You can celebrate Civic Holiday 2023 in Alberta by attending local events such as parades, festivals, or concerts that showcase the province’s rich cultural heritage. You can also explore Alberta’s history by visiting local museums or historical sites, or enjoy the province’s beautiful natural landscapes through outdoor activities like hiking or camping and, you also can celebrate at home by preparing traditional Albertan foods or learning about Alberta’s history through books or films.
Hello, Alberta! It’s that time of year again when we get to celebrate our rich cultural heritage and take a well-deserved day off. Yes, you guessed it right – it’s the Civic Holiday, or as we fondly call it in our neck of the woods, Heritage Day!
Now, you might be wondering, “What’s the big deal about Heritage Day?” Well, let me tell you, it’s more than just an extra day to sleep in (although we all love that, don’t we?). Heritage Day is a special day in Alberta, a day when we celebrate the diverse cultural heritage that makes our province so unique. It’s a day to appreciate our past, enjoy our present, and look forward to our future.
But here’s the best part – there are so many ways to celebrate Heritage Day in Alberta! Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, or just someone looking for a fun day out, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’re going to dive into a smorgasbord of activities, events, and traditions that will make your Heritage Day 2023 truly memorable.
So, buckle up, Alberta! We’re about to embark on a journey of discovery and celebration. And trust me, you don’t want to miss what’s coming next. From city-specific events to cozy at-home celebrations, we’ve got a treasure trove of ideas that will make your Heritage Day as diverse and vibrant as Alberta itself. So, stick around, because we’re just getting started!
Understanding Heritage Day
Alright, folks! Before we dive into the fun stuff, let’s take a quick trip down memory lane. Picture this: it’s the late 1970s, and Alberta is buzzing with a new idea. The government decides to give us all a day off on the first Monday of August, and voila! Heritage Day is born. But this isn’t just any old holiday. Oh no, this is a day to celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures that make up our beloved province.
Now, you might be thinking, “Why is this so important?” Well, let me tell you, Heritage Day is like a giant spotlight shining on the diverse cultural heritage of Albertans. It’s our chance to:
- Celebrate our roots: Whether your family has been in Alberta for generations or you’ve just recently made this province your home, Heritage Day is a time to honor the cultures and traditions that have shaped us.
- Learn something new: Ever wondered about the history of the Ukrainian community in Alberta? Or the traditions of the Indigenous peoples? Heritage Day is the perfect opportunity to dive into the rich cultural history of our province and learn something new.
- Share with others: Heritage Day isn’t just about learning; it’s about sharing. It’s a time to share our traditions, our stories, and our cultures with each other, fostering a sense of community and mutual respect.
So, as we gear up to celebrate Heritage Day 2023, let’s remember what this day is all about. It’s more than just a day off work (although that’s a nice bonus!). It’s a day to celebrate, learn, and share. And who knows? You might just discover something new about Alberta – and yourself – along the way!
Traditional Celebrations
Alright, Alberta, it’s time to dust off those party hats and get ready to celebrate! Heritage Day has always been a day of joy and festivity in our province, and over the years, we’ve come up with some pretty fantastic ways to mark the occasion.
Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and revisit some of the traditional ways we Albertans have celebrated Heritage Day in the past:
Parades
Who doesn’t love a good parade? From the bustling streets of Calgary to the charming avenues of Leduc, Heritage Day parades have been a staple of our celebrations. Floats adorned with cultural symbols, marching bands playing lively tunes, and communities coming together – it’s a sight to behold!
Festivals
Heritage Day is festival central in Alberta! We’ve got everything from food festivals showcasing delicious cuisines from around the world, to art festivals featuring local artists and their incredible work. And let’s not forget the music festivals – because what’s a celebration without some foot-tapping tunes? like this one: Edmonton Folk Music Festival
Every August, the city of Edmonton hosts a renowned event called the Edmonton Folk Music Festival. This festival is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious folk music festivals worldwide, attracting talented musicians from Edmonton, Canada, and various parts of the world. Details
When & Where
Aug 10 – 13, 2023
1:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Contact No.
780-429-1899
Concerts
Speaking of music, concerts are another beloved Heritage Day tradition. Whether it’s a local band playing in the park or a renowned artist performing at a concert hall, music has always been a big part of our Heritage Day celebrations.
