Calgary may be famous for its towering skyline and proximity to the Rockies, but this city also offers some excellent historical tours that bring its past vividly to life. Whether you’re interested in exploring Canada’s pioneer days, riding vintage steam trains, or discovering Indigenous culture, Calgary has a variety of experiences to suit your curiosity. We especially like the Heritage Park Historical Village for its immersive living history, and the day trip to Waterton National Park for combining natural beauty with history. If you want to learn about Alberta’s cowboy heritage while sipping cowboy-style tea, the Waterton tour might be perfect. For a quick yet comprehensive look at the surrounding area’s highlights, the Johnston Canyon and Banff tour offers a well-rounded day of sightseeing.
No matter your style—whether you’re after interactive museums, scenic drives, or historic sites—Calgary delivers. We’ve rounded up the top five options, highlighting their unique features and who they’re best suited for, so you can pick the perfect match for your trip.
Quick Overview
Our list of best historical tours in Calgary includes a range of experiences: from immersive living history at Heritage Park (Tour #1) and its more affordable Heritage Park Admission (Tour #2), to scenic day trips like the Waterton National Park tour (Tour #3), and the all-inclusive Johnston Canyon and Banff tour (Tour #4). For travelers with more time and interest in world history, the 8-day China trip (Tour #5) is a different kind of journey altogether, but worth noting for its cultural depth.
Now, let’s explore each of these tours in detail.
1. Calgary: Heritage Park Historical Village Admission Ticket
At number one on our list, the Heritage Park Historical Village is a standout for its immersive experience. For just $29, you get access to Canada’s largest living history museum, which spans a full day of outdoor exploration. The highlight is wandering through historical buildings that recreate life from the 1860s to the 1950s, including a fur trading post, schoolhouse, and early 20th-century storefronts.
What makes this tour special is the live, costumed improvisational actors who bring history to life—whether they’re demonstrating blacksmithing, performing traditional games, or sharing stories of the early pioneers. You can hop aboard the steam train, paddle-wheeler, or horse-drawn wagons to see the site from different perspectives. The vintage automobiles and machinery tell the story of technological progress, while the Indigenous exhibits and tradition-focused activities provide insight into native culture.
This ticket is perfect for a full, interactive day, especially if you appreciate hands-on history and outdoor exploration. The fact that you can visit as many exhibits as you want makes it a flexible experience, and the reviews consistently praise its engaging re-enactments.
Bottom line: If you want an authentic, family-friendly way to step back into Western Canadian history, Heritage Park is hard to beat.
2. Heritage Park Admission
For around $11, you can get a general admission to Heritage Park, which provides access over two days of exploration (Tour #2). This ticket covers many key attractions, like the Gasoline Alley Museum and the Heritage Park Historical Village.
The Gasoline Alley Museum is a highlight with one of the world’s largest collections of antique vehicles, showcasing auto history from the early 1900s to the 1950s. It’s a treat for car lovers and history buffs alike. The Historical Village offers train rides on the S.S. Moyie paddlewheeler, a ride on the Big Eli Ferris Wheel, and visits to historic shops and homes. The park also features art and cultural exhibits that showcase Alberta’s diverse backgrounds, making it educational for all ages.
Guests appreciate the flexibility of this ticket, especially families wanting to spread out their visit over two days. The experience of riding the paddlewheeler and the thrill of the amusement rides adds to the appeal. Reviewers mention how quick and easy entry is, which makes it less of a hassle on busy days.
Bottom line: This ticket provides excellent value for a comprehensive and flexible outdoor experience suited for children and adults alike.
3. Best Tour to Waterton National Park: Nature, History and Wonders
If a day trip from Calgary sounds appealing, the Waterton National Park tour delivers a perfect blend of scenic beauty and historical sites. For about $155, you’ll explore iconic spots like Lundbreck Falls, where the roar of cascading water makes a memorable stop. The tour includes visiting Red Rock Canyon, where colorful mineral-rich rocks create stunning photo opportunities, and the Bison Paddock, where you can observe bison grazing in a protected enclosure.
