On July 1st, will be the celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday. If you didn’t know it already, I am from the beautiful country of Canada, and proud to call it my home! Unfortunately I won’t be north of the border on July 1st. Instead I celebrated early by visiting a historical village last week: :Heritage Park in Calgary.

Take a ride back in time and explore Canadian history at this beautiful sight located in the city of Calgary. This park is Canada’s largest living history experience. It’s so cool because there are over 180 unique exhibits with activities , that let you enjoy a time from days gone by.

The Park offers guests an authentic, historical experience from four key times:

• 1860s Hudson’s Bay Company Fur Trading Fort, First Nations Encampment and Catholic Mission
• 1880s Pre-Railway Settlement: saloon, general store, homes and businesses
• 1910 Historical Village: working shops, homes, restaurants, businesses, antique midway, horse drawn wagon rides and train rides
• 1930s Heritage Town Square: shops, café, restaurant and Gasoline Alley Museum

I have been to Heritage Park a few times in the past, but this time I explored it more in depth. There have been some major additions since last time I visited. They added an incredible vintage car and gas pump museum called “Gasoline Alley”- more about that later!

The park has several sections to check out: When you step through the gates you will embark on an amazing journey through the early days of western Canada’s history : The journey will go from a timeless First Nations camp to a rustic settlement, from a bustling young prairie town to a mid 20th century urban square.

I absolutely loved the park and tour down through time. Everything you get to see and participate in, does make the experience so realistic and reminiscent of the settlement days. Now hop on board for a ride you won’t soon forget!

The Settlement

This is the best area to start the journey through the village chronologically. A beautiful farm setting is the beginning of the settlement area. Here you can visit the Gleichen School from 1888, hang out at the Hudson Bay Company Fur Trading Fort, or grab a drink at Drew’s Saloon and Stopping House.

The little general store was fun to stop at too , it’s stocked with all the old time goodies I remember growing up with. You can also purchase other gifts such as candles and homemade soap etc.

Inside the Hudson’s Bay fur trading post, these ladies were busy baking bread on the two large fireplaces- that lined the wall of the fort.

First Nations Encampment: Here you can find out how life skills were taught to First Nations children, while enjoying Aboriginal games.

The Ranch

There are 3 train stations located throughout the park , and you can hop on and off the train any time you like. It really is the best way to enjoy it without getting tired from trekking all 127 acres! Anyway if you want to check out the ranch with the Burnside house, then you need to disembark at the Laggan station.

At the Burnside House you can experience the old time farm life. Tame pigs are on site for your little ones to pet, and a cage full of chickens. Inside the house check out how ladies of this era spent time in the kitchen- the fresh aroma of home baked cookies waffles through the air and beckons you in.