Credit: Fort Edmonton Park
There is something special about exploring life-sized museum exhibits.
Alberta’s pioneer villages and pioneer museums allow us to venture into the past by touring preserved buildings, shopping the old general stores, and through interactive activities.
You might find some of these pioneer museums close to home or can create a fun family day trip out of them (some even offer camping).
Fort Edmonton Park – Edmonton
Explore Fort Edmonton this spring and summer and discover the history of the area’s settlement and development. Do so through interactive exhibits, guided tours, dining, or shopping. The Fort always had an old-time midway, but it recently received upgrades like a new Ferris wheel. Also new to Fort Edmonton is the Indigenous Peoples Experience exhibit.
When:May 21 to September 5, 2022
Where: 7000 143 St NW, Edmonton
How much:: Adult (18-64) $26.20
Child/Youth (3-17) $20.90
Senior (65+) $20.90
Family (2 adults & up to 4 kids) $95.00
Heritage Park – Calgary
Calgary’s Heritage Park is a celebration and large exhibit of southern Alberta’s history, with this year using the special theme of sports through the years: The way we Played. Some interactive things to look forward to including Indigenous and European sports and games. Also in the park is their Gasoline Alley Museum (separate admission cost), Heritage Square, Village Centre, and Antique Midway, the Ranch, Prospect’s Ridge, plus dining and shopping.
When:May 21, 2022 to Thanksgiving Weekend
Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Dr. SW, Calgary
How much:: Child (3-6) $14.95, Youth (7-15) $19.95, General (16-64) $29.95, Senior (65+) $22.95
Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village – Lamont County
History is brought to life at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, an open-air museum where costumed role-players recreate the life of early Ukrainian pioneers that settled in east central Alberta from 1892-1930. Step back in time to hear real stories of hardships and triumphs in Canada’s oldest and one-time largest bloc settlement of Ukrainian pioneers.
When:May 21, 2022 to September 5, 2022
Where: Lamont county, Ukrainian Cultural heritage Village is 25min east of Edmonton on HWY 16 (40 minutes from downtown Edmonton), right next to Elk Island National Park.
How much:: Family (2 Adults & Youths to a maximum of 8 people): $40
Adult (18-64): $15; Senior (65+): $13
Youth (7-17): $10; Child (0-6): Free
Historic Dunvegan Provincial Park – Fairview
There is a lot to do, see, and photograph on your visit to Historic Dunvegan. Choose from two guided tours (Mission or Fur Trade tour), explore the walking paths on your own, or pack a picnic for a full day’s outing in the PP. Beyond these park tours you can also camp here, shop the gift shop, or visit the nearby Dunvegan Gardens for food.
Historic Dunvegan Provincial Park
When:May 18, 2022, to September 5, 2022
Where: 26 kilometres south of Fairview, Alberta on Highway 2 (northeastern bank of Peace River)
How much:: Adults: $5, Seniors: $4, Youth 7-17: $2, 6 and younger: Free, Canadian Military and Family (with CFOne Card): Free, Cultural Access Pass Holders: Free
Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village – Pincher Creek
The expanse of historical exhibits and buildings at the Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village gives you a day’s worth of entertainment. Explore Indigenous exhibits, old ranch houses, military displays, and an old-time general store. You can also catch the Pincher Creek Cruise & Shine car show here on Father’s Day (June 19, 2022).
When:now open
Where: 1037 Bev McLachlin Drive, Pincher Creek
How much:: High Season (June 1 – August 30) – Adults $14, Seniors $12, Youth 7-17 $8.00,
6 & Under Free. Family (2 adults & up to 4 youth) $35.00
Low Season (August 30 – June 1) – Adults $12, Seniors $10, Youth (7-17) $6,
6 & Under Free, Family (2 adults & up to 4 youth) $30.00
Hanna Pioneer Museum & Village – Hanna
A visit to the Hanna Pioneer Museum is a step back in time. There are a few rows of preserved buildings which also house exhibits. You can view antiques, furniture displays, and think back to when the area was filled with people.
When: June 25 – August 27 10:00 am – 6:00 pm; Off Season by Appointment
Where: 502 Pioneer Trail, Hanna
Stony Plain & Parkland Pioneer Museum – Parkland County
The stories you’ll encounter at this museum celebrate Parkland County’s history. You can take it in through donated items, exhibits, and the restored buildings on the grounds. After a few years of closure, the museum’s Tea House is now back!
When:The Tea House will be opening for the season on June 3rd. Museum Hours: TBA
Where: 5120-41 Avenue, Stony Plain
How much: by donation
Sundre Pioneer Museum & World of Wildlife
Tour pioneer village and travel back in time to see how early Sundre and area pioneers lived. The pioneer museum occupies 4 acres of land and has 8 heritage buildings. Do not miss the World of Wildlife exhibit which displays over 170 animal mounts from around the world.
Where: 211 – 1st Ave SW, Sundre
When: Summer
How much: Family $30; Adults $10; Seniors (65+) / Youth: $8; 6 & under: FREE
Stettler Town and Country Museum
This southern Alberta Museum is a collection of buildings, antiques, and artifacts which show what life was like in Stettler’s earliest days. The large village is filled with restored buildings like the bright white courthouse.
When:
Off Season Open Weekdays until May 2022 10 AM to 3 PM, Daily in Summer
Where: 6502 44 Avenue, Stettler
How much:: by donation
Fairview Pioneer Museum
You can pay a visit to the Pioneer Museum in Fairview and their RCMP Centennial Museum all in one day. The 10-acre site on which the old Fairview buildings normally sit is undergoing some important updates, but you can still view a few of the buildings, along with all their antique contents.
When:May to August
Where: 1Km North of Fairview on Secondary Highway 732, At Cummings Lake Turnoff.
How much: by donation
South Peace Centennial Museum & Interpretive Centre
While the South Peace Centennial Museum is open for summer, they give us a lot of events for which we can plan our trips. More notable is the Pioneer Days in July with several family-friendly activities. Otherwise, you can visit the museum anytime this summer and explore 40 acres of history.
When:May 15 to the August last Sunday
Where: 2 km Northwest of Beaverlodge along Highway 43
How much:: Daily: $5
Events – Pioneer Days & Fall Festival: $10
Parking: free
Un-serviced camping fee $10/night