Learn about the settlement of Western Canada in an interesting and interactive way at Heritage Park, a family-friendly historical museum in Calgary that covers history from the 1860s to 1950s. Across nearly 130 acres (50 hectares) of land, the park is home to more than 180 exhibits and attractions, including vintage automobiles at Gasoline Alley Museum and 100-year-old buildings like schools and saloons. Find out what life was like for fur traders, railway workers and First Nations people, and hear stories from interpreters dressed in period attire.
Located south of downtown Calgary on the Glenmore Reservoir, Heritage Park is open year-round, and your general admission ticket includes access to various exhibits depending on the season. This interactive living history museum features more than 180 attractions that tell stories about the settlement of Western Canada, from fur trading in the 1860s to the automobile craze of the 1900s.
Many of the homes, shops and machinery you see at each exhibit are original, and the informative and talented staff of interpreters — outfitted in period costumes — bring the attractions to life.
Summer exhibits: The historical exhibits and attractions can be found in four main locations around the park.
1860s Fur Trading Fort and First Nations Encampment: Learn about the Hudson’s Bay Company, which established fur trading posts across the Pacific Northwest, from Oregon to Alaska; see artifacts from First Nations people; and admire Our Lady of Peace Mission, which dates back to 1872.
1880s Pre-Railway Settlement: Explore the temporary tent cabins that pre-settlement bachelors lived in; check out the police barracks; and see local establishments like Drew’s Saloon and Gleichen School.
1900s Historical Village and 1910 Prairie Railway Town: Take a look at an array of historical buildings such as a blacksmith shop and the Airdrie House, an example of a comfortable but plain Western Canadian home; visit Atlas Lumber Yard; and see popular gathering spots like Alberta Bakery and Barons Snooker Parlour.
1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s Gasoline Alley Museum and Heritage Town Square: At the Gasoline Alley Museum, you can admire several antique automobiles, such as a 1908 REO Autobuggy, a 1909 McIntyre Model M and a 1912 Buick Model 2-A Express Truck. Then take a walk through Heritage Town Square to visit the bandstand, Canadian Pacific Railway Station and the Railway Garden. You can also shop and grab a bite to eat in the square.
Your admission ticket also includes access to family-friendly rides like the carousel, boat swing and Ferris wheel. Recommended time to visit is 2 - 6 hours.
Winter exhibits (mid-October to mid-May): During the winter months, only Heritage Town Square, shops and restaurants, and the Gasoline Alley Museum are open. Here you can enjoy the 1930's - 1950's era and marvel at the phenomenal changes that the automobile brought to Western Canada! Recommended time to visit is 1 - 1.5 hours.
Awesome Historical Park. It provides a glimpse of the past thru preserved houses and castles and old buildings of businesses from 1800 century. Steam train ride is fantastic. The train ride to get us to the gate of the park is an amazing feature that costs 1.00 CAD per pax/per ride. Highly recommended for those who enjoys activities under the heat of the sun.
Review by: flobrown, July 2017
Interesting exhibits.
Review by: jackie g, September 2016
The staff was helpful and informative. Although we could only visit Gasoline Alley and the Plaza, my wheelchair went everywhere. I would recommend Heritage Park to someone visiting Calgary.
Review by: Gilbert B, July 2016
Stuff to do for all ages. It was a great day and my kids loved it. The staff were very pleasant and all dress in traditional clothing and they knew their history. The old steam train and paddle boat were fantastic. The lunch we had in the Hotel Wainwright was lovely and lots of it in a lovely setting. Well worth a visit.
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