Fort Edmonton Park
Fort Edmonton Park
4.5
About
Fort Edmonton Park is nestled on 158 acres of wooded parkland along Edmonton’s River Valley and began as a Canada Centennial reconstruction project in 1967. Our expansive, multi-attraction space provides a community gathering place for guests, whether it be a park visit, a private function, or a special event. Every visit is a new adventure filled with immersive and unique experiences. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Rotary Club of Edmonton and the Fort Edmonton Foundation, the experience continues to expand upon Edmonton's story.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Neighbourhood: Downtown
Edmonton's Downtown district is a hub of cultural allure, historical charm and culinary delight. The neighborhood is synonymous with the iconic Edmonton City Hall, a stunning piece of architecture that houses the city's government. Art enthusiasts will find the Art Gallery of Alberta an essential visit, boasting a collection of over 6,000 pieces. A food lover's paradise, the neighborhood is dotted with a multitude of crave-worthy dining options, from the upscale fare at Hardware Grill to the local comfort food at Blue Plate Diner. Conveniently, the Edmonton Light Rail Transit (LRT) makes navigating the area a breeze, offering fast and reliable transportation to all the neighborhood's attractions.
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JRAsFishBabe
Calgary, Canada2,248 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
A summer trip to Edmonton should allow for a visit to Fort Edmonton Park. I can't believe that my first visit here only took place last August. This facility is owned by the City of Edmonton and operated by the Fort Edmonton Management Company. A visit to the park is really to live and to understand what it means to have an Edmonton heritage as well as giving you an understanding of being an Albertan. We have a similar facility in Calgary, that being Heritage Park. It is so wonderful that there have been people so diligent in helping to preserve these reminders of our history and past.
Fort Edmonton Park is situated on a 64 hectare plot of land that lies in the North Saskatchewan River valley. When you enter the park, you proceed to the fully functional steam train which takes you to the far end of the park, here is where you should begin. You depart at the newly opened (in 2021) Indigenous Peoples Experience Pavilion, a very worthwhile exhibit hall, and from there you proceed back to the entrance. Your next visit will be the reconstructed 1846 HBC fort and as you continue, you come to reconstructed streets dating from different periods of Edmonton's history, 1885, 1905 and 1920, ending up at a reconstructed Midway from 1920. Each of these "streets "contain buildings and structures pertaining to that respective era in Edmonton history. This is all well done and is an ongoing project, so expect more expansion and improvements in the future. To add to the reality, you will also encounter costume historical interpreters throughout the park. Refreshments and restaurants are also conveniently located where and when you need them.
The 2024 season has not begun as of yet, so check their website for offers, admission prices, opening dates and times. The price of admission includes train rides and streetcar rides.
So welcome to the past!
Fort Edmonton Park is situated on a 64 hectare plot of land that lies in the North Saskatchewan River valley. When you enter the park, you proceed to the fully functional steam train which takes you to the far end of the park, here is where you should begin. You depart at the newly opened (in 2021) Indigenous Peoples Experience Pavilion, a very worthwhile exhibit hall, and from there you proceed back to the entrance. Your next visit will be the reconstructed 1846 HBC fort and as you continue, you come to reconstructed streets dating from different periods of Edmonton's history, 1885, 1905 and 1920, ending up at a reconstructed Midway from 1920. Each of these "streets "contain buildings and structures pertaining to that respective era in Edmonton history. This is all well done and is an ongoing project, so expect more expansion and improvements in the future. To add to the reality, you will also encounter costume historical interpreters throughout the park. Refreshments and restaurants are also conveniently located where and when you need them.
The 2024 season has not begun as of yet, so check their website for offers, admission prices, opening dates and times. The price of admission includes train rides and streetcar rides.
So welcome to the past!
Written 8 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2CanadianTravellers
Edmonton, Canada776 contributions
Aug 2021
With the brand new Indigenous Peoples Experience Exhibit, together with the steam engine and train, the street car, the rides in the amusement park, various living history museums, Fort Edmonton Park has established itself the #1 cultural and tourist attraction in Edmonton and Alberta in Spring and Summer months for adults, kids, and families. The Indigenous Peoples Experience is a world class, one of a kind, multi-sensory exhibition of First Nations' and Metis' peoples' histories, cultures, experiences, and perspectives on Treaty 6 land, Beaver Hills, which is the present Edmonton region, Alberta, Canada. it is extremely educational and moving especially when comes to the history and legacy of residential schools in Canada. My wife and I had the popular August weekend buffet brunch at the Johnson's Cafe, Hotel Selkirk. $30 per adult including park admission, excellent value with plenty of food, and regular adult park admission is $26. The Johnson's Cafe was jam-packed with families on the Sunday we were there. One thing I would suggest Fort Edmonton Park to upgrade is the Gift Shop, not many variety of good quality gifts on sale there, quite disappointing. I highly recommend locals and tourists to visit or re-visit Fort Edmonton park, just seeing the new Indigenous Peoples Experience is already worth your admission money, you won't be disappointed.
