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Fri., 9:30am-4pm Sat.-Sun., adult $10, senior $5, child $4) is Canada's largest military
museum. Highlights include the history of four regiments and the importance of Canada's
navy, which was the Allies' third-largest navy in 1945. On display are three fighter aircraft
that flew from the decks of aircraft carriers, as well as uniforms, models, flags, photo-
graphs, and a memorial to those who lost their lives in the Korean War.
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Fort Calgary
In 1875, with the onset of a harsh winter, the newly arrived NWMP built Fort Calgary at
the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers in fewer than six weeks. The original fort was
replaced by a more permanent brick building in 1914, but this was later demolished. After
much work, the 16-hectare (40-acre) site has been transformed into a two-part historic park
(750 9th Ave. SE, 403/290-1875, 9am-5pm daily, adult $12, senior $11, child $7). Most of
the focus is on the interpretive center, housing a replica of 1888 barracks, complete with
volunteer Royal Canadian Mounted Police veterans on hand to answer questions. Inside,
the lives of Canada's famous “Mounties,” the legacy of natives, hardy pioneers, and the
wild frontier they tamed are all brought to life through convincingly costumed interpret-
ers. Various shops and businesses from Calgary's earliest days, including an entire 1930s
streetscape, are inside. Beside the barracks is an exact replica of the original fort, built us-
ing tools and techniques that are more than 120 years old. History comes alive through
a variety of activities and programs, including carpenters at work, a room especially for
kids that is filled with games of a bygone era, a museum shop styled on an old Hudson's
Bay Company store, and a canteen selling meals that I imagine are more appealing than
those the original officers enjoyed. To get to Fort Calgary, either walk along the river from
downtown or hop aboard bus #1 (Forest Lawn) or #14 (East Calgary) from 7th Avenue.
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