It was only last year that I finally visited the Royal Alberta Museum (RAM) in it's "new" downtown…read morelocation. But since then I've visited 3 times, once for my birthday, once for a friend's birthday, and then again to see an exhibit on Orcas. The RAM is the largest museum in western Canada. There are several permanent exhibits including the Children's Gallery, the Bug Gallery, the Human History Hall, and the Natural History Hall. I didn't visit the Children's Gallery, cause I'm an adult without kids so that would be weird, but I did visit the other ones. The Bug Gallery is really cool if you love bugs, but even if you're not a big bug person the bugs are all in contained closures, and I thought was really interesting. My favourites were the two halls, which if you couldn't tell from the names deal with human history and natural history. The human history one goes through the history of the people who've lived in this area from the Indigenous peoples who have been here since time immemorial to European settlers, modern immigration, and present day. The natural history hall has the history of the different flora and fauna that have been in Alberta. This includes exhibits on dinosaurs, which if you've been in Alberta for any length of time you'll know we have a lot of fossils here. And there is also an exhibit on various minerals in Alberta and in Canada. I like shiny rocks so I liked it. Then there is a feature gallery and a changing exhibit. The feature gallery is smaller, but the changing exhibit (when one is in) is usually quite large. The changing exhibits I saw where the ones on Angkor Wat and Orcas (different times). Both were great exhibits, but I think they've changed now. The museum space is huge, and there's lots to see so give yourself lots of time. My downside to the museum is just that I don't live nearby so it's a bit of a pain to drive downtown and park (especially with construction). The LRT is nearby (I think Churchill is the closet station. The museum itself can also get really busy, especially on weekends or if a school field trip is in. But hey, I have fond memories of school field trips at the RAM in its old location in Glenora so I hope kids get good memories of the RAM in its new home. If you're planning to visit the RAM a few times you can get an annual pass. The other option is buy an Alberta History Pass, which will get you into a few different historic sites for a yearly fee. That's what I did. You can buy the pass at the RAM and it's pretty easy to get your money's worth if you come back for a couple of visits. Not sure when I'll visit again, but I'll definitely be back.

We spent a few hours at the museum before it closed. The first floor of the museum leads you to the…read morehistory of Alberta. Although this museum exhibit and artifacts are nicely displayed and seems to be of significance, the museum flow was haphazard and didn't guide you towards a narrative or chronology, which is kind of jarring. The descriptions throughout the museum themselves don't really dive deep and maybe seems more like it's geared towards school-age children. Had I just seen this part of the museum, I would've disliked the museum overall. The second floor with the natural history section was much better, with fossils and even some live exhibits (like the beautiful, healthy corals and the turtles, though they didn't seem as happy). I live learning about the animals that roamed the area, including the Edmontosaurus. I was kind of fatigued from all the taxidermied/animal models behind glass cases though. The minerals/gem exhibit was also pretty exquisite and there's even an interactive section about magnetic stones and meteorites. My favorite is probably the special exhibit on "Death: Life's Greatest Mystery," which I think did a wonderful job in portraying different customs revolving around death. I also like the Francophone exhibit, especially the audio exhibit. Overall, I enjoyed the majority of the exhibits and thought the museum was worth visiting.

Absolutely wonderful place to hang out all day with the kids. Can be a little crow, bring ear…read moreprotection or quiet time activities for sensitive people.

Fun for kids and adults. Amazing imax theater. Good food at cheap prices in cafeteria. Nice clean…read morefacilities. Always entertaining. I have a annual pass to this place to watch movies and enter exhibits. It's totally worthwhile because If you go during the weekdays you almost have the place to yourself or just before closing too. I like the space exhibit which actually has a peice of the moon on display. But there are tons of interactive games and puzzles that most adults play too (some are still challenging for me for the first time). There is a cool body exhibits to explore which is cool if it's your first time there to see how your body works and how healthy you are. There's also a giant play are in 2 parts of the center. One one main floor and second floor. So the kids have plenty of place sto burn off their excess energy. I could stare at the ball thing thatis ancient for hours bc that's what I used to do as child mesmerized by the journey that little ball takes. I would highly recommend watching the imax movies here because usually the only last 2 rows are sold out so there's alot of space in between people. Staff are friendly and there's alot of areas to just eat if you pack your own lunch. Annual members get a 10% discount which is really nice too! I personally think the roving exhibits are a perfect date night since there's alot to do or talk about. And situated in west downtown there's alot of good places to eat nearby. I think edmontons telus center is better than the over busy and crowded ones in vancouver or calgary. With alot more to do. I think edmontonians take this place for granted.

