Heritage Park Historical Village, Calgary (must see)

Heritage Park Historical Village is Canada’s largest living history museum, nestled on 127 acres along the scenic Glenmore Reservoir in the southwest of the city. Established in 1964, this immersive attraction brings Western Canadian history to life, spanning from the 1860s through the 1950s. With over 100 historical buildings-many of them original, relocated structures-and costumed interpreters, it’s a truly engaging experience for history lovers and families alike.

As you wander through the park, you'll encounter three immersive zones: the rugged 1860s Fur Trading Fort complete with an Indigenous encampment; a pre‑railway 1880s settlement showcasing early agrarian life; and a bustling Prairie Railway Town circa 1910, complete with a blacksmith, bakery, hotel, and shops. Noteworthy highlights include the restored 1913 Little Synagogue on the Prairie, offering a rare glimpse into early Jewish prairie life, and an authentic paddle-wheeler, the S.S. Moyie, gliding across the reservoir. A heritage steam train also circles the grounds, loaded with character and charm.

Beyond heritage exhibits, Heritage Park features interactive delights that make history fun. Hop aboard the antique midway rides-Ferris wheel, carousel, and the famous Caterpillar-at no extra cost. Ride a tractor- or horse-drawn wagons, pan for gold, and watch live street theatre. The Gasoline Alley Museum, open year-round, showcases vintage cars and gasoline paraphernalia-an intriguing nod to Alberta’s oil heritage.

Open from mid-May to Thanksgiving weekends, the park offers daily entry during peak season, with year-round access to select sites like Gasoline Alley and the Heritage Plaza restaurants. Whether you’re stepping back into a fur-trading fort, chatting with a costumed blacksmith, or enjoying a paddle-boat cruise at dusk, Heritage Park offers a richly layered portrait of Alberta’s past-an unmissable stop for anyone exploring Calgary.