Written 30 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Monica M
2 contributions
Jul 2021
My family enjoyed this park, the real train ride was unique and fun, the park is big if you don't catch the trolly back to the entrance you have to walk through the streets back. Just be prepared to walk a lot. The fort was super awesome, we love seeing all that old heritage stuff, and to have actors dressed up too was very neat to see. Overall great afternoon with the family here, and educational too!
Written 5 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa W
Zama City, Canada147 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
I haven’t been to Fort Edmonton Park in years and was expecting more. The renovations or upgrades do not really seem to fit, ran out of time to see the new Indigenous exhibit, as we really didn’t know it was new or any different that the rest of the wall thru exhibits until we were boarding the train at 4:30. The modern (doesn’t fit with theme) gift shop was packed with people looking to spend money, felt empty and was lacking overall. The construction evidence of dirt and weeds everywhere was distracting. Full cost admission and many of attractions /exhibits were fully open and operating, including the trolley car. Nothing to see on the train ride other than the train itself.
I still enjoyed the visit as my tour companions are awesome and helped fill the entertainment gaps. Good place to spend some time, but a little expensive and disappointing with what is actually operating / open.
I still enjoyed the visit as my tour companions are awesome and helped fill the entertainment gaps. Good place to spend some time, but a little expensive and disappointing with what is actually operating / open.
Written 9 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Randy P
1 contribution
Aug 2021
I bought a summer pass to Fort Edmonton Park as it is my favourite place in Edmonton. I especially was looking forward to the new Indigenous Experience. As a history teacher, I spent hours at this exhibit, taking the time to read everything. It is very informative.
I was disappointed with my experience in the rest of the Park. The Bazaar, Ukr Bookstore, Trading Post, Jasper House and Mosque are all closed, as well as other exhibits. Thick layers of dust could be seen in the buildings. The large piles of dirt from construction in the Park are unsightly.
As for the food, I found the new caterers to be inefficient. We were the first customers of the day and had to wait 20 minutes for our sandwiches, only to discover that my order was wrong. The food itself was subpar; neither my daughter nor I finished our food.
I found the "funhouse" to be lame and the giftshop lacking in selection. Approaching the Park, tall, white poles line the walkway that seem very out of place for a heritage attraction. The ticketing building has much too modern of a design. So many missed opportunities with this revamp. Excellent exhibits were sadly lost. Apart from the Indigenous Experience, I don't see any great improvements to the park.
I was disappointed with my experience in the rest of the Park. The Bazaar, Ukr Bookstore, Trading Post, Jasper House and Mosque are all closed, as well as other exhibits. Thick layers of dust could be seen in the buildings. The large piles of dirt from construction in the Park are unsightly.
As for the food, I found the new caterers to be inefficient. We were the first customers of the day and had to wait 20 minutes for our sandwiches, only to discover that my order was wrong. The food itself was subpar; neither my daughter nor I finished our food.
I found the "funhouse" to be lame and the giftshop lacking in selection. Approaching the Park, tall, white poles line the walkway that seem very out of place for a heritage attraction. The ticketing building has much too modern of a design. So many missed opportunities with this revamp. Excellent exhibits were sadly lost. Apart from the Indigenous Experience, I don't see any great improvements to the park.
Written 7 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim B
1 contribution
Aug 2023
Haven't been to this place since 2000 or 2001. I remember it being a lot better, and bigger. I don't know how, but the houses seem a lot more spaced out now than they did back then, like they've taken down some houses or something. It would take me about ten minutes to walk from the entrance of the park to the back of it. I could never recall it being this small. Perhaps my memory is just shoddy.
Their 'giftshop' is incredibly mediocre, borderline terrible. There's nothing to buy there. I remember the gift shop being in the actual park itself, on 1905 street? (don't quote me on that). Now it's at the entrance and it's entirely modern, with glass windows and such. Twenty years ago, you were able to purchase toy bow and arrows at the shop. Now, you can't so much get anything besides a shirt with the word 'Fort Edmonton Park' emblazoned on it. Fantastic. They could've at least sold stetson hats, I guess that's asking for too much.
I remember the train going a lot faster than it does now too. Why is there even a trolley car that goes through the park? They charge you $5 for a horse wagon ride when I can ride a trolley car for free. Makes no sense.
The best parts of the park were the new indigenous exhibit and the Selkirk bar, where I was able to order a few pints of Alley Kat to drink away my sorrows.
Their 'giftshop' is incredibly mediocre, borderline terrible. There's nothing to buy there. I remember the gift shop being in the actual park itself, on 1905 street? (don't quote me on that). Now it's at the entrance and it's entirely modern, with glass windows and such. Twenty years ago, you were able to purchase toy bow and arrows at the shop. Now, you can't so much get anything besides a shirt with the word 'Fort Edmonton Park' emblazoned on it. Fantastic. They could've at least sold stetson hats, I guess that's asking for too much.
I remember the train going a lot faster than it does now too. Why is there even a trolley car that goes through the park? They charge you $5 for a horse wagon ride when I can ride a trolley car for free. Makes no sense.
