We traveled through different eras thanks to The Military Museums in Calgary! Find out how in this article.
One of the hardest things to decide as a big family is where to go and spend the day. The children always want to do something fun while the older members prefer to take it slow and relax.
So when we heard about The Military Museums, we thought it could be worth a shot. To our surprise, everyone loved it!
The grandparents were able to share some amazing stories, the adults learned a lot, and the kids couldn’t get enough of seeing all the planes and tanks. We’ve already arranged to come back again later in the year.
However, even as one of the biggest museums in Calgary, we felt that it wasn’t as popular as it should be.
This guide is here to change that. Just keep reading and give The Military Museums a chance to become your new favorite attraction.
Things to Know
Tickets
Ticket prices for the Military Museums vary depending on the age of the ticketholder. These can be purchased online or upon arrival.
- Youth (ages 4 to 17) – $7
- Students – $7
- Seniors (ages 65+) – $7
- Adults (ages 18+) – $17
- Family (2 adults, 5 youth) – $40
- Children (below 3), Veterans, and Serving Military Personnel – Free
Annual passes are also available for those who wish to visit multiple times throughout the year. They cost:
- Adults (ages 18 to 64) – $35
- Youth (ages 4 to 17) – $15
- Seniors (ages 65+) – $15
- Family Package (2 adults, 5 youth) – $80
Parking
Museum visitors can park for free in the following areas:
- Beside The Military Museums
- Next to the Master’s Academy
- Near the Flames Community Arena
Where are The Military Museums?
The Military Museums in Calgary are located at 4520 Crowchild Trail SW. It’s only about a 10-minute drive from downtown Calgary.
How to Get to The Military Museums
Via Light Rail: The closest light rail station to The Military Museums is only a 10-minute walk away at Eb Westbrook. You can get here by taking the C-Train light rail system.
Via Bus: There are a handful of bus stops that are only a short walking distance away from The Military Museums. You can take transport lines 13 Mount Royal, 7 or 107 South Calgary, and 63 Lakeview Express to get there.
Via Private Car: You can get to the Military Museums via car by taking Crowchild Trail and taking a right onto Amiens Road. Free parking is available for visitors in designated areas.
What to Do in The Military Museums
See all eight museums within
– Media credit: themilitarymuseums
It’s a given that the main event at The Military Museums is all of the exhibits inside. But believe us, nothing will prepare you for what you’re about to see.
There are eight distinct museums that have their own focus. Each tells unique stories of Canadian victories and losses throughout history.
There are too many tales to mention, but what really enhanced the experience was the presence of props and audiovisual accompaniments.
We loved walking through realistic wax figures, life-sized dioramas, and armored vehicles, as well as watching the historical movies presented. It was all so informative and engaging that we didn’t notice time flying by at all.
Join in the Summer Skirmish
– Media credit: themilitarymuseums
Fans of Game of Thrones, Gladiator, Braveheart, and other similar media will find the Summer Skirmish right up their alley.
This seasonal event is full of exciting weapon demonstrations and battle reenactments from different eras. Witness daring knights, gladiators in combat, Vikings doing raids, and much more in the span of 7 hours.
We can never get enough of seeing all the actors dressed in period-accurate costumes while wielding weapons you only see depicted in historical shows and dramas.
Although we love being part of the 21st century and all of its gadgets and gizmos, this event always makes us a little jealous of how everyone used to look cool wearing fancy armor and helmets.
Participate in the annual Family Day
– Media credit: dailyhivecanada
Every year, The Military Museums host a Family Day that isn’t just for history buffs.
Of course, it has all the usual museum activities such as tours and displays of authentic artifacts. But you’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at what makes the museum so great.
Some of these include interviews with pilots who have flown the planes displayed or discussions with a conservator on how they preserve memorabilia.
Kids (and kids-at-heart) can play military board games or get their faces painted in camo. You can even try on some of the uniforms and take pictures at their photobooth to truly make the day unforgettable.
Even though they provide food trucks to satisfy any cravings, the ration testing activity is always the real highlight for us. It feels like gambling because you never know if you’re going to taste something great or something you won’t totally understand.
Try ‘The Great Escape Experience’
– Media credit: themilitarymuseums
What better way to encourage your children’s imaginations and love for learning than having them step into the shoes of important historical figures?
Older visitors may remember the 1963 film ‘The Great Escape’ which tells the story of prisoners of war (POW) ingeniously breaking free from Stalag Luft, a German POW camp.
This exhibit impressively recreates the real-life story that the movie was based on and lets visitors experience it for themselves.
Here, you’ll see a POW hut decorated with authentic accessories, a reproduction of the tunnel they used to break out, and even a rolling cart that your kids can try out.
This experience is available all year round at the Air Force Museum. Just be prepared to have your home turned into a permanent warzone during playtime after your visit here.
