Heritage Park is the largest living museum in Canada and we are super lucky to have it here in Calgary. It truly is one of my most favourite places to visit year around ourselves and to take visitors from out of town. If you want my Heritage Park review in a glance, I would say: highly recommended! If you need more details, keep reading!
Heritage Park Review:
Don’t have a time machine but want to escape to the past? Your best bet is a visit to Heritage Park! It is not only educational for children to learn about the history of Calgary and Alberta but also for adults to immerse themselves in a much simpler life.
All employees and volunteers of Heritage Park are dressed in character and always have a smile on their faces eager to talk and educate. The park is populated with heritage buildings from around Alberta and walking through the village gives you a true essence of the past. With the sound of the steam engine in the background and horse carts being pulled on the streets, you could as well be in 1905.
The grounds are gorgeous and there are photo ops at every turn. Love the gorgeous flowers and produce from their heirloom gardens.
With more than 200 exhibits and attractions spread over 127 acres of lush parkland, Heritage Park Historical Village has a lot to offer for families.
There are lots of places to eat whether you want to refresh yourself with snacks or have lunch.
A stop for ice cream is a must whenever we visit.
And so is the ride in the steam engine train!
There are fun activities that happen daily according to the plan for the day including live theatre! The kids always love pouring over the map and activities schedule as soon as we enter.
If you have an animal lover in the family, there are some gorgeous animals on the grounds also, including horses!
Heritage Park Review: How is it Visiting During COVID-19?
So you might be wondering how the Heritage Park experience is during COVID-19? We loved the physical distancing measures that have been taken at the park.
You are required to wear a mask inside the buildings and on the train.
You also need to pre-purchase your tickets and book a specific time slot to enter Heritage Park.
On the train physical distancing is ensured by blocking seats in between. There is signage to ensure one-way traffic.
Plus the rides are open now!
Heritage Park Square and Shops
One of the best things about the Heritage Park experience is that you don’t even have to buy admission to get a feel of the past.
Enjoy the Heritage Park square without paying admission by grabbing a bite or snack at the Railway Cafe, visiting the lovely shops (which have the best vintage finds in Calgary along with nostalgic toys) and delicious ice cream! There is a new ice cream place open at the square now!
Do you know that Heritage Park is a registered charity? Every time you visit and support the park, you are also giving back to ensure that our heritage here in Calgary and Alberta is preserved with love.
I highly recommend getting the annual membership, because it pays back for itself in two visits, plus you don’t have to hurry through the exhibits. There are also discounts to enjoy at the shops!
Have you been to Heritage Park in Calgary or plan to visit? Do share what you thought of this Heritage Park review! It truly is one of my most favourite places in Calgary!
Disclaimer: We were gifted annual admission to the park. All reviews are my own.