Trains, Tracks and Treats

You know it’s summer when Heritage Park throws open the front gates.

Check out Gasoline Alley sure to be a hit with any automobile enthusiasts. This airy structure is home to antique cars and gas pumps. Most are museum pieces and off limits to little hands with the exception of the 1917 Stewart Delivery Truck (there’s no sign so get directions). The Family Gallery portion of the Alley pays homage to the family road trip and children can play vintage games, visit the Drive-in (in a 1951 Chevrolet Sedan) and ride tricycles on an indoor track.

If you’re looking for a bit of sustenance, there are several shops and restaurants located outside of the main gate that do not require the price of admission. The most family friendly is The Railway Café serving soup, sandwiches and salad. We suggest returning at dinner time for an adult-only foray, including a peek into the antique shops and dinner at the upscale Selkirk Grille. The best family treats are still inside the gates including ice cream at The Vulcan Ice Cream Parlour and five cent candies at the candy shop next door. We like to compliment our treats with a bag lunch and focus our time on the attractions.

Heritage Park is too big to cover in one day for most children. Consider purchasing an annual pass (paid for in three visits) and split the park into doable sections. Here are three 3-hour itineraries suitable for the under six crowd.

Day 1: Head toward the 1910 Village and hop on a wagon ride. Then visit the Antique Midway and do the rides. Give each child a dollar to spend at the candy shop and walk back to the main Steam Train Station for a trip or two around the park while they eat their goodies.

Day 2: Head to the 1860’s Fur Trading Fort where you will also find an Aboriginal Encampment and 1880s Pre-Railway Settlement. Keep walking west toward the farm to visit pigs, chickens and horses. Walk back to the main gate and ride the train.

Day 3: Walk toward the village and visit the 1910 Weedon School and playground, Barons Snooker Parlour and the Alberta Bakery (to name a few). Continue west, cross the tracks and board the S.S. Moyie paddle boat. Ride the train.

Good to Know: Although you might want to appeal to the kids’ screaming requests to jump on the train right away, it’s a good idea to save this special activity for last because they don’t allow strollers on board (even folded). There is stroller parking at the station.

A morning at Heritage Park will make you appreciate modern day amenities like running water, refrigerators and washing machines while your kids will value a day in the sun, an old fashioned lollipop and the choo-choo of the steam train…again and again and again…all summer long.

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