Calgary Historic Sites & Interpretive Centres

Discover “How the West was Once” at Canada’s largest living history museum. This historic park features more than 180 exhibits and 57,000 artefacts including a summer seasonal historical village with an antique midway, old-fashioned bakery and candy store, authentic steam train that circles on one mile of track and horse wagon rides. The Park's friendly and engaging costumed interpreters bring history to life. New and open year-round is the Gasoline Alley Museum, celebrating the introduction of the automobile and the impact that it had on Western society. The museum is home to 50 rare antique vehicles and trucks and the world’s largest public display of petroliana.

The Deane House has gone through many changes since it was originally built in 1906 as the home for R.B. Deane, Fort Calgary's Superintendent at the time. Through the years it has served several functions including a boarding house, an artist’s studio and other functions including the restaurant that it is today. The restaurant overlooks the Elbow River. Open for brunch, lunch, tea and a Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre.

This facility is closed and will re-open to the public some time in 2009.

YouthLink Calgary - The Calgary Police Interpretive Centre, is a facility where youth and their families can interact with exhibits that explore many tough decisions and situations, from youth and family violence to substance abuse, kids face as they move through their teen years. It also provides an opportunity to learn about policing in an entertaining but educational manner. The Call Box Gift shop carries police related toys, gifts and clothing. Public hours - Sat. 12:00-4:00pm and Mondays 10:00-4:00pm. Available in the evening for group bookings.

Completed in 1918, the Mewata Armoury has served several military purposes including use as housing quarters, a training centre, and the site for a military ball in 1919 for the Prince of Wales. Designed to mimic a medieval fortress, the building features four square corner towers, four smaller towers, buttresses with turrets, and is cut from red brick and sandstone. To date, the Mewata Armoury is a Canadian Forces reserve armoury that houses local Militia units including the Calgary Highlanders and the King’s Own Calgary Regiment.

Restored 1891 sandstone mansion & 2.8-acres of grounds; Open Wednesday through Friday, 11 am until 4 pm, and Saturday-Sunday 10am until 4pm; Isabella's Cafe for lunch and afternoon tea; Treasures Giftshop; Exhibits and interpretive programs for all ages & interests; Rental venue for private & corporate functions & weddings; Research collections;

The North West Mounted Police arrived on the land where Fort Calgary exists today, where the Elbow River meets the Bow River, in 1875. Exhibits are scattered throughout Fort Calgary’s 40 acres of riverside property that resemble the lifestyle of its original inhabitants. The Deane House Historic Site and Restaurant is located on-site, as well as a hands-on interpretive centre.