| I discovered what I think is the best bargain in Canada at Calgary's Heritage Park. This a living park of the western Canadian communities that developed in the late 1800's. For only $10 you get entry into the park and a free breakfast. You can't beat that. All the buildings are authentic, staffed by people in period clothes and open for viewing. Many house working shops. Heritage Park is a non-profit, charitable organization, founded in 1963 to present the pioneer way of life. There are over 45,000 artifacts and 100 exhibits. This is an all day attraction so come prepared. This is a must do if you ever get to Calgary. |
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The train circles the park and stops at two stations. No matter
where you are in the park you can hear the steam whistle announce the arrival
and departure from the stations. The Stern Wheel boat runs regular
cruises around the lake. It's amazing how smooth and quiet it is.
One of the attractions I enjoyed the most is Gasoline Alley. A collection of antique automobile paraphernalia. The cars, gas pumps and other artifacts are in pristine condition and cover a large time span during the development of the horseless carriage. |
| There is a Roundhouse and Railway Turntable that house quite a few
engines and cars. I was impressed with the snow plow used to clear
the tracks in winter. This thing is BIG!
The blacksmith shop is a working exhibit and I watched the smith using a power hammer to shape a piece he was working on. The entire shop is belt driven from a single engine. The Forge however was hand cranked. There is also a large amusement area with period rides including an antique ferris wheel. There is definitely something for everyone. |
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I was fortunate enough to be at the park during the Old Time Fall Fair, one of the special events they hold during the season. This is a pre-1914 fair with judging for just about anything grown or created in the late 1800's. The competition was fierce and all the entries looked special. I would hate to have to make the final decision as to who gets the red ribbon. I did volunteer to taste the winners in the baking comptetion but was politely rejected. I consoled myself with a visit to the bakery for a fresh baked snack. |
| Driving from the mountains in British Columbia onto the prairies of Alberta is like driving from the Rockies of Colorado to the plains of Kansas. The change in landscape was dramatic as was the change in the weather. Lots of blue skies ahead. I checked the rear view mirror and saw the thunderheads hanging over the mountains and I was glad I was heading east. |
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