While in Calgary, I had the opportunity to explore Heritage Park. Heritage Park is a museum that functions as living history site. What does this mean? It means that the museum is set up to engage the visitor. From costumed interpreters, to the smell of baking, horse drawn wagon rides and the whistle of the steam train, you are invited to go back in time. There are gardens to walk and houses to visit. In each place, you might be greeted by the ladies of the house or the gentleman attending to business. At the fur trading post, you can discuss furs and at the teepee, there might be the opportunity to chat to the Blackfoot people.
My favorite part of visiting Heritage Park is the live theatre performances on the streets. They have short skits that engage visitors into following the stories of old time residents. This year, it was all about black gold and trying to strike it rich. They are also experimenting with cell phone technology to add interpretation into buildings like the school house. Everywhere you go on site, there is something to do and someone to talk to. If you are there before 10:00, you can have breakfast, or you can go the bakery and have a cinnamon bun or try your hand at making ice-cream.
Things to note:
• Don’t assume this is a short visit. If visiting with children, plan to spend the entire day here.
• Pack a picnic in a back pack
• Watch the street theatre
• Try the midway rides that are now free with admission
• Bring money for ice cream and the bakery. Yum.
• Wear comfortable shoes and plan your day around the train if needed. The Moyie is a nice quiet relax on the water too.
• Talk to the interpreters, they will make your visit special.
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| Royal Bank |
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| Gasoline Alley |
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| Talking with the Smithie |
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| Street Theatre |
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| View from the Midway |
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