Heritage Park Historical Village | Calgary

Heritage Park Historical Village is one of Calgary’s most popular and unique attractions, offering a deep dive into the city’s past and providing a living history experience for visitors. Spanning over 127 acres of land along the shores of Glenmore Reservoir, it is Western Canada’s largest living history museum. Heritage Park offers a fascinating journey through time, showcasing Calgary and Canada’s history, particularly the period between the 1860s and 1950s.

Overview of Heritage Park Historical Village

Location: The park is located at 1900 Heritage Drive SW, Calgary, Alberta, with a beautiful backdrop of the Glenmore Reservoir. It is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available on-site.

Opened: The park opened in 1964, and over the years, it has grown into one of the most significant cultural and educational destinations in Calgary.

Theme: Heritage Park is designed to offer an interactive, hands-on experience of Calgary’s development and the broader history of Western Canada. It is organized into several different "sections" or "periods" that highlight various aspects of Canadian history, including early Indigenous cultures, the era of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR), and the development of the region as a major hub for farming, ranching, and industrial growth.

Key Features and Attractions of Heritage Park

Heritage Park Historical Village is divided into several areas that recreate different periods of history, each offering a mix of historic buildings, exhibits, and interactive experiences.

1. Historical Village

The Historical Village is the heart of Heritage Park, featuring over 180 historical exhibits, including buildings, artifacts, and demonstrations. The village is organized into different sections that reflect the early days of Calgary and Alberta.

Main Street: The park’s Main Street is a recreated turn-of-the-century town complete with a wooden boardwalk, historical storefronts, and period architecture. Visitors can explore historic buildings such as the old-fashioned drugstore, the post office, and a blacksmith shop. Main Street is a vibrant place to experience the hustle and bustle of a bygone era.

Hudson’s Bay Company Fur Trading Fort: One of the most notable buildings in the park is the Hudson’s Bay Company Fort, which recreates a fur-trading post from the 19th century. Visitors can learn about the fur trade, which played a major role in the development of Western Canada.

Farm & Ranch Area: This area showcases the agricultural and ranching history of the region, with buildings like the ranch house, barns, and farmer's market. Live demonstrations of farm equipment and livestock allow visitors to experience rural life in the early 1900s.

2. Railway Area

A major part of Canadian history is tied to the railroad, and Heritage Park celebrates that history with a replica steam train and several railway exhibits.

Steam Train: The park operates a working steam train, which takes visitors on a scenic 3-kilometer ride through the park. The train is a fun and educational way to see the park while experiencing the power and sounds of a real steam locomotive.

Railway Station: A railway station from the early 20th century serves as a historical focal point, with interpretive displays explaining the importance of the Canadian Pacific Railway in connecting Eastern Canada to the West.

3. Gasoline Alley Museum

The Gasoline Alley Museum is dedicated to the history of automobiles and gas stations in Canada. It houses one of the largest collections of antique vehicles in Canada, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles dating from the early 20th century.

Vintage Vehicles: Visitors can see how automobiles have evolved over time, from the earliest motor vehicles to the more modern designs of the mid-20th century.

Restored Gas Stations: The museum also features restored gas station buildings and vintage gas pumps, giving visitors a sense of how fuel stations looked in the 1920s and 1930s.

4. The Wainwright Hotel

The Wainwright Hotel is one of the most important buildings in the park and serves as the park's main dining establishment. This historical hotel is a recreation of a late 1800s hotel, offering visitors a glimpse into the early days of hospitality in Western Canada. The building also houses a restaurant where visitors can enjoy period-inspired meals in a traditional setting.

5. Blacksmith and Other Craft Demonstrations

Throughout the park, you can find demonstrations of craftsmanship and traditional skills, including blacksmithing, woodworking, and spinning wool. Artisans and skilled workers demonstrate how these crafts were performed in the 19th and early 20th centuries, allowing visitors to engage with the process and learn more about these historical trades.

6. Historical Demonstrations

Heritage Park offers numerous interactive demonstrations where visitors can participate in activities from the past. For example:

Candle-making and soap-making demonstrations give a glimpse into the daily life of the pioneers and settlers.

Cooking demonstrations show visitors how people of the era prepared meals using traditional methods, often in wood-fired ovens or cast-iron stoves.

7. Special Events and Festivals

Heritage Park is host to a variety of special events throughout the year, which add an extra layer of excitement to the visit. Some popular events include:

Heritage Christmas: This winter festival celebrates the holiday season with a Victorian Christmas theme. Visitors can enjoy a light display, holiday music, and even meet Santa Claus.

Heritage Day: This summer event offers additional historic performances, live music, and food, highlighting the culture of Calgary and Alberta.

Music Festivals and Artisan Markets: These events feature local craftspeople, musicians, and artists who bring the historical village to life with demonstrations and performances.

Educational and Family-Friendly Activities

Heritage Park is designed with families and school groups in mind, offering educational programs that help children and young visitors learn about history in an interactive way. Some of these programs include:

Guided Tours: The park offers guided tours for school groups and general visitors, providing in-depth historical knowledge and context for the exhibits.

Children's Programs: Heritage Park offers a variety of programs aimed at children, including hands-on activities, craft making, and storytelling that teach about history through engaging and fun activities.

Scavenger Hunts: The park also features interactive scavenger hunts that encourage visitors to explore the village, find historical artifacts, and learn about Calgary’s history in a playful way.

Visitor Information

Hours of Operation: Heritage Park is open seasonally, typically from May to October, with extended hours during the summer months. During winter, it also operates for Heritage Christmas events.

Admission: Admission prices vary depending on the season and event, with discounts for children, seniors, and family groups. It's best to check the Heritage Park website for current pricing and operating hours.

Parking: Ample free parking is available at the park. There are also nearby public transit options for those who prefer to travel by bus or train.

Conclusion

Heritage Park Historical Village is a must-see destination for anyone interested in exploring Calgary’s history, from the fur trade era through to the development of the city into a modern metropolis. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor, it offers an educational, entertaining, and immersive experience that brings the past to life. It's an ideal place for families, history buffs, and anyone interested in learning about the rich heritage of Calgary and Alberta.