Amusement & Theme Parks
Hurl down an indoor or outdoor waterslide, ride a luge on a track used by Olympic athletes, chase through a virtual universe as a Star Warrior. Explore the Cree encampment at Fort Edmonton Park or the old lodgings of the North West Mounted Police at Fort Calgary—come and play at one of our many amusement and theme parks.
Calgary
Calaway Park just west of Calgary on Highway 1, is the largest outdoor family amusement park in western Canada. There are 30 rides with something for thrill-seekers of all ages, plus mini-golf and live shows. Stay at the full service RV park and campground within walking distance.
Calgary Spaceport at the city’s international airport is an adventure for anyone who harbours secret dreams of being an astronaut or a fighter pilot. With four flight simulators on site, you can chase through the universe as a star warrior, be a Top Gun fighter pilot, and take a time machine back to the age of the dinosaurs. Take a virtual tour of the International Space Station with astronaut David Scott, leader of the Apollo 15 mission.
Canada Olympic Park has much to offer. You can try slide sports such as luge and skeleton in the fully enclosed Ice House. Mountain bikers won’t want to miss the bike park with its 25 km (15.5 mi) system of open and single-track trails accessible by quad chairlift. Set your own stunt challenges or hire a professional instructor. Other activities include mini-golf, and a climbing wall. The park offers a host of programs and day camps for all ages. It is a favourite winter spot for snowboarders and family skiing.
Fort Calgary was the home of the Northwest Mounted Police (NWMP) in 1875. Watch history come alive, as volunteers rebuild the fort using the tools and techniques of the day. To get a feel for what life was like, try on a NWMP uniform, listen to fascinating stories from the past and take a virtual streetcar ride through historic Calgary.
Heritage Park Historical Village is set up as a fully operational village of reflecting life in pre-1914 Alberta. You’ll find steam trains, wagon rides, a midway complete with Ferris wheel and carousel, paddlewheel boat and live entertainment. With more than 150 historical exhibits and thousands of artifacts to view, it’s a perfect way to spend the day with family and friends.
For inline skaters and skateboarders, Calgary has numerous mobile skate parks and one huge permanent facility: Shaw Millennium Park. When it was built in 2001, it was the world’s largest outdoor skate park. Close to downtown Calgary, the park features beginner, intermediate and expert areas. Admission is free. Calgary Recreation staff is on site seven days a week during the summer months.
TELUS World of Science (formerly the Calgary Science Centre) with its Outdoor Amazement Park, Discovery Dome and hands-on Demo Theatre is a great place to spend the day with the kids. Do a sleepover at the Lego Mindstorms Centre, a fascinating world of robotics, geared for children eight years and older. Check out the astronomy and summer camp programs.
Edmonton
Fort Edmonton Park features 75 structures, many of them originals. The past comes to life from Edmonton’s fur trading days to just after World War One. Overnight accommodation is available right in the park, at the elegantly restored Hotel Selkirk.
TELUS World of Science (formerly the Odyssium) is a wonderful place for children. In the Green’s House exhibit, one of four excellent galleries, you can create your own greenhouse effect, find out about Edmonton’s weather on the Weather Watch System used by real weather forecasters and watch how a tornado is born. Other hands-on experiences include “The Body Fantastic,” “Mystery Avenue” and “Space Place" exhibits.
Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village is a provincial historic site representing the Ukrainian settlement in East Central Alberta during 1892-1930. Learn of the lives of the Ukrainian pioneers through costumed role players and sample traditional foods.
West Edmonton Mall, spanning 48 city blocks, is not just the world’s largest enclosed shopping centre. No matter the weather, you can enjoy the Mall’s many amusements. Family water sport activities and adventures abound. Here are a few favourites.
- Aquatic Entertainment Stage: Watch log rollers, high divers, jugglers, musicians and the comical antics of three California sea lions.
- Centre of Gravity: For the fearless only, try the world’s tallest indoor bungee jump.
- Deep Sea Derby: An old favourite, the bumper car, becomes the bumper boat. Hop on board with your water gun and take to the indoor lake.
- Galaxyland: If you dare, ride the Mindbender, the world’s largest indoor triple loop roller coaster. Or try any of more than two dozen thrilling rides and attractions. Galaxy Kids Playpark is a great place for the little ones.
- World Waterpark: Swim and slide in the tropical temperatures of the world’s largest indoor wave pool. Enjoy miles of waterslides, hot tubs and a play area for toddlers
Alberta Outdoor Waterparks and Amusement Parks
Riverside Waterslide and Amusement Park (Medicine Hat) is a large outdoor waterslide park with 12 slides, a children's pool, whirlpool and river ride. Other activities in the park include volleyball courts, mini-golf and go-carts.
Great West Adventure Park & BMX track (Red Deer): The facility is devoted to BMX enthusiasts and features tracks complete with moguls, camelbacks and a tunnel.
Wild Rapids Waterslide Park (Sylvan Lake) is home to the province’s biggest array of outdoor waterslides, with 16 slides to choose from. The zero gravity Sidewinder features a hair-raising 12 m drop (close to 40 ft). For younger visitors there is a children’s play area with wading pool. The park also rents watercycles and seadoos.
Attention Model Train Fans
Just 40 minutes south of Calgary in the town of Nanton is the largest outdoor model train layout in Canada. Big Sky Garden Railway occupies 650 sq m (7000 sq ft) and features 10 bridges crossed by 22 trains on 914 m (3000 ft) of track. Landscaping includes real lakes and streams, even a mountain. Fun for model train enthusiasts and landscapers and the whole family.