One of the tour’s highlights is the visit to Bar U Ranch, a historic ranching site that played a role in Alberta’s cowboy culture (Tour #3). Tour guides like Habib share engaging stories while ensuring a comfortable, small-group experience. Reviewers mention how the stops are well-paced, with “the Red Rock Canyon being truly unique” and the trip feeling like a “family day out”.
This tour is ideal for those craving a full day of nature, history, and wildlife in a relaxed setting. Keep in mind that wildlife sightings depend on luck, but the scenery alone makes it worthwhile.
Bottom line: For a mix of outdoor adventures and Alberta history, this tour covers it all in one memorable day.
4. Johnston Canyon, Banff Historical Site, Gondola all inclusive
The all-in-one day trip to Banff and Johnston Canyon offers a comprehensive experience for around $172. It’s perfect if you want to see Canada’s Rockies without the hassle of planning logistics. This tour includes visits to Lake Minnewanka, the Banff Gondola, the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, and Johnston Canyon.
Starting from Calgary, the guided trip is designed for efficiency, with roundtrip transportation and a flexible itinerary. Highlights include hiking through Johnston Canyon to see the Lower and Upper Falls, enjoying Lake Minnewanka’s scenic boat cruise or hiking trails, and riding the Banff Gondola for panoramic mountain views. The Cave and Basin offers insight into the origins of Banff National Park and its preservations.
Guests praise the guide’s local knowledge and the balance between guided sightseeing and free exploration. However, some mention that the itinerary can be busy, but it’s a good option for travelers short on time who want a taste of the Rockies’ top sights.
Bottom line: This tour is best suited for active travelers who want to maximize their day with a variety of scenic stops and historical insights.
5. 8 Days of History and City Lights in Beijing, Xi’an & Shanghai
While this eight-day China tour is quite different from the Calgary-based experiences, it offers an in-depth look at world history and iconic sites like the Forbidden City, Great Wall, and Terracotta Warriors. Priced at $1,784, it’s a significant investment but perfect for those wanting a comprehensive culture.
This tour covers Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall at Mutianyu, Xi’an’s Terracotta Army, and Shanghai’s Nanjing Road and The Bund. It combines historical landmarks with local cuisine and modern city sights. Guests appreciate the seamless logistics, guided explanations, and the chance to see China’s most famous monuments.
Although not a local Calgary experience, it’s included here for travelers interested in world history and cultural journeys. If you’re planning a longer trip or combining it with a visit to Calgary, it’s a great way to expand your understanding of world civilizations.
Bottom line: For travelers interested in world history and iconic landmarks across Asia, this multi-day tour offers a thorough and guided cultural experience.
$1,784 per person
How to Choose the Right Historical Tour in Calgary
Choosing the best tour depends largely on your interests, time, and budget. If you want a full-day, immersive experience, Heritage Park (Tour #1) offers the most in-depth look at Western Canadian history with interactive elements. For a more budget-friendly visit, the Heritage Park Admission (Tour #2) provides a flexible way to explore at your own pace.
If scenic landscapes combined with historical insights appeal, the Waterton National Park tour (Tour #3) is perfect. For those who want just one day but want to see a variety of highlights, the Banff and Johnston Canyon tour (Tour #4) is a practical, time-efficient choice.
Lastly, travelers with a broader curiosity about world history and cultures might find the 8-day China trip (Tour #5) inspiring, though it’s a different kind of journey.
When booking, consider seasonality—some attractions are seasonal, and booking early ensures availability. Also, check the duration and physical activity level to match your travel style.
Final Thoughts
Calgary offers a surprising variety of historical tours that cater to different interests and schedules. For a full immersion into Western Canadian history, Heritage Park’s living history experience is hard to beat. If you’re short on time but want a taste of the Rockies’ beauty and history, the Banff and Johnston Canyon tour is an excellent choice.
For travelers seeking a scenic day trip with a mix of nature and cultural stories, the Waterton tour provides breathtaking views along with history. And for those with a longer stay or broader cultural interests, the multi-day China tour offers a fascinating look at another world.
Remember to book early, especially during peak seasons, and choose the experience that best matches your curiosity, fitness level, and schedule. Calgary’s history is waiting—time to explore!