Things to do on a Historic Tour of Edmonton
There's plenty of history found through Edmonton and if you want to travel back in time, you can. Finding the right places to visit will help you see how Edmonton used to be and get a sense of how far the city has come. Here are a few places to visit for a look at the Edmonton of old.
Fort Edmonton Park
The city started at Fort Edmonton Park and this should be your first stop on your trip back in time. You can visit the streetcar, steam train and buggy here with settings recreated from 1846, 1885, 1905 and 1920. Visitors can even barter with a merchant, ride an antique midway attraction and talk with costumed interpreters about the old times.
Alberta Aviation Museum
Your next stop will show you a different side of history. At the Alberta Aviation Museum, you will discover how it felt to be inside one of the jet fighters from the Cold War. Enjoy the many interactive exhibits as you discover the airplanes from older years.
Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village
With over 30 historic structures, this village has to be included on your historic tour. Ukrainian immigrants settled in the area from the late 1800s to the early 1900s and provide plenty of history in Edmonton. Enjoy the smell of baking bread, the noise from the blacksmith and plenty of other historic sites throughout the village.
The Rutherford House
The Rutherford House is one of the famous attractions found in Edmonton. It was home to the first Premier of Alberta in 1911. Alexander Cameron Rutherford, his wife Mattie and their family lived in the brick mansion near campus for many years. This home provides a restored look at the Edwardian-era, along with the Rutherford tradition. Providing all the necessary hospitality and a glimpse into the past for visitors, this is a popular landmark for the entire family.
Enjoy the costumed interpreters, special events and guided tours throughout the year including the Sunny Summer Fair in July, Culture Days in September and Rutherford House Remembers in November. Visitors can also enjoy The Arbour Room, which is the restaurant operated by the Friends of Rutherford House Society. It provides a family breakfast nook, sun porch and den. You can take your entire family and enjoy a delicious meal before taking a tour of the house. Reservations are recommended and the restaurant is open for seating Tuesday through Sunday at 11am and 3pm.
The Rutherford House provides many different programs for groups and private events including:
- School Programs - For all different grade levels from Kindergarten to seventh grade.
- ESL Programs - For those speaking English as a second language.
- Senior Programs - Designed specifically for seniors.
- Group Programs - Perfect for Scouts and other groups taking a field trip.
- Birthday Programs - For kids only, the Rutherford House provides many different party programs.
The Rutherford House is open from 10am to 5m daily during the summer months and from Noon to 5pm during the winter months. Daily admission is $4 for adults, $3 for youth and seniors and free for children six and under. Families can take advantage of the family pass for two adults and any children between 7 and 17. This pass is $12. They also offer annual passes and group tour bookings at a discount.
Royal Alberta Museum
Maybe the single most important attraction for your historic tour of Edmonton, the Royal Alberta Museum provides a look into the past. You can discover plenty of pictographs, prehistoric plan-eaters and so much more as you explore the permanent exhibits of this museum. Over 3,000 artifacts are found here and the interactive Field Station is perfect for kids and adults.
Discovering the history of your city is very important. If you want to find a deeper understanding and appreciation for Edmonton, explore these historic locations on your next tour of the city.