As Heritage Park celebrates its 60th Anniversary, embark on a journey through time and experience the rich history of Western Canada brought to life across 65 acres of parkland on the shores of the Glenmore Reservoir. With Canada’s largest collection of historical buildings and a team of costumed interpreters who bring the Village to life, a day at Heritage Park promises an immersive and unforgettable experience for guests of all ages.
In the beginning…
When you arrive in the Heritage Town Square, you’ll be attracted by the warm smells of coffee and pastries from the Railway Café – stop off and grab something to munch on as you head to the gate for a day of fun with the whole family.
There are two entry points to the Park, the regular gate and through Gasoline Alley Museum. For the gearheads in your life, Gasoline Alley is an experience not to be missed. The two-floor museum shows off a gleaming, $10-million collection of cars, trucks, gas pumps, engines and signage ranging from the early 1900s right up until the 1950s. The stories contained within the artifacts are brought to life by the staff and volunteers, offering a glimpse into the evolution of transportation through the decades.
Become an explorer!
On the way into the Village, Resource Ridge beckons as your first attraction. Walk through a replica coal mine and learn the rich history of the way mines operated in the late 1800s, try your luck with an interactive gold panning station, and take a walk through Innovation Crossing and the Heated Histories exhibit.
As you walk along Prince Street, you’ll find one of the most visited attractions in the Park – the Prince House. This house tells the story of downtown Calgary at the turn of the 19th Century, including how the first electrical utility was established in Calgary. But watch out – it’s also a very popular destination on the Heritage Park Ghost Tour, with people reporting a strange “woman in white” who haunts the second floor of the home.
When you leave the Prince House, you’ll hear the unmistakable sound of fun – it’s the midway! The Heritage Park rides are authentic to the period, with the oldest (the Bowness Carousel) dating back to 1904. Actually, it’s one of the oldest, continuously-working carousels in North America! But that’s not all, the Big Eli Ferris Wheel gives you a bird’s eye view of the Park, while the Whip, Caterpillar, and Dangler Swings all offer the chance for you to feel the wind in your hair in exhilarating fashion!
Take a load off and recharge
You’re probably getting hungry by now! If you brought your own lunch, spread out in Celebration Field to enjoy and let the kiddos run around, or head by the Midway Treatery for a number of takeaway selections. If you’d rather sit and have a meal, you can head to the Wainwright Hotel, Club Café, or Gunn’s Dairy Barn – this year serving an all-day breakfast. Something a little sweet for after? The best cinnamon bun in town is at the Alberta Bakery, the Vulcan Ice Cream Parlour has dozens of flavors of ice cream, and the Claresholm General Store has enough candy to satisfy even the sweetest of sweet tooths.
Time for round two!
Now we’re full and ready to explore again. Head to Shepard Station and grab the train for a ride to the Settlement. Get off at Laggan Station and step back in time (way back!) to the later half of the 1800s. Learn about the Indigenous peoples who have walked these lands since time immemorial, play games, and listen to stories and songs. You’ll also discover how they interacted with the Voyageurs who came here to trap and trade furs at the Hudson Bay Fort.
Just around the corner, you can learn about the early formations of the City of Calgary, at Livingston House, I.G. Baker Company, and The MacKay Cabin. Some of these buildings are over 100 years old and are original to the Park’s opening day operations in 1964.
A short walk away is the Ranch. Test your skills and see if you have what it takes to work the land. And don’t forget about the animals! Learn about Heritage Breeds and the animals that were hearty enough to survive and thrive in the harsh Canadian climate.
Headin’ into town!
After the Ranch, it’s time to head into town. Get involved with your local post office and help to deliver the mail, but ask the postmaster to call ahead on the switchboard and make sure the recipient of the mail is where you’re actually going!
On the way, drop into the Strathmore Standard to see how a century-old printing press is still in operation and head past the poolhall for a game of billiards – but don’t let the kids get caught in there, the Mountie might come and then they’ll really be in trouble (ever spend a day in the slammer?).
All the while, a group of street performers are roaming the Park, performing live theatre all around you. You can hear the stories of the Mail Order Bride, join in the mad rush for “black gold” in the boom times, see a live radio play right in front of your eyes, and take an expedition through time in the Settlement.
Phew! That was a lot. Just time for a late afternoon cruise on the S.S. Moyie. Take our stern wheel for a spin around the reservoir and put your feet up, enjoying the views of the Rocky Mountains and a view of downtown Calgary you just don’t see every day.
We can’t wait to see you soon, for the Best. Summer. Ever. at Heritage Park.
See our related articles:
Calgary’s Child Magazine © 2024 Calgary’s Child
