Fort Calgary : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Welcome to Fort Calgary! Nestled along the banks of the Bow River in the heart of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Fort Calgary is a historically significant and charming heritage area. Built in 1875 as a North West Mounted Police outpost and reprised by the City of Calgary as an important resource and cultural attraction, this collection of restored buildings tell the story of Calgary’s unique beginnings and the evolution of our fair city. Fort Calgary offers a lot of interesting facts, information, and a travel guide for all the adventurers out there. From its historical significance for Canada to the wide range of activities and amenities of the present day, Fort Calgary is a must see for anyone looking for a unique and fascinating journey into the past.

Interesting Facts About Fort Calgary

1. Fort Calgary is the oldest community building in Calgary, Alberta, dating back to 1875.

2. Fort Calgary was declared a National Historic Site of Canada in 2014.

3. In addition to being the location of the oldest community building, Fort Calgary is also home to the oldest wooden structure, the Barracks building, which was built in 1880.

4. The Greater Calgary area is home to over one million people, and Fort Calgary draws in over 70,000 visitors a year from around the world.

5. Historic Fort Calgary houses a number of interactive exhibits and events, including historical reenactments, educational programs, art shows, and more.

6. The original Terrance House at Fort Calgary is now retired, but remains a prominent part of the fort.

7. Fort Calgary is home to the world’s largest mounted buffalo skull, which measures 6 feet by 7 feet.

8. The fort has been the site of several popular TV shows and movies, including War for the Planet of the Apes, Tin Star, and The Revenant.

9. The fort is an annual location for the Calgary Folk Festival.

10. A number of prominent people have visited Fort Calgary, including Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II, and the Prime Minister of Norway.

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History & Information About Fort Calgary

Fort Calgary is a historical site located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It was established in 1875 by a small force from the North West Mounted Police (NWMP). The purpose of the fort was to protect the interests of the movement from the United States and the local First Nations. The fort was later used as a base for further colonization in the Northwest Territories.

The original fort was constructed from wood and was home to the NWMP until 1886, when the force was renamed as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and relocated to Regina. The site of the original fort was then cleared for future development.

In 1975, the City of Calgary bought the fort property and began restoration work. The goal of the restoration was to preserve the historical value of Fort Calgary and to establish it as a tourist attraction. The Great Hall, a replica of the original fort, was built and opened shortly after in 1977. The Great Hall served as a museum, archives, and permanent exhibition on the history of Calgary and the North West Mounted Police.

In 2008, the fort was officially reopened to the public as a historical site. The site includes recreations of the original buildings, as well as a walking path and interpretive signage. The fort now hosts a variety of events, including live performances, lectures, and guided tours.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Fort Calgary

Fort Calgary is an historic site located in modern-day Calgary, Alberta. It was originally built by the Canadian Army in 1875 as a way of maintaining order during a period of rapid growth within the Canadian West. Today, it has become a major tourist attraction in Calgary. Here’s a guide for those visiting Fort Calgary.

Getting There:

Fort Calgary is easily accessible by public transit or by car. It is located just minutes away from the downtown core and is easily reachable by the C-Train LRT system. From the downtown core, it is a 10 minute C-Train ride or a 20 minute drive via the Deerfoot Trail (Highway 2).

Tours:

The city of Calgary offers a number of guided tours of this historic fort. These give visitors the chance to explore the grounds and learn about its history. Tours usually last around an hour and include a guided visit of the barracks, guardhouse, and barracks guard.

Museum:

The fort also features a museum which offers insights into the history of the site and its role in the settlement of the Canadian West. The museum is open year-round and offers a number of interactive and educational exhibits.

Events:

Throughout the year, Fort Calgary hosts a number of events and festivals. These include the seasonal Ice-on-Whyte Festival, which celebrates winter and features a variety of winter-based activities, as well as the annual Calgary Folk Festival, which is held around the fort’s grounds and features performances from a variety of local and international musicians.

Cafes & Restaurants:

There are several cafes and restaurants located onsite at Fort Calgary. These include the Baker Creek Bistro, where visitors can enjoy seasonal Canadian dishes, and the Lookout Lounge, which serves up a range of local beer, wine, and c**ktails.

Shopping:

Fort Calgary also features a number of boutiques and stores where visitors can purchase mementos and souvenirs. These include the Beads and Crafts Store, which sells handcrafted items, and the Lookout Mercantile, which sells items inspired by the fort’s history.

Attractions:

The fort itself has many attractions for visitors to explore. These include its cannons, the guardhouse, and the barracks. Additionally, visitors can take in panoramic views of downtown Calgary from the site’s lookout point.

Fort Calgary is a great place to visit when in Calgary. Its historic grounds and exhibits provide an interesting insight into the settlement of the Canadian West. With its many tours, restaurants, and attractions, Fort Calgary is sure to be a great addition to your visit to Calgary.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Calgary

Q. What is Fort Calgary?
A. Fort Calgary is a historical site in downtown Calgary, Alberta, that commemorates the original settlement of the region in 1875. It is a recognized Provincial and National Historic site and serves as a tribute to the North West Mounted Police, their original fort and the development of the City of Calgary.

Q. What facilities are available at Fort Calgary?
A. Fort Calgary has a number of facilities available to the public, including a visitor centre, café, theatre, museum, event and meeting spaces, interpretive walking tours and historic walking tours.

Q. Can I host an event at Fort Calgary?
A. Yes, you can. Fort Calgary has a variety of venues and spaces that can be customized to suit any corporate or private event.

Q. Is there an admission fee for Fort Calgary?
A. Yes, there is an admission fee for access to Fort Calgary, including general admission and special events.

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