Calgary’s historical village comes alive during the summer months!
As a living history museum, many of Heritage Park’s activities, programs, and events take place over the summer months. During the off-season, Heritage Park’s indoor Gasoline Alley Museum remains open. Plus, the park hosts various dining events, indoor activities, and more for the colder seasons.
Heritage Park opens the outdoor living history part of the park ( Historical Village) during Victoria Day weekend. This is where visitors get to explore Calgary’s history through the eras. Exploring the park is easier and more authentic with a Canadian Pacific Railway train winding through the different time periods and paddle-wheeler boat rides on the Glenbow Reservoir.
Overall, Heritage Park is a great way to spend the day as a family, a group of friends, or a couple. The park has dining, entertainment, education, photo opportunities, and more. The exhibits are immersive, and the park is always adding to the list of things to do on your visit.
Things to Look Forward to at Heritage Park in 2023
The park will be decorated in a unique way for the final weekend in May when they host The Festival of Quilts. As you explore the park, you can view the beautiful creations of local Calgary quilters.
There is plenty of time to plan for the summer holidays. The park will have special activities and festivities for both Canada Day (July 1, 2023) and Heritage Day (August 7, 2023).
The park will also host feature dining events, as they do all year long. Get tickets to the Father’s Day Brunch, gourmet afternoon tea (Tea on the Verandah) or the Dinner & a Movie nights.
The park will also host their summer River Forth Lunches in 2023. The lunch experience takes place in a vintage dining car that travels while you dine- these begin in June.
Visiting Heritage Park with no plans or events can still fill a spring or summer day. The park has seven different parts of Western Canadian history to explore in several different ways. Some exhibits have hands-on opportunities, while some buildings are simply impressive to admire.
Kids (and any adult’s inner child) will appreciate one of the final stops on the train: the Conklin Lakeview Amusement Park- also known as the Heritage Midway. This Victorian-era midway includes a variety of rides and games that are included with gate admission. On June 16, July 28, and August 11 from 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm, the midway will be open exclusively for adults (Night at the Midway).
Heritage Plaza and promenade will come alive every Saturday evening from June 24 to September 2, 2023, where you can indulge in shopping, exploration, dining, and live entertainment courtesy of a diverse array of local vendors.
Included with gate admission are rides on the S.S. Moyie. This is a half-sized replica of the actual S.S. Moyie paddle wheeler, which once transported gold miners from Kootenay Landing to Nelson, BC. During summer, there are also special “date night sails” called Captain’s Cruises (To be announced for 2023), where you can enjoy gourmet hors d’oeuvres with a selection of beer & wines while listening to a live jazz band.
Heritage Park is on the part of the Glenmore Reservoir, where the Elbow River narrows as it leads to the Bow River. The Glenmore Reservoir and the two major Glenmore Parks are perfect for a picnic after visiting Heritage Park.
Heritage Park in Fall & Winter
The park caters to each season with various holiday events and experiences. While the outdoor village closes by Thanksgiving, Heritage Park hosts fall events that include Thanksgiving dining, the Ghouls’ Night Out for Halloween, and Fall Ghost tours.
Once the snow hits Calgary, the park starts to prepare for Once Upon a Christmas. The event features light displays, a market, and holiday buffets. Once Upon a Christmas usually lasts about three weeks before the holiday start.
Trip Planning — Heritage Park:
What: Heritage Park is a living history museum and historical village. Part of the park is open year-round, and this includes all the attractions in Heritage Square. The rest of the park opens in May each year, along with the riverboat and the train. Heritage Square is the entrance to the park and has the indoor Gasoline Alley Museum. From here, you can set out on foot, or on the train to see the rest of the park. Heritage Park has dining and entertainment events scheduled all year-long as well.
Heritage Park has several places to eat during a general admission trip. These range from the finer side of dining, like The Selkirk, to more casual fare. For casual meals, stop by the Club Café or Railway Café. And for desserts and sweets, you can shop in an authentic general store or confectionary. All the restaurants and cafes are historical buildings with their own stories.
When:
Heritage Park’s Historical Village: May 20 to Oct. 8, 2023
Open All Year: Gasoline Alley Museum, The Selkirk, Haskayne Mercantile Block, Railway Café
Location and how to get there: 1900 Heritage Dr SW, Calgary
Access Heritage Drive SW from 14 St. SW, McLeod Trail, or Blackfoot Trail SE
How much: $19.95 – $29.95
For more information:
Heritage Park Historical Village