Al-Rashid Mosque holds a significant place in Canadian history: built in 1938, it was the first mosque in Canada, established by Lebanese Muslim immigrants who had settled in the Edmonton area. The original wooden building at 102 Street was the centre of Muslim community life in Alberta for four decades before being replaced by a larger structure in 1982.
The current Al-Rashid Mosque serves Edmonton's substantial Muslim community and is a working place of worship rather than a museum. The original historic building was relocated to Fort Edmonton Park in the 1990s, where it can be seen in the 1905 street section — an unexpected reminder that Edmonton's religious and cultural diversity goes back much further than most visitors assume.
The mosque welcomes visitors who approach respectfully; there are modest dress requirements (remove shoes; women should cover their hair). The surrounding neighbourhood has a concentration of Middle Eastern restaurants and shops.