Heritage Park is a living history museum on 127 acres of parkland on the shore of the Glenmore Reservoir, a short drive south of downtown Calgary. Its historic buildings and a train were moved to the site from the 1960s on, and they show life in Western Canada from the 1860s to the 1950s. Costumed interpreters work in a blacksmith shop, a schoolhouse and a general store. A steam train carries you from the parking lot into the village, and a paddlewheel boat sails on the reservoir. The antique midway and the Gasoline Alley Museum fill out a full day.
From the 1860s to the 1950s
Heritage Park was founded in 1964 to preserve Alberta's heritage. Historic buildings and a train were moved to the site starting in the 1960s, and the collection has grown since then. The park holds about 50,000 artifacts that show settlers' lives in four periods: the 1860s, the 1880s, the years before 1914, and the 1930s to the 1950s.
The village is divided into four areas. Heritage Town Square has cafes and restaurants. The 1900s village has a main street lined with old stores, including a post office, a school, a police station and a candy store. The 1880s section recreates a pre-railway settlement. The 1860s area has a fur trading fort and a First Nations encampment.
Inside the village
Costumed interpreters staff the buildings and run the daily activities. You can watch a working blacksmith, step into a schoolhouse and browse a general store. Demonstrations include traditional Métis bannock bread making and fibre arts, and street theatre runs through the day. Guided tours of the different areas are also offered.
Sweet stops are part of the walk. The bakery and the candy store sell old-fashioned treats such as candy floss and cinnamon buns, and the ice cream parlour serves old-fashioned ice cream.
Trains, boats and the midway
The steam train is the park's best-known ride. A real steam engine sits just inside the gates, and it takes you into the village. Paddlewheel boat trips run on the Glenmore Reservoir, and dinner cruises are part of the schedule.
The vintage midway has seven antique rides that predate 1928, and it includes a Ferris wheel. Rides like these are included with admission.
Gasoline Alley Museum
The three-storey Gasoline Alley Museum holds a large public collection of antique vehicles and oil and gas artifacts. Its displays cover auto history from about 1900 to the 1950s, and they include a bustling street scene and a vintage drive-in movie display. The Family Gallery offers crafts for children.
The museum stays open in the off-season, when the rest of the park is closed.
Seasons and events
The historical village is open from late May to Thanksgiving, and Heritage Town Square is open year-round. The park is at its best in late spring and summer, when all of the exhibits are running.
Special events include Ghost Tours, Canada Day and Heritage Day celebrations, Market Nights, and Day Out With Thomas. Heritage Plaza hosts evening events in summer, and Santa is available for photos from late November to mid-December.
Getting there
The park is at 1900 Heritage Drive SW, on the southwest edge of the city. The C-Train light rail also serves the area. Parking is paid, in the lot and on the street.
The entrance, restrooms and parking lot are wheelchair accessible, and changing tables are available.
Perguntas frequentes
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, admission is charged, and the park recommends buying tickets in advance. The steam train, paddlewheel boat and vintage midway rides are included with admission.
How long do you need?
Plan two to three hours for the village. A full day is needed if you also want the boat ride, the midway and the Gasoline Alley Museum.
When is the park open?
The historical village is open from late May to Thanksgiving. Heritage Town Square is open year-round.
Is parking free?
No. Parking is paid, both in the lot and on the street.
Is the park wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance, restrooms and parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
