What would happen if, one day, a glowing spacecraft descended from the skies and touched down on Earth? While most of us can only imagine the scene, a small Canadian town actually built something extraordinary in preparation: the world’s first official UFO landing pad.
This remarkable project took shape in 1967, in the prairie town of St. Paul, Alberta, and it remains one of the most unusual monuments in Canada—and perhaps the entire world.
A Centennial Celebration with an Otherworldly Twist
The year 1967 marked Canada’s Centennial celebrations. Across the country, towns and cities created projects to honor the nation’s 100th birthday. Some built parks, others hosted festivals. But the people of St. Paul thought outside the box—or rather, outside the planet.
Their idea? A landing pad for visitors from outer space. The proposal was both playful and symbolic: a way to embrace the unknown with humor, but also to send a message of peace and hospitality. To make it even more meaningful, the project wasn’t just a local stunt—it was officially endorsed by the Canadian government.
On June 3, 1967, Canada’s Minister of National Defense, Paul Hellyer, traveled to St. Paul to officially open the UFO landing pad. His presence gave the project international credibility and ensured that the little prairie town would forever have a place in UFO lore.
What Does the UFO Landing Pad Look Like?
The pad is a large circular platform, supported by six sturdy concrete pillars. Of course, the shape was never in doubt—when people think of UFOs, they think of flying saucers. The design was intentionally playful, representing the image most associated with alien spacecraft in the 1960s.
Next to the pad, a commemorative plaque was installed with a powerful inscription:
“The area under the World’s First UFO Landing Pad was declared International by the town of St. Paul as a symbol of our faith that mankind will maintain the outer universe free from national wars and strife; that the future travel in space for all humankind will be safe and free.”
In other words, this was more than just a quirky tourist attraction. It was a bold declaration that space should belong to everyone, free from conflict, nationalism, or war.
A Town-Wide Celebration
The people of St. Paul embraced the project with infectious enthusiasm. Children built paper flying saucers, local businesses displayed alien-themed decorations, and even a bus nicknamed the “Mars Express” was donated to add to the festivities. For a while, it seemed like the entire town was playing along with the cosmic fantasy.
While no alien ships have officially landed on the pad (at least, not in the public record 
), the site quickly became a tourist attraction. Visitors from around the world began making pilgrimages to see the “First UFO Landing Pad” and learn about its quirky history.
The UFO Landing Pad Today
More than 50 years later, the landing pad still stands as a proud monument. It has been expanded into a UFO tourist information center and museum, where visitors can explore displays about reported UFO sightings, extraterrestrial lore, and Canada’s own relationship with space exploration.
St. Paul, once an ordinary small town, has carved out a unique identity as the world’s first community to officially welcome beings from beyond Earth. Whether you’re a skeptic, a believer, or just someone who enjoys oddball history, the site offers something fun to discover.
Why It Still Matters
From the outside, the UFO landing pad might seem like a whimsical joke. But the message behind it remains surprisingly relevant. In the middle of the Cold War, when nuclear tensions were high and humanity feared global destruction, this little town sent a symbolic invitation—not just to aliens, but to all of humanity:
- Space should be a place of peace, not war.
- Humanity should look beyond national borders and conflicts.
- If we ever meet beings from another world, our first act should be to welcome them.
Today, in an age where space exploration is once again booming—thanks to NASA, SpaceX, and China’s lunar ambitions—the pad reminds us that imagination, optimism, and cooperation are just as important as rockets and satellites.
A Tourist Spot Like No Other
Visitors to St. Paul can still see the landing pad, tour the museum, and even take part in UFO-themed festivals and events. The site has become a cornerstone of local identity, proving that sometimes the boldest ideas come from the smallest towns.
So, if aliens ever decide to pay Earth a visit, there’s already a place waiting for them—with open arms, friendly faces, and maybe even a souvenir shop.
In short, St. Paul’s UFO Landing Pad is more than just a concrete circle in Alberta—it’s a cultural symbol, a Cold War peace message, a tourist landmark, and a playful reminder that humanity’s future may one day stretch beyond the stars.
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