History comes alive this summer – Keeping Up To Date

History comes alive this summer | L’histoire comme si vous y étiez, cet été

Alberta’s government launches the 2026 summer museum and heritage site season with new and exciting visitor experiences across the province.

On May 16, Alberta’s nine seasonal museums and historic sites will once again welcome visitors for a summer of exploration, learning and discovery.

From science and storytelling to Indigenous and francophone cultural experiences, together, Alberta’s 21 provincial museums and historic sites offer affordable, educational and unforgettable experiences that inspire curiosity and connection.

“Our provincial heritage sites and museums share Alberta’s history with the world. This summer, we are ready to welcome more visitors from across Alberta, Canada and the world to explore the people, places and stories that shaped our province.”Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women

Through Budget 2026, Alberta’s government is investing more than $55 million to support these world-class spaces that bring the province’s history, culture and heritage to life. Last year, provincial heritage sites welcomed almost one million visitors, and this investment will support new and updated exhibits that continue driving Alberta’s economy by attracting more local and out-of-province tourists.

“Alberta’s heritage sites and museums share the people, cultures and experiences that define our province. Through this significant investment, we are creating new opportunities for visitors to explore and learn about our province, while creating jobs, strengthening communities and getting us closer to our goal of growing the visitor economy to $25 billion by 2035.”Andrew Boitchenko, Minister of Tourism and Sport

This summer also marks the reopening of Alberta’s Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village following extensive recovery efforts after last year’s devastating fire. Beginning May 16, visitors will once again be able to experience the Village’s immersive living-history programming and celebrate Alberta’s strong Ukrainian heritage.

“Every museum and historic site has a story to tell. Whether you are standing beside dinosaur fossils, exploring Indigenous history or learning about fur trade and settlement history, these places bring Alberta’s past to life. Thank you to everyone who helps keep these stories alive for future generations.”David Makowsky, director, Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village

“The Friends of the Ukrainian Village Society is thrilled that the Ukrainian Village will reopen to share our beautiful heritage with the public again. We look forward to resuming our programs and services, such as the Historical Children’s Program Summer Day Camp. The community’s generosity and support enabled us to be in a position to thrive again.”Gail Fenton, president, Friends of the Ukrainian Village Society

Alberta’s government is proud to support and preserve these cultural landmarks so that families, communities and visitors can continue to celebrate Alberta’s incredible legacy for generations to come.

This summer heritage season marks exciting developments across Alberta’s historic sites and museums. Here is a sample of what is happening:

Discover hands-on heritage experiences across Alberta
From Social Saturdays at Historic Dunvegan to activity days at Rutherford House and themed weekends at Fort George and Buckingham House, visitors can enjoy crafts, games, fur trade experiences and more throughout the summer.
Enjoy family-friendly activities all summer long
From Victoria Settlement’s interactive experiences to programming across provincial sites, visitors can explore Alberta’s history through engaging, hands-on activities for all ages.
Celebrate culture, history and community traditions
Take part in Canada Day at Father Lacombe Chapel, National Indigenous Peoples Day at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump and seasonal events at Stephansson House, featuring poetry, music and heritage-inspired programming.
Explore Alberta’s energy and innovation history
Visit Turner Valley Gas Plant to discover the birthplace of Alberta’s petroleum industry, now featuring expanded tours including the 1952 Sulphur Plant.
Discover archives and stories from Alberta’s past
The Provincial Archives of Alberta will offer facility tours during the Edmonton and District Historic Festival and Doors Open Edmonton in July, providing a behind-the-scenes look at Alberta’s documentary heritage.
Experience living history at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 and enjoy drumming and dancing performances every Wednesday in July and August. New this summer: outdoor interpretive elements, including Rock That Ran, connecting Blackfoot storytelling and geology, as well as new World Heritage interpretive panels.
Track history at the Reynolds Museum
Continue exploring Making Tracks: Crawlers, Tractors & Snowmobiles for a second season and get hands-on with historic machines and science-based activities. Visitors can also enjoy the 28th Annual Car Show on July 11 and experience Demo Days: Tracked Vehicles at Work, where machines come to life in action.
Explore life, loss and discovery at the Royal Alberta Museum
Discover Death: Life’s Greatest Mystery, on display until Sept. 7, and explore Chez nous: la francophonie de l’Alberta, open through May 9, 2027. Together, these exhibitions offer immersive experiences that connect science, culture and storytelling, with highlights including interactive displays, rare objects and engaging multimedia elements.