What to Do at Heritage Park and The Best Time to Visit

Wish you could step back in time and live history, not just read about it? Heritage Park in Calgary offers just that, with Canada’s largest living history museum.

Unlike traditional museums, Heritage Park lets you experience history through all your senses, with costumed interpreters, historic buildings, and working antiques.

As someone who grew up in Calgary, I’ve visited Heritage Park countless times throughout the seasons, even braving the cold winters for the magical Christmas Lights display. Now, living in Vancouver, I make it a point to return with my mom every few years.

There’s something about Heritage Park that always draws me back – it’s not just about seeing history but truly feeling connected to it. Let me guide you through what to do and how to make the most of your visit.

The train is leaving the station…ready to go?

1. The S.S. Moyie Steam Ship

The S.S. Moyie was used on Kootenay Lake, B.C., to ferry passengers between small settlements and towns between 1898 and 1957, making it North America’s oldest sternwheeler still in service.

When it was retired, it was made into a museum and placed in Kaslo, B.C. I’ve been to Kaslo and had the pleasure of taking a look at the original ship in person. THIS steamship is actually a diesel-running half-size replica of the original S.S. Moyie.

Explore Heritage Park, Calgary Alberta: A Must-Visit Destination

2. An Authentic Steam Train

You can ride on a steam train and imagine yourself riding on one between 1882 and 1949. Take the train between different stops in Heritage Park to save your energy, as there is a lot of walking involved here! Unfortunately, if you have a stroller or wheelchair, you will not be able to bring it on the train.

Heritage Park is 127 acres, so you’ll likely want to take the steam train to check out the 1860s Fur Trading Fort and First Nations Encampment. First Nations, Métis, explorers, settlers, traders, and others who travelled through Western Canada are represented in this area of the park.

3. Heritage Park Midway

Heritage Park Calgary rides provide a delightful, nostalgic experience for visitors of all ages. Imagine the joy on your children’s faces as they hop onto the vibrantly painted carousel horses or feel the thrill of the wind rushing through their hair on the swing ride.

For older kids and adults, the bumper cars offer a fun opportunity to engage in some friendly competition. Each ride is meticulously restored to maintain its historical charm, ensuring that your experience is both authentic and entertaining.

Don’t forget to check the daily schedule, as the availability of rides can vary. For the most hassle-free experience, plan your rides early in the day to avoid peak crowds.

Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for some old-fashioned fun, these amusement park rides are sure to be a highlight of your trip to Heritage Park.

🎡🎠 Get your Heritage Park, Calgary Admission Tickets (Click Here)

4. Find Joy Wandering in these Heritage Buildings

There are plenty of historic buildings to wander into, allowing you to imagine yourself living there. For instance, stand in line at the bakery while you wait to order delicious bread and pastries. A visit to the bakery is always a highlight of a visit to Heritage Park.

The Wainwright Hotel at Heritage Park is also one of my favourite places to stop in. I like pretending that I am visiting the village and staying in one of the little rooms upstairs.

There are also houses, a school, a post office, and other buildings to either look into or walk around in. So much scope for the imagination!

🎡🎠 Get your Heritage Park, Calgary Admission Tickets (Click Here)

5. Check out Gasoline Alley

Gasoline Alley is an absolute blast! Whether you’re into cars or not, this place is like stepping into a time capsule of vintage rides and cool old gas station gear. It’s packed with shiny, restored cars and trucks from way back when along with retro gas pumps and signs that make you feel like you’re cruising through history.

Even if you’re not a car buff, the collection is super fun to explore, and there are interactive exhibits to keep things interesting. It’s a great spot for families—kids love seeing the old-school vehicles, and there’s plenty of nostalgia for the grown-ups too.

Take your time to wander through and snap some pics. Gasoline Alley is one of those spots at Heritage Park that you definitely won’t want to miss!

How do I Get to Heritage Park, Calgary?

You can reach Heritage Park by car, public transit, or even bicycle. Parking is available on-site, with ample space to accommodate visitors. If you prefer public transit, Calgary Transit offers convenient bus routes that stop near the park entrance. You can catch Bus 502 from Heritage LRT Station or Bus 20 from various points in the city, which makes reaching the park hassle-free. 

For those who enjoy cycling, the park is easily accessible via Calgary’s extensive network of bike paths. Bike racks are available at the entrance, allowing you to secure your bicycle while you explore the park. Additionally, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in Calgary, providing another flexible transportation option.

Heritage Park Calgary Address: 1900 Heritage Dr. SW, Calgary, AB T2V 2X3

As Heritage Park Calgary admission prices may change, I recommend visiting the website for the latest information.

Frequently Asked Questions About Heritage Park, Calgary

Final Thoughts on What to Do at Heritage Park

I think you’ll agree that a day spent at Heritage Park, Calgary, is a perfect way to immerse yourself in history while having fun with the whole family. Whether you pack a picnic or indulge in treats from the local shops, this is one of the Calgary museums you’ll want to spend some time in.

With its mix of interactive exhibits, charming village atmosphere, and delicious dining options, Heritage Park offers more than just a history lesson—it’s a full-day adventure. Don’t miss the chance to step back in time and create lasting memories.

If you like visiting places that take you back in time, you’ll enjoy checking out the Drumheller Dinosaur Museum.

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