Calgary - Day 2

Today we let the boys sleep in, figuring they needed a little extra sleep without naps. So around 10 we finally headed out to Heritage Park. Now, originally I had crossed this off my list because I thought (mistakenly) that it was a western town. And given the fact that we are going to Fort Steele in a few days, I had thought what was the point?

How wrong I was. For anyone planning a trip to Calgary do NOT MISS THIS PARK! Talk about a cool place. I am not sure I can even describe it. The essence is that it is a 60+ acre park representing Canada from 1900 - 1930. It contains a western town, authentic replicas of real houses and famous establishments in Alberta, a 1920's style amusement park (with really impressive rides), a steam engine train, a steam paddleboat, and an Indian settlement complete with tipis. It also contained Gasoline Alley which housed an incredibly impressive collection of fully restored classic automobiles (including Auburns, Fords, MacPhersons, Arrow, Chevrolet and others) and a full line of restored Gasoline pumps and signs. To put this in perspective, my dad said he has rarely seen a collection of such quality restoration in one place. It was truly awe inspiring and gorgeous.

We rode the Swing, the Caterpillar (an old-fashioned roller coaster with a green canopy the extends and then restracts), an authentic Carousel, the Whip, a Ferris Wheel and other mid-way type events and toys.

We toured through the old fashioned businesses and homes on main street, including a Barber/Billards Shop, Hotel, Candy Store, Post Office and 2-story outhouse. We also rode the steam paddlewheel boat and train, in addition to several amusement rides.

Our only complaint with this park is the fact that it closed at 5 pm. We could have stayed much later!