The best parts of the park were the new indigenous exhibit and the Selkirk bar, where I was able to order a few pints of Alley Kat to drink away my sorrows.
Written 13 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lori Lynn
Edmonton, Canada96 contributions
Aug 2022
This is one of my favorite places to visit. The park has been upgraded since COVID. I love having sunday brunch at the Selkirk hotel during the summer. The actors/workers in the park are very friendly and informative. It is a great way to spend an afternoon.
Written 1 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Slave17
6 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
An extraordinary park both for its historic buildings and its animations. The people dressed in period clothing are very pleasant and they liven up the decor fantastically. The mixed race museum is incredibly well documented. To do absolutely. THANK YOU everyone.
Written 29 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marilyn J
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Friends
Hmmm. The indigenous pavilion was absolutely a stunning experience. Once inside the entrance, the floor it up with amazing displays and the displays/information flowed from there. Worth going just for this. Other areas outside of the Indigeous pavilion looked tired and soulless. Some of the staff/volunteers were great, whlle others didn't really seem interested in being there. We eventually settled on the Selkirk for a bite to eat. The 'hostess' wasn't able to answer basic questions. The food was good. Server was great. Dirty/uncleaned tables surrounded us for most of our visit.
Back to the Indigenous experience. Good luck trying to read the thoughtful, educational and interesting displays. Why, oh why would they all be in the dark?! The active lighting experience would not be impacted by actually allowing paid guests to see/read the displays. No doubt a deliberate 'management' decision. I'm sure staff and vols must have to hear visitors lament all the time that they couldn't see the displays to read.
Back to the Indigenous experience. Good luck trying to read the thoughtful, educational and interesting displays. Why, oh why would they all be in the dark?! The active lighting experience would not be impacted by actually allowing paid guests to see/read the displays. No doubt a deliberate 'management' decision. I'm sure staff and vols must have to hear visitors lament all the time that they couldn't see the displays to read.
Written 31 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
browncondo2102
Kitchener, Canada1,833 contributions
Jul 2021
Unfortunately the smoke from the fires had the index at 10+ so all outdoor events and activities were closed down. e decided to go in and make the best of it anyway. First we took the steam locomotive to the fort itself. Seeing the inside room and stores and kitchen with reenactment staff added to the enjoyment. The troops must have all be out on patrol as there were none to be found.
Then we took a walk through time to the different eras of the ares. Shops and homes and facilities of years gone by was very interesting.
The history was also shown on film at the Capital Theatre.
One of my favorite stops was at Bills Fabulous Fountain for a scoop of Saskatoon Berry Pie Ice Cream on a waffle cone. Soooooooooooooo good.
You can upgrade your tickets to a season pass if you'd like.
I'm sure the kids will be back when the amusement area is open again.
Then we took a walk through time to the different eras of the ares. Shops and homes and facilities of years gone by was very interesting.
The history was also shown on film at the Capital Theatre.
One of my favorite stops was at Bills Fabulous Fountain for a scoop of Saskatoon Berry Pie Ice Cream on a waffle cone. Soooooooooooooo good.
You can upgrade your tickets to a season pass if you'd like.
I'm sure the kids will be back when the amusement area is open again.
Written 24 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How long should I plan to visit as a family with a 5-y-old and a 7-y-old?
Written 19 April 2022
Is it okay to do this on October 26/27, 2019? would it be too cold? we have a 2 year old baby with us. thanks
Written 11 August 2019
I think it might be chilly. Dress the the weather.
Written 15 August 2019
Wesley S
Kamloops, Canada
Coming to Edmonton in May is this a place to visit or will it still be under Construction for the 2019 year?
Written 24 February 2019
Hi there, the Park will be closed for general admission due to the enhancement project. We will however be open for special events so stay tuned for more info on our website!
Written 29 March 2019
Hello there are you going to be open to public around Christmas 2018? We are travelling to Edmonton Dec.21st - 30th. If yes, what can we expect at Fort Edmonton? Thanks in advance... Vlad Fischer
Written 10 October 2018
Hi there Helena! We are in fact closed for general admission over the winter months. However, we will still be hosting special, ticketed events. More information on Christmas events will be posted to our website in November!
Written 16 October 2018
Hello, Will you be open between Sunday 16th - Sunday 23rd September?
Written 17 August 2018
Hi there! Our last day of operation is September 3rd, but we also host events throughout the year. For example, our Harvest Hoedown will be taking place on September 21! We recommend keeping an eye on the event page on our website.
Written 27 August 2018
Hi Elaine! Fort Edmonton Park is a bicycle free zone, and bikes are not allowed inside the Park.
Written 24 July 2018
No pets are allowed on-site with the exception of guide dogs!
Written 24 July 2018
Hi Rachel! Our steam train is currently on break while it undergoes some maintenance, but it can accommodate some strollers within the maximum measurements of 24 inches wide by 48 inches long when open and unfolded. We have more info on accessing the park with a stroller on our website under 'strollers and pets'. You can find it easily using the search tool!
Written 11 June 2018
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