown with the town and now include soccer pitches, baseball diamonds, a wading pool, trout pond, group-use facilities, mini-golf and fully-serviced campsites. Vermilion’s CN Station, built in 1905, was relocated to the park to serve as a community centre alongside a vintage caboose.
The 6 km long Vermilion River Reservoir is a bastion for boating and canoeing, and is the home of the Lakeland Rowing Club.
Culture: Heritage, arts and culture are important to Vermilion. Our community’s signature event is the Annual Vermilion Fair which celebrates the town’s pioneer history and attracts over 20,000 visitors through its gates. The Vermilion Heritage Museum houses the history of the Vermilion area with exhibits of artifacts and memorabilia that tell the stories of our area. The Vermilion Public Library is a member of the Northern Lights Library system and offers a large selection of books, periodicals, music and movies. Our town’s cultural organizations are strong members of our community. To find contact information or browse our events calendar for classes, recitals and other performances.
Sports: Vermilion offers high-quality indoor and outdoor athletic facilities. The Vermilion Stadium Complex hosts activities year-round – including hockey and figure skating, curling, lacrosse and soccer. Lakeland College is home to the Colonel Cormack Aquatic Centre as well as facilities for racquet sports, gymnasiums and fitness equipment. Outdoor facilities are located throughout Vermilion, with areas for skateboarding, soccer, baseball, football and several playgrounds. The Vermilion Golf & Country Club offers a complete 9-hole course and driving range. Rodeo sports have a long history in Vermilion. Both Lakeland College and the Vermilion Agricultural Society fairgrounds host semi-annual rodeo events.
Vermilion Farmer’s Market: Each Tuesday up to thirty vendors sell produce, handmade items, unique foods and other products at the Vermilion Farmers Market. Located in the Elks’ Hall the market runs from 10am to 2pm.
Day Trips: Vermilion’s strategic location at the crossroads of two major highways provides a wonderful array of easily-accessible day trips. First Nations history, U-pick farms, historical sites and breathtaking scenery are all within a short drive of Vermilion.
Where should I stay when I visit Vermilion? Vermilion offers several choices of accommodations.
I’d like to bring my RV for a weekend class – where can I park? Vermilion Provincial Park offers over 120 spots for camping and RVs, including many with water, power and sewer hookups. All spots can be reserved through the Alberta Parks website here.
Who can I talk to regarding media inquiries? All media inquiries can be directed to:
The Good Life Institute
5021 – 49 Avenue
Vermilion, AB Canada T9X 1X1
780-581-2410