Which Museums to Visit Inside the Military Museums
The Air Force Museum
This museum makes use of artifacts and interactive displays to tell the story of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s achievements. You’ll see recordings of day-to-day operations, tales of training, and genuine aircrafts like the CF-18 and an F-86 Sabre Jet.
The Army Museum
You can gain a deeper understanding of Canada’s land forces at The Army Museum. Apart from a comprehensive timeline, it also discusses the different roles within such as the women who served, the medical experts, chaplains, and artillery workers.
The Calgary Highlanders Museum
During the First and Second World Wars, the Calgary Highlanders were a regiment that made significant contributions. This museum tells their story during that time and of all the other battles they participated in through authentic memorabilia and displays.
The Founders’ Gallery
The Founders’ Gallery contains several exhibitions inspired by the Canadian Military. Here, you can gaze at both contemporary and historical artworks that tackle themes of human conflict and war.
The King’s Own Calgary Regiment
From 1910 until today, the King’s Own Calgary Regiment has been an active militia unit. You have a chance to learn about the experiences of the members of this regiment while you marvel at the historical relics and weapons they used.
The Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) Museum
As the only unit to have participated in all of Canada’s foreign conflicts, Canada’s Regular Force tank unit has plenty of stories to share. This museum details how they’ve evolved throughout the years with pictures, from using horses to tanks.
Interactive displays and antiques such as uniforms will inform you of how war happens at sea in this museum. This is the largest naval museum in the country and you’ll get to hear about how naval technology has evolved since 1923.
The Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry
Learn fascinating stories from the one-hundred-year history of one of Canada’s most celebrated regiments. The Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Museum houses life-sized dioramas and a rare collection of antique weapons.
Where to Eat near The Military Museums
Wild Rose Brewery
– Media credit: wildrosebrewery
Address: 4580 Quesnay Wood Dr SW
Phone: +1 403 727 5451
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Those who couldn’t get enough of The Military Museums are sure to love the Wild Rose Brewery. This pub is located inside an airplane hangar, but that’s still the least exciting thing about it.
Since 1996, this place has been on a mission to stop beer from being boring and so far, they’ve been succeeding. Not only do they have great craft beer, you can even make amazing mixes from them.
For years, we’ve loved the Velvet Fog and the Wraspberry individually. But when we tried them as a combo, we never looked back.
You also won’t have to worry about having alcohol on an empty stomach because they’ve got a great selection of grub. The common consensus seems to be that Bison is the way to go, whether it’s as a sandwich or a taco (and we agree!).
Pfanntastic Pannenkoek
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Address: 2439 54 Ave SW
Phone: +1 403 243 7757
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Monday to Tuesday – Closed
Pfanntastic Pannenkoek is the place to go if you’re looking for something new. This restaurant is the only one in the country that serves special Dutch pancakes or “pannenkoeken”.
Don’t make the same assumption as us because it’s not like the kind of pancakes that most of us are used to. A lot of the options they have are actually more on the savory side.
In fact, their most popular offering is the potato, onion, bacon, and cheese pannenkoeken served with a side of sour cream. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can even build your own with ingredients imported from the Netherlands.
Remember to bring a buddy or two — the servings here are huge! Seriously, it’s almost impossible to get something as authentic and as filling as this at such an affordable price point anywhere else.
Where to Stay near The Military Museums
Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel
– Media credit: sandmanhotels
Address: 888 7 Ave SW
Phone: +1 403 237 8626
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- 24-hour front desk
With some hotels focusing on business while others focus on leisure, The Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel refuses to be put in a box. They’re great for all kinds of trips and purposes.
Entrepreneurs and professionals will appreciate their state-of-the-art business center that’s open 24/7. We’re willing to bet that you’ll be way more productive here than anywhere else with it being a space optimized for focus.
On the other hand, those looking for some rest and relaxation will enjoy the indoor pool. Whatever the season, it’ll always be the perfect temperature to have you feeling like you’re somewhere tropical.
All of Calgary’s top attractions will be within reach of exploring travelers, due to the hotel’s convenient location next to the transit line.
However, the one thing that everyone is sure to love is the on-site restaurant Moxies. The burgers will have you coming back for dinner here every single night.
Hotel Blackfoot
– Media credit: hotelblackfoot
Address: 5940 Blackfoot Trail SE
Phone: +1 403 252 2253
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- 24-hour front desk
Those who are staying at Hotel Blackfoot should allot an extra day on their trip just to explore the place. It’s got plenty of amenities and features that you shouldn’t miss.
First of all, you don’t have to be worried about when you’ll get the motivation to work out because their fitness center is available 24/7. If you don’t feel like exercising though, there’s the in-room spa service that’ll make you feel just as good.
One of the most unique things available here though is their comedy club. Trust us when we say that you’re going to be in stitches during the world-class comedy shows they put on.
And did we mention that they’re pet-friendly? Your furry companions are going to have the best time of their lives during your stay, especially with the complimentary pet cookies and food bowls they provide.