Heritage Park Historical Village: Step Back in Time to Canada’s Pioneering Past

A Visitor’s Guide to Heritage Park Historical Village: History, Attractions, and Family Fun

Heritage Park Historical Village, located in Calgary, is Canada’s largest living history museum, offering visitors a chance to experience life as it was during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The park spans over 127 acres and features authentically restored buildings, historical reenactments, and interactive exhibits that bring Canada’s pioneering past to life. Whether you’re interested in Western Canadian history, vintage steam trains, or just looking for a fun family outing, Heritage Park provides a unique and immersive way to explore the past.

A Living History Experience

Opened in 1964, Heritage Park is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of Western Canada, from the fur trade era to the early days of oil exploration in the mid-20th century. The park features over 180 exhibits, including original historical buildings, working vehicles, and costumed interpreters who recreate the daily lives of the people who shaped the region’s history.

Visitors can step into a different time period as they explore different areas of the park, each representing a distinct era in Western Canadian history.

What to See and Do at Heritage Park Historical Village

1. Historical Areas:
   • 1860s Fur Trading Fort:
     • This area of the park recreates a traditional fur trading post, showcasing the life and culture of the fur traders and the Indigenous peoples who were central to the fur trade economy. Visitors can explore the fort, view artifacts, and learn about the trading of furs, goods, and the relationships between Indigenous communities and European settlers.
   • 1880s Pre-Railway Settlement:
     • This area represents a frontier community before the arrival of the railway. Visitors can tour log cabins, blacksmith shops, and barns, and see how early settlers built their lives in the wilderness. Costumed interpreters demonstrate traditional crafts, such as blacksmithing, woodworking, and bread baking, giving visitors a hands-on look at life in the 19th century.
   • 1900s Prairie Railway Town:
     • One of the highlights of Heritage Park is the 1900s Railway Town, a bustling village complete with shops, businesses, and homes that would have existed during the boom of railway expansion in Western Canada. Visitors can ride a vintage steam train, visit the General Store, tour a schoolhouse, or stop by the post office to send a historical postcard. The park’s staff, dressed in period costumes, bring the town to life by reenacting daily activities such as running the bakery or managing the town’s saloon.
   • 1930s Gasoline Alley Museum:
     • Gasoline Alley is home to one of the largest collections of vintage automobiles, gasoline pumps, and oil and gas memorabilia in North America. This vibrant museum offers visitors a glimpse into the early days of automobile travel, with beautifully restored cars, gas pumps, and service station artifacts. Interactive displays let visitors explore the technological innovations that transformed Canadian travel and industry.
2. Ride the Vintage Steam Train:
   • One of the most popular attractions at Heritage Park is the steam train, an authentic locomotive that circles the park and offers a scenic ride around the historical village. Visitors can hop on and off the train at different stops, making it a fun and convenient way to explore the various areas of the park.
   • The steam train is a fully operational locomotive, and visitors can learn about the history of rail travel in Canada and the importance of the railway in connecting distant communities and driving economic growth.
3. Historic Midway and Carnival Rides:
   • For a bit of old-fashioned fun, visitors can enjoy the Heritage Park Midway, which features vintage carnival rides, games, and attractions. Popular rides include the Ferris wheel, carousel, and other amusement park classics that would have been common in the early 20th century.
   • The Midway also offers carnival games, cotton candy, and other treats, making it a perfect spot for families to relax and have fun.
4. S.S. Moyie Paddlewheeler:
   • Visitors can take a cruise on the S.S. Moyie, a fully operational paddlewheeler that sails on Glenmore Reservoir, offering stunning views of the water and the surrounding park. The S.S. Moyie is a replica of a real paddlewheeler that once traveled the rivers and lakes of British Columbia, and the boat ride provides a relaxing way to explore the park from a different perspective.
5. Demonstrations and Reenactments:
   • Throughout the park, costumed interpreters perform historical demonstrations and reenactments that showcase life in Canada’s past. Visitors can watch a blacksmith create tools, see bread being baked in a traditional wood-fired oven, or witness a town hall meeting in the Prairie Railway Town. These demonstrations bring history to life and offer a deeper understanding of the daily lives and challenges of people living in Western Canada during the 19th and 20th centuries.
6. Shops, Dining, and Artisans:
   • Heritage Park also offers a variety of shops and dining options, many of which are located in the Prairie Railway Town. Visitors can stop by the Bakery for fresh bread, pies, and pastries, or visit the Wainwright Hotel for a hearty meal. There are also shops selling handmade goods, souvenirs, and historical artifacts, offering a taste of life in a bygone era.
   • Visitors can interact with artisans who demonstrate traditional crafts such as weaving, pottery, and tinsmithing, providing a deeper connection to the trades that were essential to early Canadian communities.
7. Seasonal Events and Festivals:
   • Heritage Park hosts seasonal events and festivals throughout the year, including holiday celebrations, summer festivals, and harvest-themed events in the fall. Some of the most popular events include:
     • Ghouls’ Night Out: A family-friendly Halloween event featuring costumes, spooky decorations, and haunted village tours.
     • Once Upon a Christmas: A festive holiday event with horse-drawn wagon rides, caroling, visits with Santa, and historical Christmas traditions.
     • Summer Gasoline Alley Car Shows: A showcase of classic cars, motorcycles, and vintage vehicles that celebrates Canada’s automotive heritage.

How to Get There

Heritage Park Historical Village is located in southwest Calgary, easily accessible by car or public transportation.

• Address: 1900 Heritage Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2V 2X3
• Public Transport: The park is accessible via Calgary Transit buses and the Heritage CTrain Station, with a short transfer to bus routes that stop near the park.
• Parking: There is ample parking available on-site for those driving.

Visiting Hours and Admission

Heritage Park is open year-round, with varying hours depending on the season. The historical village and certain attractions operate seasonally, typically from May to October, while some indoor exhibits like Gasoline Alley Museum are open year-round.

• Hours: Open daily during the summer months; hours vary in the off-season.
• Admission: Tickets can be purchased on-site or online, with discounts for children, seniors, and families.
• Official Website: https://www.heritagepark.ca/

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Heritage Park is during the summer months, when all areas of the park are open, including the historic village, steam train, and S.S. Moyie paddlewheeler. Seasonal events, such as the Once Upon a Christmasholiday celebration, also offer unique experiences during the colder months.

A Must-Visit Destination for History Lovers and Families

Whether you’re exploring the 1860s fur trading post, riding the vintage steam train, or enjoying the historic midway, Heritage Park Historical Village offers an immersive and educational experience that brings Western Canadian history to life. With its hands-on activities, beautiful scenery, and wide range of attractions, it’s the perfect destination for families, history enthusiasts, and anyone looking to experience the rich heritage of Alberta and Canada.