The Concise Oxford Dictionary defines amber as "yellow translucent fossil resin." According to Jeff Edwards, an old-timer in the area who was interviewed on the C.B.C. program "Hourglass" on 13 April 1973, the residents petitioned for a post office circa 1932, and the local teacher suggested the name Amber Valley from the colour of the land. The general area was originally called "Pine Creek" when its settlers arrived in 1911. When the post office opened in September 1931, the area and its community became more readily known by this name. The post office closed in October 1968.

Approximately 25 km east of Athabasca.