The Abandoned Carrot Creek General Store
Along the Trans-Canada Highway, between Hinton and Edmonton, sits what’s left of the Carrot Creek General Store. This small roadside building, with its faded Esso sign and weathered siding, once served as a central stop for travelers and locals in rural Alberta.
The store was built in the late 1920s by Herbert Robinson. It wasn’t just a place to buy groceries and fuel. It was the post office, the phone exchange, and the gathering point for the Carrot Creek community — a hub of life along the Yellowhead Highway.
A Snapshot of Alberta’s Early Roadside History
When the Yellowhead Highway first opened, communities like Carrot Creek thrived on steady traffic. Farmers, truckers, and families would stop for mail, fuel, and supplies. These general stores became more than businesses. They were a sign of connection in a province that was still developing its road network and rural infrastructure.
By the 1950s and 1960s, new routes, improved logistics, and bigger towns drew travelers elsewhere. Stores like this one faded, leaving behind empty shells that quietly tell their story to anyone who stops to look.
What Remains Today
The Carrot Creek General Store stands abandoned but mostly intact. The paint has peeled away. The roofline sags. Yet the bones of the building still speak. You can still make out where the Esso pumps once stood and where the store’s sign would have greeted travelers.
Standing there with my camera, I could almost hear the sounds of passing trucks and the screen door slamming shut. It’s these quiet, unassuming places that remind you how Alberta’s highways were once lined with family-run businesses, each with its own story.
How to Find Carrot Creek
Carrot Creek is an unincorporated area in Yellowhead County, Alberta. It’s located just south of Highway 16, about 41 kilometers east of Edson. The store sits along Range Road 133A, visible from the main route if you know where to look.
Please remember that while abandoned places like this are fascinating, always respect private property, avoid entry if posted, and take only photos.
FAQs
When was the Carrot Creek General Store built?
The store dates back to around 1928 and was operated by Herbert Robinson, who also served as the local postmaster.
Where is Carrot Creek located?
Carrot Creek is in Yellowhead County, Alberta, south of the Yellowhead Highway between Hinton and Edmonton.
Is the Carrot Creek General Store still open?
No. The store closed decades ago and now sits abandoned.
Who owned the Carrot Creek General Store?
Historical records show Herbert Robinson and his family operated the store and post office for many years.
Can I visit the Carrot Creek General Store?
The building is visible from the road, but visitors should stay on public property and respect any posted signs.