Step into the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village for a vibrant slice of turn-of-the-century life, complete with costumed actors, restored buildings, and heartfelt stories of immigration that shaped Alberta.
195041 Highway 16 East, Lamont County, AB, Canada Get directions
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"After leaf peeping at Elk Island National Park, swing by the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, which tells the story of Ukrainian immigration that helped shape Alberta in the early 20th century."
"For a Throwback Spell The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village is a living history museum and one of Canada 's premier historical sites. The Village, notable for the ethnic Ukrainian and Canadian cast members who live and act in full period costume, is both engaging and inviting, and a revealing look at life in Western Canada between 1899 and 1930. The Village is home to more than 30 fully restored (and in some cases, relocated) buildings that include a blacksmith shop, Eastern Byzantine churches, a grain elevator, one-room schoolhouse, traditional burdei sod house, a general store, and more. The first time a “Ukrainian” blacksmith jaws at you in period lingo is somewhat jarring, but by the time you've visited a few sites, you'll find yourself swept up in the moment – and the history – and quizzing the local folk on their way of life. You may even find yourself working the fields, scythe or hammer in hand. Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., May Long Weekend (Monday before May 25) to Labour Day. [Flash traveled to Alberta courtesy of Travel Alberta.]"
Our family has the Alberta History Pass so it was a "free entry" - I loved that I could rent an electric scooter for just $10 since I had recent surgery and wasn't able to walk very well. Staff were all very friendly and informative and there was lots to see. The whole family enjoyed themselves (4 kids 8-17 yrs old), would go again!
Carla
Google
As someone who’s been to Calgary’s Heritage Park and similar I wasn’t quite sure what to expect for this place and admittedly my expectations were very very low but our family had a wonderful time. The place is small but has enough things to see for a few hours. It’s not overly crowded unlike the Heritage Park which meant for more quality interactions with the “in character” actors (they mark on the map which buildings they’re in) - this was the best part as it’s super immersive and informative and I’d recommend this place for this part alone. The buildings with just staff dressed up but not role playing were still very good too as they can take their time sharing facts about the building, its history, the way of life back in the days making it very informative and interesting.
They have a free horse drawn cart ride which we didn’t get to do but seemed fun. And a Ukrainian kitchen where you can buy some food perogies, sausage, crepe, Ukrainian donuts (recommend this one). Food was okay, priced well.
When we went a lot of building were closed or under construction which was a small minus but overall the experience was wonderful.
Julia Davis
Google
A cozy place in the midst of picturesque nature. Beautiful houses, expositions of stations, churches, shops, the atmosphere is recreated as much as possible. A smiling woman greets you at the entrance, as well as actors in each object, who are dressed in clothes corresponding to that era. The staff is pleasant and kind. If you follow the map, you can completely immerse yourself in those times, feel nostalgic.
Anatoliy
Google
A great place for Ukrainian lifestyle in Edmonton. The territory is large, there is a cafe with Ukrainian dishes, there is a souvenir shop, and excellent museum exhibits. There are plenty of parking spaces. The price of a ticket for an adult is 15 dollars.
Suzanne V
Google
Such interesting information and we loved the people acting in character. I tried to offer one of my daughters to the unmarried fella but he was more interested in helping his parents find the livestock that wandered away to sleep off the moonshine hangover given them by naughty children. (Probably had to be there, but just know some of them build quite elaborate and hilarious stories.)
They have homes from every era and have done an incredible restoration job. The churches alone are worth a visit.
It's also so reasonable: $40 for a family. It's a bit of a drive, but we'll worth it. The setting is gorgeous and the village is amazing.
Don C
Google
It was fun seeing all these traditional buildings and while I appreciated the role play enactments, only some of them were wanting to talk about their spots. Others just stood there and didn’t really interact with us.
If more information plaques were built to highlight significance of the building to the Ukrainian community it would be more an immersive experience. Some already had it which helped a lot. I’d also pack food and have a picnic as there are lots of tables available.
Jason Oneal
Google
Firstly, you should go here. Secondly, you should go here.
What a wonderful way to learn, and more importantly, experience a unique peice of history.
The whole village is smartly arranged in sections corresponding to specific time periods. This means buildings, homes and where applicable, garden plots are historically accurate. The detail and and attention to authenticity are wonderful. Right down to herbs hanging from the rafters like my Ukrainian wife said they once did in her family.
The actors/speakers are just fantastic. I am sure they had to spend a fair amount of time learning to be able to pass along the wealth of information they do. They stay in period and answer/observe as such. I leaned alot and wish that I had been bale to speak to them more.
Wonderful exhibits and placards explaining much of what you see around the park. They have really done a wonderful job with this place.
Plenty of parking, no issues and seemed very safe
You should go here. Spend all day here. Ask questions, interact with the people, eat at the restaurant. Really, this was a highlight of my summer.
Suzzette Tamez
Google
This is a most of you are in the area.
It is a place where you have to be prepared for walking, I definitely would check the weather before visiting.
The atmosphere is of the oild times, like around 130 years ago. The people that work there are wearing costumes and some even act according to those times. You can tell the people that work there are happy to be there sharing their knowledge and traditions.
The food was disappointing though, it didn't feel like authentic. Sorry but has to be said, I talked to a few people asking their opinion about it and they think the same :(
It opens seasonally. Last days of September is when they close.