Explore Alberta’s history on the road

By Vawn Himmelsbach

A road trip across the province is a fun, enlightening and affordable vacation option. You’ll discover museums, restored villages and historic sites that tell our shared story. So, hit the road and soak up Alberta’s fascinating past. 

As exclusive offers for AMA members, save 10% on regular admission on all the above, unless otherwise noted. Saving on fuel is a bonus while exploring Alberta. Fill up at Shell and save 3 cents per litre at the pump and 10% on in-store purchases. 

Rutherford House Provincial Historic Site  

This post-Edwardian mansion built in Edmonton in 1911 was home to our province’s first premier, Alexander Cameron Rutherford, and once welcomed the political and social elite of Alberta. Today it offers visitors a glimpse into the past with costumed interpreters and guided tours. AMA members save 10% on regular admission. 

Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village  

Travel back in time and immerse yourself in the rich cultural history of Ukrainian settlers in the province. This open-air museum, about 50 kilometres east of Edmonton, features a historical village with more than 40 restored buildings complete with furnishings, artifacts and costuming from the early 20th century. AMA members save 10% on regular admission. 

Reynolds-Alberta Museum  

A vast collection of vintage cars, motorcycles, tractors, airplanes and industrial machines is housed in this museum—an hour’s drive south of Edmonton—that celebrates Alberta’s mechanical heritage. Learn to drive a Model T (no gas pedal!) or take a behind-the-scenes warehouse tour. AMA members save 10% on regular admission. 

The Hangar Flight Museum  

Bringing flight to life, the “museum with altitude” in Calgary explores Western Canada’s aviation history. View vintage aircraft up close, including the Avro Lancaster and Anson, DC-3, the de Havilland Twin Otter and Vampire, and Calgary’s newly restored Hawker Hurricane. AMA members can use promo code AMA2024 to receive 10% off when admission is purchased online. 

Oil Sands Discovery Centre  

Located in Fort McMurray, in the heart of the world’s largest oil deposit, the Athabasca Oil Sands, this interpretive centre presents the history, science and technology behind Alberta’s oil sands through films, exhibits and demonstrations. It’s the closest you can get to a field experience without boots and a hard hat. AMA members save 10% on regular admission. 

The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland (Fort Calgary National Historic Site) 

Explore museum exhibits about Treaty 7 and Métis influence in the province before taking a self-guided audio tour of the parklands in the heart of Calgary at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers—a place of significance to Indigenous peoples long before 1875, when Fort Calgary was established. Save 10% on admission and gift-shop merchandise with your AMA membership. 

Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies  

Situated in Banff National Park, this museum collects, preserves and exhibits arts and artifacts related to the natural history and cultural heritage of the Canadian Rockies. AMA members, save 10% on admission. 

Visit ama.ab.ca/rewards/partners for more ways to save.