Historic Park sights in North America
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Walden Pond
Thoreau took the naturalist beliefs of Transcendentalism out of the realm of theory and into practice when he left the comforts of town and built a rustic cabin at Walden Pond. Now a state park, the glacial pond is surrounded by acres of forest preserved by the nonprofit Walden Woods project.
The site of Thoreau’s cabin is on the northeast side, marked by a cairn and signs. Parking costs $5.
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Heritage Park Historical Village
Want to see what Calgary used to look like? Head down to this historical park and step right into the past. With a policy that all buildings within the village are from 1915 or earlier, it really is the opposite of modern Calgary. There are 10 hectares of recreated town to explore, with a fort, grain mill, church, school and lots more. You can ride on the steam train, catch a trolley and even go for a spin on the SS Moyie, the resident stern-wheeler, as it churns around the Glenmore Reservoir. Heritage Park has always been a big hit with the kiddies and is a great place to soak up Western culture. To get there, take the C-Train to Heritage station, then bus 20.
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A
Forks National Historic Site
In a beautiful riverside setting, modern amenities for performances and interpretive exhibits outline the area's history. Footpaths line the riverbank; plaques offer historical context.
The rivers routinely overflow during spring runoff and flooded pathways are not uncommon, an event as exciting as it is dangerous. Follow the waterways with a canoe from Splash Dash.
Tours are available by foot and by boat.
Wintertime fun involves ice skating on the river and cross-country skiing the pathways.
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B
Signal Hill National Historic Site
A trip up Signal Hill, the city's most famous landmark, is worth it for the glorious view alone, though there's much more to see.
An interpretive center features interactive displays on the site's history. The last North American battle of the Seven Years' War took place here in 1762, and Britain's victory ended France's renewed aspirations for control of eastern North America.
You can see cannons and the remains of the late-18th-century British battery at Queen's Battery & Barracks further up the hill. The tiny castle topping the hill is Cabot Tower, built in 1900 to honor both John Cabot's arrival in 1497 and Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. Here Italian inventor…
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C
Fort Calgary Historic Park
In 1875 Calgary was born at Fort Calgary. If only the NWMP who first called Fort Calgary home could see it now. Luckily their efforts have been restored for posterity. There are preserved buildings to walk through, the chance to dress up like a Mountie and even a jail to get locked up in.
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D
Fort Gibraltar
Behind the wooden walls sits this re-created 1809 fur trade fort. Along with inspired interpreters, real clothes, tools, furs, bunks, bannock and blacksmith shops create 1810 life at The Forks, the fort's original location.
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Fort Smith Mission Historic Park
Weedy Fort Smith Mission Historic Park commemorates the days when this was Roman Catholicism's beachhead into the North. Self-guided tour maps are available from the visitors center; at the museum, you can arrange for a guided tour.
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Acadian Historic Village
Acadian Historic Village, 15km west of Caraquet, is a major historic reconstruction set up like a village of old. Thirty-three original buildings relocated to the site and animators in period costumes reflect life from 1780 to 1880. A good three to four hours is required to see the site, and then you'll definitely want to eat. For that, there are old-fashioned sit-down Acadian meals at La Table des Ancêtres, the 1910 historical menu at the Château Albert dining room, and several snack bars. The village has a program for kids ($35), which provides them with a costume and seven hours of supervised historical activities.
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Kekerten Historic Park
About 50km south of town is Kekerten Historic Park, an old whaling station on an island. A trail leads past the remains of 19th-century houses, tools and graves. A boat tour here (around $180 per person for a minimum of four people) is a full-day trip. Outfitters can also take you wildlife-watching or fishing. For any of these, Joavee of Alivaktuk Outfitting Services is highly recommended.
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