Get in Touch with Your Heritage
Feeling nostalgic? Want to know what life was like before cell phones, computers, and HDTV's? Heritage Park located in SW Calgary is the place to go. It's situated on 66 acreas of lush parkland and is home to 150 historical exhibits and thousands of artifacts depicting life in Western Canada pre-1914. There's so much to do and it's a full day's adventure for the whole family.
Some of the exciting activities available include the ferry ride, train ride, amusement park rides (swings, ferris wheel, etc.), and the horse and carriage ride.
If you just want to walk around and see the sights, there's an entire historic village to amble through. There's the post office, one room school house, blacksmith's, jail, doctor's office, and a number of other turn of the century businesses. There's also a farm full of swine, chickens, sheep, cows, and the like for the kiddies to squeal over. For those interested in antique cars and machinery, there's a warehouse full replete with detailed descriptions outlining specs, use, and technological adaptations. For those of you interested in living accomodations, there are plenty of modest homes for display furnished in hand made appliances, quilts, toys, and soaps. You can watch the ladies at work in the tradition of old while perusing each room on squeaky wooden floors.
When you get hungry, there's a bakery full of decadent daily baked breads, tarts, and cookies. Or, you can dine in the local eatery on hotdogs, chips, and pop. A favorite for young and old alike is the reputable candy shop which is rarely seen without a lineup to enter. Transparent glass containers house dozens of old fashioned and newly invented sweets for pennies a pound. There's not much to eat in terms of real food, but my favorite is the candy shop anyway.
The park's atmosphere is enhanced with staff dressed in turn of the century apparel. At each location there are knowledgeable staff eager to share the history of the lifestyles of those who lived long ago (and still do). Heritage Park is an excellent educational resource for students and teachers and serves as a reminder of how fortunate we are today with the technology that surrounds us and the medical advancements that keep us healthy. It serves as a lifeline to the past for seniors wishing to reminisce about the good old days.
There are two souvenir shops located at the park's entrance as well as an ice cream and fudge shop.
There are special events posted throughout the season, including the Twelve Days of Christmas, Festival of Quilts, and Winterfest Senior Follies.
The park is open May 19-September 3 every day and September 8-October 8 on the weekends 9 a.m.-5 p.m. There's daily admission rates for kids, adults, seniors, and families as well as annual passes. I personally think the prices are high and they seem to be getting higher every year, but I still love going.
For more information call 403-268-8500 or go to www.heritagepark.ca/park. Heritage Park is a definite must do activity whenever you're in Calgary.
