What We’re All About
Heritage Park grew out of the connection Calgarians have to the preservation of our shared history. The Park continues that vision, telling diverse stories of those who came before us.
Heritage Park Historical Village in Profile
Heritage Park Historical Village first opened its gates on July 1, 1964.
Since opening its doors, the Park has grown into one of Calgary’s premier tourist attractions. Our mission is to connect people with the Settlement of Western Canada and preserve our culture and heritage. Throughout the year, guests have the opportunity to interact with nearly 100 years of history. Heritage Park’s exhibits span the early 1860s fur trade to the petroleum and automobile-dominated 1950s. It is the Park’s mission to document the history of the early West and to educate and entertain guests of all ages. For a more in-depth look at Heritage Park Historical Village’s history, operations and governance, please browse the sections below.
Facilities
Conveniently located in the heart of southwest Calgary, Heritage Park is situated on a 127-acre peninsula of prime parkland surrounded on three sides by the Glenmore Reservoir. The majestic Rocky Mountains form a fitting backdrop that completes the Park’s beautiful surroundings. The Park now has over 180 exhibits and service structures; 50% relocated and restored originals, 25% replicas, and 25% analogues.
Facilities development and maintenance are directed by the collective vision of the Board, management and staff and are made possible by the availability of suitable historic building stock and available funding for restoration, replication or upkeep. The present direction in facilities development is to add certain key exhibits and service structures identified in the Master Plan. The implementation of a life-cycle maintenance plan is an example of the emphasis now being placed on stewardship.
Collections & Costuming
The Park’s historical collections are comprised of 50,000 artifacts, not including buildings and rolling stock, representing most aspects of a settler’s life in western Canada from the 1860s, 1880s, pre-1914 and then from the 1930s to 1950s.
Each piece in the Park’s 17,000-item replica costume collection has been researched and created by the Park to ensure that all staff in public view are faithfully attired in respect to the historical era that they represent.
What makes this collection even more significant is that the public has donated virtually all of these items. Heritage Park would not exist without community support.
After almost 60 years of collecting, our staff has made the decision to place a temporary moratorium (pause) on acquiring new items. This collection’s moratorium will be in place until June 30, 2025.
Governance
Heritage Park Historical Village is a charitable institution governed by the Heritage Park Society. The Society was incorporated on December 10, 1963 and our members are representative of the community at large.
Annual Report
Fiscal responsibility is the cornerstone of Heritage Park’s success. Our concerted approach to fundraising as well as a policy that all new capital projects be 100% funded, engages community support and ensures that the Park’s resources are never overextended.
Sustainability
Nurturing Heritage, Sustaining Tomorrow
At Heritage Park, sustainability is not just something we practice — it’s a way for us to preserve the past while protecting the future.
We are committed to minimizing our environmental footprint, and that plays a key part in current Park operations, as well as future plans. Through small steps to keep waste out of landfills to major projects that help us power the Park, a ‘green’ thread runs through all we do.
It’s all part of the way we’re taking action today to benefit the generations of tomorrow.
Accessibility
We recognize that the Village in Heritage Park is set between 1860-1920 which may present difficulties for those with physical disabilities or those who may have mobility challenges. We are continuously making improvements to the Village in the aim of making all of our exhibits more accessible to our guests.
Health and Safety
Health, Safety and Heritage Park Rules
Heritage Park is committed to providing our guests with a safe experience every time they visit. The Park has several health and safety guidelines we encourage our guests to follow during their visit.