Ponoka's name comes from the Blackfoot word for elk. The town grew along the Battle River after the railway came through. It became a village in 1900 and a town in 1904.

It's best known for the Ponoka Stampede, one of the biggest pro rodeos in Canada, held every summer around Canada Day. It's also home to the Centennial Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury.

Incorporated As Village

1900

Incorporated As Town

1904

Signature Event

Ponoka Stampede

Public School Division

Wolf Creek Public Schools

Schools

Ponoka Secondary Campus

Wolf Creek Public Schools

Ponoka Elementary School

Wolf Creek Public Schools

St. Augustine School

St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Schools

Ponoka's public schools are part of Wolf Creek, and Catholic schools are with St. Thomas Aquinas. Check your address with the division to be sure.

Wolf Creek Public Schools St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Schools

Health Care

Hospital & Emergency

Ponoka Hospital And Care Centre

5800 57 Avenue, Ponoka

Local hospital with emergency care. For bigger specialty needs, Red Deer is about 45 minutes south.

Verified October 2026 From Official Sources

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