If you’re looking for an exciting adventure that will take you back in time to explore the rich and fascinating history of Alberta, then the Experience Alberta’s History Annual Pass is just what you need. Super affordable, this pass is the perfect way to explore some of the most iconic heritage sites and museums in the province, offering a unique chance to immerse yourself in Alberta’s past and learn more about the people, places, and events that shaped our amazing province.
What Is the ‘Experience Alberta’s History Annual Pass’?
The Experience Alberta’s History Annual Pass is a special pass that gives visitors access to some of Alberta’s most prominent heritage sites and museums. With this pass, you can explore iconic sites such as the Royal Alberta Museum, the Royal Tyrrell Museum, the Remington Carriage Museum, and many others.
The pass is valid for one year from the date of purchase, and it allows you to visit each site as many times as you’d like during that year (we visited the Tyrrell two days in a row!).
The best part? It only costs $125 for a family ($55/adult, $40/senior, and $30/youth).
What Sites Are Included with the Experience Alberta’s History Annual Pass?
The Experience Alberta’s History Annual Pass allows you to visit some of the most important and fascinating heritage sites in Alberta. From north to south, admission to these sites are included with the pass:
Oil Sands Discovery Centre
Family Admission: $29
The Oil Sands Discovery Centre in Fort McMurray is an interactive exhibit of the history, science, and technology behind Alberta’s oil sands. Don’t forget to visit the Big Machines behind the building to gain a better understanding of the scale oil recovery in Alberta runs.
For more ideas on what to do in Fort McMurray when you visit the Discovery Centre, check out these things to do in Fort McMurray.
Victoria Settlement
Family Admission: $14
Located south of Smoky Lake, the Victoria Settlement has two restored buildings where you can watch a documentary about the local settlers and go on a guided tour of with a costumed interpreter. Take a glimpse into the past in this family-friendly experience.
Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village
Family Admission: $40
The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village outside Edmonton is a living museum that showcases the rich history and culture of Alberta’s Ukrainian community. You can explore authentic Ukrainian farmsteads, churches, and other buildings, and learn more about the traditions and customs of this vibrant community that continues to have a major impact on the Capital Region today.
Read more about the Village in these related posts:
Royal Tyrrell Museum
Family Admission: $50
The Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller is one of the most iconic museums in Alberta, and it’s a must-visit destination for anyone interested in dinosaurs and prehistoric life. The museum has an incredible collection of fossils, including some of the largest and most complete dinosaur skeletons ever discovered.
Read more about the museum in these related posts:
- Sleepover With Dinosaurs At The Royal Tyrrell Museum
- Day Trip to Drumheller
- Family trip report: Drumheller
Remington Carriage Museum
Family Admission: $40
The Remington Carriage Museum is home to one of the largest collections of horse-drawn vehicles in North America. Visitors can explore more than 300 carriages, sleighs, and wagons, and learn more about the role that these vehicles played in Alberta’s history.
The Complete List of Included Attractions:
Attractions with admissions:
- Fort George and Buckingham House ($14/family)
- Frank Slide Interpretive Centre ($40/family)
- Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site ($40/family)
- Historic Dunvegan Provincial Park ($14/family)
- Lougheed House ($25/family)
- Reynolds-Alberta Museum ($40/family)
- Royal Alberta Museum ($50/family)
- Rutherford House ($20/family)
- Stephansson House Provincial Historic Site ($14/family)
- Turner Valley Gas Plant ($30/family)
The following attractions are “Included” with the pass, but don’t actually charge admission (not sure what the province is trying to pull here!):
- Brooks Aqueduct
- Father Lacombe Chapel (by donation)
- Frog Lake provincial historic site
- Leitch Chollieries Provincial Historic Site (by donation)
- Okotoks Erratic
- Provincial Archives of Alberta
What Are the Benefits of the Experience Alberta’s History Annual Pass?
The “Experience Alberta’s History Annual Pass” has many benefits, including:
Unlimited Visits
With the Experience Alberta’s History Annual Pass, you can visit each attraction as many times as you like during the year. This means that you can take your time and explore each site at your own pace, without feeling rushed or pressured to see everything in one visit (I won’t promise the kids won’t pressure you to move on before you’re done!).
Cost Savings
Visiting each attraction included in the Experience Alberta’s History Annual Pass adds up quickly. With several costing $40 per family, per visit you’ll have recovered the cost on your forth visit, making it an excellent value for anyone who wants to explore Alberta’s rich heritage without breaking the bank.
Encouraged Exploring
You’ve already made the investment – admission is now free. Get all the bang for your buck you can and go out, explore, and learn!
How Do I Buy an Experience Alberta’s History Annual Pass?
Purchasing an Experience Alberta’s History Annual Pass is easy. On your first visit to one of the sites, ask to buy the “Experience Alberta” pass instead of regular admission. Be sure to double check the list of sites selling the pass (top right on desktop), and watch the process. It can take a bit longer than just buying admission, so I highly recommend having a second adult to entertain the kids during this part.
How Do I Use my Experience Alberta’s History Annual Pass?
Simply present your pass to the admission desk to use it! They will record the pass number and continue with the rest of their admission process. I found the largest locations (like Tyrrell) take a couple extra minutes for admission, but it’s typically it’s faster to get in than paying with a credit card. And, oh, does it ever feel nice to not hear “$40, please” at all these places!
Conclusion
The Experience Alberta’s History Annual Pass is the perfect way to explore Alberta’s rich and fascinating history. With unlimited visits to some of the province’s most iconic heritage sites and museums, the pass offers an excellent value for anyone interested in Alberta’s past. So why wait? Pick up your pass today and start exploring!