Your Self Guide To Fort Edmonton Park – A Journey Through Time

Written on 09/15/2025
SOUBHIK CHAKRABARTI


Step back in time at Fort Edmonton Park, Canada’s largest living history museum. Located along the North Saskatchewan River valley, the park takes you through Edmonton’s story, from the fur trade era to the 1920s. With costumed interpreters, historic streets, and interactive attractions, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience for all ages.

Getting Here

7000 143 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6H 4P3
Visitor Information: Fort Edmonton Park

By Public Transit

By Car

  • Parking: Free parking is available on-site.

  • Accessible parking spots are located near the entrance.

By Bicycle

  • Cycling paths connect to the river valley trail system. Bike racks are available outside the entrance.

On Foot

  • If you’re exploring the river valley, Fort Edmonton Park is connected via walking trails.

Step 2: Arrival & Admission

When you arrive, head to the main entrance plaza where you’ll find ticketing, guest services, and maps.

Admission (check current rates here):

Tickets & Admission: Fort Edmonton Park

  • Adults (18–64): $27.90

  • Seniors (65+): $22.25

  • Child/Youth (13–17): $22.25

  • Under 2: Free

  • Family Pass (2 adults + up to 4 kids): $99

Hours: Generally open late May through early September, plus special seasonal events (like Halloween “Dark” or Christmas “Lights”).

Tips Before You Visit

  • Wear Comfortable Shoes: The park covers 158 acres — lots of walking!

  • Check the Daily Schedule: Train rides, streetcars, and interpreter shows run at set times.

  • Bring Snacks/Water: Food outlets are available, but it’s nice to have water on hand.

  • Accessibility: Wheelchair rentals, paved paths, and accessible washrooms are available.

Events & Programs at Fort Edmonton Park

Step 3: Explore Fort Edmonton Park

The park is divided into five main sections: the Indigenous Peoples Experience, plus four historic eras that walk you through Edmonton’s past.

  1. Indigenous Peoples Experience
    This is the newest part — a deeply immersive exhibit created with and by many First Nations and Métis communities. It presents stories and perspectives from pre-contact times through to the present, using multimedia, art, live interpretive work, and personal voices. It’s not just history — it shows living culture.

  2. 1846 Fort (Fur-Trade Era)
    A replica of the Hudson’s Bay Company Fort representing the early fur trade and its role in the region. You’ll see trade posts, living history interpreters, and structures reflecting how life was shaped by fur trading, Indigenous trade networks, and early settlers.

  3. 1885 Street (Settlement Era)
    Step into the years of settlement: general stores, telegraph, early civic life, and community gathering places. The setting gives a sense of how Edmonton began evolving beyond fur trade posts, with settlers, commerce, and infrastructure.

  4. 1905 Street (Municipal Era)
    Edmonton is growing fast in this era. Expect to see newer technologies, streetcars, houses, businesses, and early institutions. The atmosphere shifts into city-building, with all its energy and challenges.

  5. 1920 Street (Metropolitan Era)
    After World War I, Edmonton became more urban. This area shows modern business, evolving architecture, social life, and some of the amenities of a growing city. Includes Hotel Selkirk and other vintage-style buildings.

How to Explore the Park

  1. Start with the Train Ride

    • Board the steam train at the entrance and ride into history.

  2. Visit the Indigenous Peoples Experience

    • Located near the entry plaza — allow at least an hour.

  3. Explore the 1846 Fort

    • Learn about fur traders and First Nations interactions.

  4. Stroll Down 1885 Street

    • Step into early settler life.

  5. Continue to 1905 Street

    • Ride the vintage streetcar, stop at shops, and catch a show.

  6. Enjoy 1920 Street

    • End your day at the midway for rides, carnival games, and treats.

  7. Shop & Dine

    • Grab food at on-site cafes or restaurants, and stop at the gift shop for souvenirs.

Step 4: Nearby Attractions

After visiting Fort Edmonton Park, check out nearby spots in the river valley:

  1. Edmonton Valley Zoo – A family-friendly zoo, just a short drive away.

  2. John Janzen Nature Centre – Interactive exhibits on local ecosystems.

  3. Whitemud Park – Trails and picnic areas nearby.

Getting Back

  • If you drove, parking is right outside the park entrance.

  • If using transit, catch the nearest bus stop or rideshare pick-up zone.

Final Note

Fort Edmonton Park is more than a museum — it’s a living story of Alberta’s past. From fur traders to the roaring 1920s, every street and building immerses you in history. Whether you come for family fun, cultural learning, or pure nostalgia, it’s an unforgettable Edmonton experience.