A real YEG gem, hiding near the river banks off of Kinsmen Sports Centre. That means free parking…read moreand great views. I love this little museum, it's run by some of the most dedicated and enthusiastic interpreters in Edmonton. Esther, Jeff, Christina to name a few, all dressed in period attire and chock full of information about the history and the era. Ask them about anything! There are 3 houses to visit, from a log cabin to their last house, almost mansion-like by comparison. They bake in a wood stove, offer meeting venues, birthday parties and summer camps! Plan a short trip, bring a picnic if you plan to spend a bit of time there enjoying the grounds and pathways. The city website says they are open Saturday and Sunday during summer holidays from 1pm to 4pm. As far as I know, it is open on Sunday only and they continue right up to November. On their last opening day last fall, they had cinnamon buns and Apple cider. Spool yummy! His entire business was washed out in a flood in 1915, 5 years before he passed. He did a lot for the community through public action, carpentry, employment and philanthropy. Worth a trip, and did I mention that it's offered by the city... for FREE? Yes the baked goodies and hand-made lemonade is also pro-bono. Love, love, love this place. Thank you YEG for providing this to Edmontonians every year.

I'm going to start off by saying that this is a FREE Museum. And they say you can't get something…read morefor free anymore. But that's not the only reason that this place earns my five star rating! Very culturally and historically significant for Edmonton, it seems that without this little highly accessible gem, some people might not know about many of the conditions that Edmonton was founded on, or about the flood of 1915 that forever reshaped our city. If you find yourself in need of a crash course in these matters, take yourself on a self-guided tour using their graphic and detailed information panels. These panels are outside of the three buildings which comprise the museum, so they can be accessed any day of the week, any season of the year, at your leisure. If you have questions, would prefer a much more immersive experience, or would like to see inside the houses, drop by between 1 and 4 on a Sunday (March-December) and the staff and volunteers would be more than happy to share their vast banks of knowledge with you, and maybe even ask you to help them finish some of the mounds of cookies they've baked (again, *free*). They are occasionally open on other days and times, check their website or follow them on Facebook for upcoming programs and events. The houses themselves are a treat to visit as well, as with other well curated living history museums, these also offer the sense of time travel, with the sights, sounds, and smells of a bygone era. Some things they just don't make like they used to, like washing machines, and toilets. So, if you have a curious little one that you want to impress, this is a wondrous place to show them something old, but new to them. Located in scenic Kinsmen Park, a visit to this museum can easily be incorporated into a larger outing. Perhaps a walk through the river valley, a day at the Queen Elizabeth pool, or it can be a magical rest-stop on a long bike excursion. And did I mention it's free to visit.? Not even a guilt trip 'admission by donation' sign.

So many tractors - such little time! Actually, you can take all the time you want wandering around…read morethis huge collection of farm equipment from different time periods. There is an entire section devoted to John Deere alone, plus a cute collection of toy tractors and little diecast ones. Outside is the world's largest weathervane, on top of which is - you guessed it - a tractor. Admission is only $6 for adults and it really is a lot mroe interesting than I could have imagined.

It is located so very far northeast, that it is almost hard to believe the Alberta Railway Museum…read moreis actually located in Edmonton. But, it is, and is worth every minute of the drive. Numerous historical railway cars are on display, and visitors can climb on up and check out what is inside. It is a train buff's heaven. The museum is only open on summer weekends, and the steam train only runs on long weekends. So the place is somewhat elusive, but it is also heavily dependent on the involvement of volunteers. The only downside to the museum is that anyone with mobility issues will not be able tof ully enjoy it, as a lot of walking and climbing is required to fully appreciate everything it has to offer.

Lived it, loved it. This was a surprising museum in the U didn't expect it to be as entertaining as…read moreit was! I like a good museum, but I must say this was inexpensive and fun, and you could get add involved as you wanted in examining the trains and other vehicles and buildings on site. The are some tiny train stations preserved so you can get an idea of the feel of it. I got a sense of urgency, like I had to be somewhere myself, it was interesting. Some of the trains you were allowed to climb into the conductor's chair and touch so the buttons and levers, it was both claustrophobic and freeing at the same time. The dining cars on some of these trains are very nice, you can see how some people really got to live it up on the rails, criss crossing the country. I even saw a commuter train that I used to ride on back in Montreal public transit. I would definitely recommend a late afternoon trip here, ride the working stream train and cars, let them offer you a ticket, which they punch for you based on the destination you choose. The was a good truck outside in the lot, and a small shop with touristy things to buy. Overall it was a win, I'm glad I went and I would go again for sure. If you decide to walk through all of the opened trains and cars, expect it to take you a couple hours, easy. kids who like to look and touch will enjoy most of this museum but may not last through ALL of the cars and trains, they are quite long, but they'll have fun.

This museum consists of several restored buildings from Stony Plain's past, such as a church and…read moreseveral residences. There are also two large buildings containing mixed exhibits of everything from tools to toys to taxidermy! It seems a bit haphazard, but there is a lot to look at. Light snacks and lunch is available at the Tea House, which has a very limited menu, but is very pretty inside with displays of china. Admission is by donation, and the museum is only open during summer months.

From the owner: The Pioneer Museum brings the history of Stony Plain and Parkland County alive! We have several…read morehistoric buildings, a large collection of vehicles and farm equipment and an indoor depression era street.

