Al-Rashid Mosque 🇨🇦

When you visit Fort Edmonton Park in Edmonton, Alberta, you can experience a historic monument of Canadian religious heritage: the Al-Rashid Mosque. Constructed in 1938, this historic landmark holds the distinction of being the first mosque built in Canada. Designed to serve the Sunni Muslim community, it stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit of Edmonton's early residents.

When Canada was home to only about 700 Muslims, community members worked with Mayor John Fry, raised funds through bake sales, and gathered support from local Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. When you explore the site today, you will see a unique architectural structure crafted by Ukrainian-Canadian contractor Mike Drewoth. Instead of typical Middle Eastern design elements, the mosque was constructed in a style that resembles Eastern Christian, Ukrainian Catholic, and Orthodox immigrant churches of that era.

Having survived potential demolition during a hospital expansion, the building was relocated to Fort Edmonton Park in 1992. By visiting, you will discover the remarkable story of how Muhammad Abdul Aleem Siddiqi and dedicated supporters preserved this pioneer place of worship. It offers you a rare look into 1930s multicultural community building and early North American Islamic history.

What to see at Al-Rashid Mosque

• See Canada's very first mosque, originally built in Edmonton in 1938.
• Admire the unique architecture crafted by Ukrainian-Canadian contractor Mike Drewoth.
• Notice design elements resembling Eastern Christian immigrant churches.
• Learn about the interfaith community fundraising that supported its construction.

Visiting tips

Look for the mosque at its current location inside Fort Edmonton Park, where it was saved from demolition in 1992.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

Al-Rashid Mosque is easy to reach on Edmonton’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Edmonton travel guide.