Fort Edmonton Park

Fort Edmonton Park is the largest living museum in Canada and gives guests the chance to travel back in time. Visitors can try their hand at fur trading in 1846, or baking bread in the local bakery in 1855, driving one of the first model automobiles in 1905, or be the first to ride the Ferris Wheel at the 1920 Midway carnival. The original Fort Edmonton was demolished but has been rebuilt after the Second World War and is like stepping back in history. The park is divided into four different eras, each rich with highlights of history to explore.

The first era represents the Hudson Bay Company Fort and fur trading. Unfortunately, it is not the original fort, but it is a replica from a scale plan taken from 1840’s historical information. It is complete with a Cree Camp located just outside the fort, representing the First Nations. The Cree’s trading of furs and provisions was vital to operations at the fort. Some of the other features to explore include; The Indian House and trade store where natives brought furs to trade or barter for European goods. The Clerk’s Quarters, The Men’s Quarters, and The Rowand House.

The 1885 Street is the second era. It represents the beginning of the town. It took some time for European settlers to start moving out from the fort and start working the land. The settlers established self-owned and sustainable farms, and the town began to grow. This growth produced the start of the telegraph, printing press, and political gatherings. There are covered wagons to see as well as a Northwest Mounted Police outpost.
There is a replica of the original Jasper House Hotel, which still stands in downtown Edmonton, under a different name. It was the city’s first all brick building. The Mcdougall Methodist church was built in 1873. It is an original structure that was relocated to the park. The Outwell Homestead is a reconstruction of an actual house and barn of the homesteaders of this era, with live animals on display.

The third era is 1905 Street is the Municipal era ranging from 1892-1914. Edmonton was designated a city and by 1905 was chosen as the site for the Alberta Provincial Legislature. The town experienced an economic boom, and in 1908 the University of Alberta was officially opened. The street shows the Rutherford House, which belonged to Alexander Cameron Rutherford. He became the first Premier of Alberta and was a major contributor to establishing the University of Alberta. There is a replica of the 1903 Masonic Hall and now houses a Masonic museum with furniture, regalia, and historical artifacts. A tent city was built when there were so many newcomers and no place to house them, and the street shows what life was like for the tent dwellers back then. Take a ride on an original Fort Edmonton streetcar. Visitors can hop on and trolley to the 1905 street or 1920 Street eras.

The fourth era is known as the Metropolitan and 1920 Street. The street shows Edmonton during and following the First World War. This era highlights the reliance on larger businesses and the introduction of modern technology such as automobiles and airplanes. The street features the Hotel Selkirk, which is a replica of the original in downtown Edmonton. It is a fully functional hotel for visiting park guests. Other exhibits include the Blatchfield Air Hangar, The original Mellon farm, and the Al Rashid Mosque that was built in 1938. 

One of the highlights is a recreation of a 1920’s Midway carnival that opened in 2006. A carousel with hand-carved horses is available to ride along with an old-fashioned Ferris wheel and many other carnival rides. Try your hand at the games of skill, take a trip through the funhouse, the haunted house, or the shooting gallery.

Fort Edmonton Park is rich in history and offers a great way to spend the day. Visitors travel through the different park eras watching live demonstrations from staff in period costumes. The steam train will tour guests around the park, horse and buggy rides are also available; hop on a streetcar or just enjoy walking through the park.

Fort Edmonton is currently undergoing an enhancement that will expand the Selkirk Hotel, create The Indigenous People’s Experience exhibit, build a new front entry plaza and expand the Midway. It will mean more history and adventure to come and explore!

Check out the Edmonton Elk Island National Park which is in Edmonton AB too.

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