The home of Alberta's first premier is lovingly preserved on the U of A campus. It is a short walk…read moreback more than a century into the genteel life of upper class of the day. Nice little tea shop with a charming sun-room, where one can enjoy a high tea service. But this is also a great event venue. I have used it for a reception and dinner, and have attended two small weddings there. It would be top of my list for any small event I might organize, the only caveat being it is only available after regular hours.

Rutherford house was amazing! I was sad to make a trip to Edmonton to find it closed. Apparently in…read morethe next couple of years a cafe will open up.

This museum is operated by the Barrhead & District Historical Society and also is home to the local…read morevisitor's centre. Most of the exhibits have to do with Barrhead's history, especially agricultural tool and machines, the exhibit of which extends to outside the building in back. There is also the third largest display of African wildlife specimens in Canada - apparently, a resident enjoyed goin gon hunting safaries in Africa, and brought a lot of heads and skins back with him. I personally found the exhibit a little off-putting, but I can understand why it is of value to display. I am not sure I would drive to Barrhead just to check out the museum, but if you happen to be passing through, it's worth a look.

There is a lot to see in our local museum. Staff is friendly and have interesting facts to share…read morewith everyone. There is a lot of agriculture related artifacts which my parents really loved to see. Definitely worth popping in when you are in Barrhead.

Most people drive out to Mundare to get a look at the big sausage. Almost directly behind this…read moreroadside attraction is the Basilian Fathers Museum. The museum documents the cultural and religious history of the area, which is largely Ukrainian and Catholic. Arranged in a circle, numerous displays deal extensively with religious life and the church, including lots of Catholic icons and worship items. Beautifully arranged, admission is free and the museum is a must-see.

We were visiting Westlock and decided to visit this museum. It's very close to the hotels if you…read moreare staying in the area. The price is $5/person or a family is $10 and hours are 10AM-5PM in the summer. We were greeted by a friendly woman who we paid and she showed us the various rooms to visit the exhibits. I was expecting it to be small but there was lots to see! I liked how we could get close to the items but still respecting it and not touching anything. It's also wonderful that 2 of the large exhibits were donated by community members. It really feels like this is a community museum and part of the people that live in the town. We started in the Aladdin lamp exhibit. I haven't seen these lamps so it was very cool to see! Next we saw old cash register and typewriter. There was a doll collection with carriages, and sewing machines. At the back was a large collection of guns. There was also farming equipment that showed off the Agricultural industry of the area. The gramophone and phonograph collection is vast and awesome. If you are a vinyl fan, it would be cool to see. The room is also shared with a doll collection of Barbie dolls and other dolls. Other areas in the museum included historical clothing, kitchen items, school, hospital, and military. I also liked the news articles about the history of the people and community. We spent around an hour in the museum and it was worth the admission price. This is a gem and great that it's a 50 minute drive from West Edmonton.

Imagine stepping back through time and witnessing the evolution of a town in rural Alberta. The…read moreWestlock Pioneer Museum showcases Westlock's history from its inception in 1913 to modern day. The museum offers first-hand glimpses of Westlock's heritage with displays of vintage farm equipment, period clothing, and even a restored 1920 Buick McLaughlin. All items donated over the years by locals. The museum is broken down into four main collections: The Gun Collection - Besides having the best name ever for a firearms display (Trueblood), the collection is expansive with over 95 types of vintage guns and various ammunitions. If you're a gun nut, you'll be right at home here. Aladdin Lamps - There's close to 150 vintage kerosene mantle lamps. (I rubbed 'em all, there's no genie, but still worth checking out.) Doll Collection - They have many types of dolls to peruse. If you're into that sort of thing. The Gramophone and Phonograph Collection - I'm an audiophile/record collector-type so this is my favourite part of the museum. It has almost 200 music machines here. Apparently it one of the largest collections in Western Canada. There are hundreds of old 78 and 33 rpm records on display, all in perfect shape. That is my biggest gripe with this museum. As a collector it bothered me to see all these vintage records lying horizontally and stacked on top of each other. This will only cause the records to become scratched and covered in dust. Once dust settles in the grooves of records it is difficult to remove. These records were donated to the museum by a private collector who obviously went to great pains to keep them in pristine shape but they will only degrade if they continue to display them in this manner. Westlock Trivia: The rural community that Westlock sprung up from was called Edison--named after Thomas Edison, the inventor of the gramophone. That's not why the museum houses this collection though. It's just a coincidence...I think. Most of the museum is "touch friendly" which means that you are free to browse the collections without being kept at arm's length from the exhibits by a wire rope or a security guard. (Okay, the Gun Collection is not "touch friendly". I just thought I'd put that out there.) The one staff member that we talked to was super-friendly and knowledgeable about the town, the museum, and its contents. I told her my concerns about the record collection and how they were going to end up with a collection of 12 and 10-inch coasters in a few years if they weren't better cared for. She seemed to empathize but showed no intent to change anything. It was a great way to spend an afternoon and worth the five dollar admission. The museum operates from Victoria Day to Labour Day every year, but they said that off-season tours can be arranged.