Learn about the days of the beaver pelt trade and the pioneer years of some 100-150 years ago by traveling back in time at Fort Edmonton Park. See costumed historical interpreters reenact these eras that have shaped the Canadian city and experience how it was to be a local in those days. Take a steam train ride and bake bread in one of Canada’s largest living history museums.

Set on nearly 160 acres (65 hectares) of parkland along the North Saskatchewan River, the scenic park features original and rebuilt structures representing four of Edmonton’s historical periods from before 1930.

Enter the fort that in 1846 became the most important Hudson’s Bay Company fur trading post west of the Red River Settlement near Winnipeg. Find out how giant York boats were made, watch a fur press demonstration and play traditional pioneer games.

Experience Edmonton life in 1885 and visit the blacksmith and wheelwright to see tools from that period. Stop for a freshly baked snack at the old bakery or pump water to boil some tea. Hitch a ride from the livery stables.

1905 Street demonstrates Edmonton’s growth into a “modern” city. At Henderson Farm’s round barn you can imagine yourself visiting Edmonton between 1891 and 1914.

Explore the Ukrainian bookstore and try your hand at a round of golf at the Tom Thumb Miniature Golf Course.

There are a number of food vendors and picnic sites across the park and gift shops per historical period.

Fort Edmonton Park is south of the North Saskatchewan River, a 20-minute drive from downtown Edmonton by car, or 40 minutes if you take public transport. On special event weekends, a free park-and-ride shuttle service runs from the Neil Crawford Provincial Center downtown to the park. The outdoor facility is open daily through spring and summer, but only opens for special events in the colder months.