Fort Calgary is an iconic historic site of great significance as it marks the birthplace of the city of Calgary. The site is nestled on a beautiful 40-acre plot at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers (known as Moh’kinsstis in Blackfoot), and holds a special place in the history of Calgary. Once a bustling trading post, Fort Calgary now stands as a fascinating museum and interpretive centre, inviting visitors to explore the rich heritage and captivating stories of the region.
We settled in Calgary in 2012, and it’s where our two daughters were born. However, until recently, we hadn’t really delved into Calgary’s history much at all. Last year, after finally becoming Canadian citizens (yey!), and getting free access to numerous attractions via the Canoo app, we felt inspired to explore and learn more about our home city. A visit to Fort Calgary proved to be an enlightening experience, as the whole family learned the fascinating story of the area’s early settlers, and how they shaped our city.
Note: In spring 2024, Fort Calgary changed its name to The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland.
What to Expect When Visiting Fort Calgary
Although the original fort is long gone, the recreated replica houses a museum and interpretive centre that features a variety of exhibits that provide a glimpse into the past. There are some really great exhibits that explain the fort’s creation, and how it was set up to house the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP) as part of an effort to curtail American rum and whisky runners in the region. The fort was eventually sold to the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway with the majority of the houses demolished to set up their rail terminal and ultimately declared a national historic site.
Inside Fort Calgary
Inside the fort, they have created purpose built ‘rooms’ that have been thoughtfully put together to show what certain parts of the fort would have looked like back in the day; such as the barracks, pharmacy, trade store, officers quarters, etc. Our kids enjoyed exploring the different rooms, and I personally got a kick out of locking them up in jail (just joking of course)! The museum also delves deep into personal stories of the first nations people which was really interesting.
As well as the museum it’s well worth a walk outside around the grounds. There is the impressive James MacLeod monument as well as the remnants of the old grounds where the historic buildings once stood. It’s a wonderful way to soak in the atmosphere and reflect on the significance of this site. It’s also a great place to have a picnic, followed by a stroll down the Bow River Pathway, which is a gorgeous pedestrian and cycling path that starts at Fort Calgary to its end at Edworthy Park.
Tips for Visiting Fort Calgary
Open: Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm; see their website for current info.
Admission:
Adults - $10
Seniors (65+) - $7
Youth (5 - 17) - $5
Child (4 and under) – FREE
Indigenous Peoples - FREE
Canoo Members - FREE
Parking is free, with lots of parking spots
I hope this guide provides you with all the necessary information to enjoy your visit to Fort Calgary and have a wonderful time. Feel free to ask me any questions in the comments below.
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