Fort Edmonton Park is a living history museum, and the largest in the entire country spanning 158 acres of land.
The park is named after the first European post in the area of modern-day Edmonton still standing to this day. It contains original and rebuilt historical structures that showcase the history of Edmonton and the rich cultures of Indigenous Peoples.
What You’ll See in Fort Edmonton Park
People who come to Fort Edmonton get to relive the history of Edmonton through the life-sized and historically-accurate renderings of various eras.
We suggest that you walk through the streets and admire the architecture, perfect as backdrops for your photos. In fact, the whole park is perfect for everyone to explore photography.
The eras are separated into different sections, each with its display of different structures. Guests can actually navigate the entire park by way of streetcars or steam trains.
Indigenous Experience
This particular section of the park depicts Edmonton from pre-colonial times to present. It’s actually the newest attraction in the park, having just opened in 2021 following a three-month renovation.
This section has the goal of immersing its visitors in the different stories, lessons, and cultures of the local First Nations and Métis communities.
So it’s not just a history lesson, but a way of showing recognition and appreciation for the original inhabitants of the land.
1846 Fort
This section displays a full-scale replica of Hudson’s Bay Company during the fur trade era, from 1795 to 1859.
The accurate structures and layout came to fruition using the scale plan diagrams of British Lieutenant Mervin Vavasour, who had visited the place in the mid-1840s.
Among its notable features is the Cree camp outside the fort’s palisade, representing the fur trade and the indigenous First Nations.
1885 Street
This era depicts the Settlement Era in 1871 to 1891, and shows the beginning of a town. The era also saw the proliferation of the telegraph and printing press media.
Guests will notice covered wagons here, which came about during this time. There’s also the rebuilt Jasper House Hotel, which was the first building in Edmonton made entirely out of bricks.
1905 Street
1905 Street shows Edmonton in the Municipal Era in 1892-1914. This era represents the time when Edmonton had just been established as a city, and when it was selected as the home of the Alberta Provincial Legislature in 1905.
In this section of the park stands a Tent City, because during this era there was an economic boom that attracted newcomers to the city, eventually causing a problem with housing.
1920 Street
This is the last section of the park. It shows Edmonton during and after World War I. Among many of its displays are Blatchford Field Air Hangar and Mellon Farm, which is actually one of the park’s original structures.
There’s also Hotel Selkirk, an approximation of another hotel which was once in downtown Edmonton. Guests are welcome to stay in the hotel overnight.
Basically, for those looking for an enlightening and wholesome amusement park experience, Fort Edmonton Park may be the one for you. It actually made it onto our list of amusement parks in Edmonton to check out.
And on top of being a living-history museum, it holds various venues perfect for weddings as well, so check with your planner if you’d like to get married here! It’s actually an option!
For those looking for date ideas that aren’t just watching movies or dining out, exploring the park may be a great idea too.
By the way, if you’re coming from further afield by car, there are a lot of reliable parking spots nearby. But if you prefer to go by taxi, there are great taxi services available as well.
But If your day trip involves a larger group of guests, booking a charter bus may be the best choice.
There are also restaurants and cafes nearby, so you won’t have to go without food on your visit!