2023 Pigeon Lake Music Festival
Date – August 4 – August 6 ·
Location – Hilah Ayers Wilderness RV Park 13300 Range Road 10 Mulhurst, AB T0C 2C0 Canada
Price – From CA$67.45
Time – 5pm – 11pm MDT
Hours – 54 hours
Date – Fri, Aug 4, 2023 – Mon, Aug 7, 2023
Location – Faust 73114 Range Road Faust, AB T0G 0X0 Canada
Price – $20 – $60
Time – Starts from7:30 PM and ends at 8:00 PM MDT
Hours – 72.5 hours
From August 11th to 13th, take a break from the city and immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of the hoodoos at our private estate located in Canada’s captivating Badlands. This event promises an unforgettable experience with a lineup of talented folk, indie, and DJ artists who will keep the party going all night long. Details
Date & Time: Fri, Aug 11, 2023 7:00 PM – Sun, Aug 13, 2023 2:00 PM MDT
Location: Drumheller 110 Century Dr W East Coulee, AB T0J 1B0 Canada
Community Gatherings
Last but certainly not least, Heritage Day is all about community. It’s a time when we gather with our friends, family, and neighbours to celebrate our shared heritage. From backyard barbecues to community picnics, these gatherings are the heart and soul of Heritage Day.
So there you have it, folks! These are just a few of the traditional ways we’ve celebrated Heritage Day in the past. But remember, the beauty of Heritage Day is that there’s no right or wrong way to celebrate. Whether you’re dancing at a concert or enjoying a quiet picnic in the park, the most important thing is to celebrate our diverse cultural heritage and have fun!
Heritage Day Events in Major Cities
Alright, city slickers, this one’s for you! Alberta’s major cities are known for going all out on Heritage Day, and 2023 is set to be no different. Each city has its own unique way of celebrating, so let’s take a whirlwind tour of what’s on offer:
Calgary
The Calgary Heritage Festival is a must-visit. Picture this: over 60 countries and cultures represented in 50 outdoor pavilions, all in the beautiful setting of Hawrelak Park. You’ll find performances, dance, food, and shopping that’ll take you on a global journey without leaving the city!
2023 LEGACY Young Adults Conference
Date – Fri, Aug 4, 2023 – Sun, Aug 6, 2023
Location – Royal Oak Victory Church 450 Royal Oak Drive Northwest Calgary, AB T3G 5J7 Canada
Price – From $31.23
Time – 5:00 PM -12:30 PM MDT
Hours – 1 day 19 hours
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Other cities like St. Albert, Medicine Hat, Grande Prairie, and more, each have their own unique Heritage Day celebrations. So, no matter where you are in Alberta, you’re sure to find a Heritage Day event that tickles your fancy. Get ready to celebrate, Alberta, because Heritage Day 2023 is going to be one for the books!
Edmonton
Edmonton doesn’t hold back when it comes to Heritage Day. The city hosts a variety of events, from parades to concerts, and even historical reenactments. And let’s not forget the delicious food stalls offering a taste of the world’s cuisines.
7 Secrets for Your Success They Won’t Teach You!
Date – Saturday, August 5
Location – Online Zoom
Price – $19.99
Time – 7 – 7:30am MDT
Hours – 30 Minutes
Other – Refunds up to 30 days before event
Lethbridge
Over in Lethbridge, Heritage Day is all about history. The historic Fort Whoop-up hosts events that include wagon rides, a petting zoo, and extra education on traditional local food preservation. It’s a fun and educational day out for the whole family!
How to Embody the INNER WORK Instead of Just Processing It
Date – Saturday, August 5
Location – Online Via Zoom
Price – Free
Time – 10am – 2pm MDT
Hours – 4 hour
Red Deer
Red Deer keeps the Heritage Day spirit alive with a range of community events. From multicultural festivals to local art showcases, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.
Bentley Farmers Market — Thistle Hill Farms
The event, held at Thistle Hill Farms in Bentley, Canada, is a farmers market and delivery day where visitors can explore a variety of local produce, artisanal goods, and handmade crafts. It offers a unique opportunity to support local farmers and businesses while enjoying a vibrant community atmosphere. The market features an assortment of fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, preserves, and more, showcasing the region’s agricultural richness. With its diverse offerings, friendly vendors, and family-friendly environment, the Bentley Farmers Market is a great place to discover the flavors and talents of the local community. Details
When & Where: Saturday, May 22, 2021 2:00 PM 4:00 PM
Exploring Alberta’s History
Alright, history buffs, it’s your time to shine! Heritage Day is the perfect excuse to delve into the rich history of Alberta, and what better way to do that than by visiting some of our local museums and historical sites? So, grab your explorer’s hat, and let’s set off on a historical adventure!
- Brooks Aqueduct: This monumental aqueduct system stands as a testament to the hardy agricultural pioneers who developed the region. It’s a marvel of engineering that’s sure to impress.
- Father Lacombe Chapel in St. Albert: Discover the life and work of Father Lacombe and early settlement in St. Albert. The chapel, grotto, and cemetery offer a peaceful and reflective experience.
- Fort George and Buckingham House: Take a trip through time and experience the 1796 fur trade history, the life of the voyageurs, and Indigenous peoples of the area.
- Frank Slide Interpretive Centre: Visit the site of Canada’s deadliest rockslide, which buried part of a town under 110 million tonnes of limestone in 1903. It’s a sobering reminder of the power of nature.
- Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump: Explore 6,000 years of Indigenous plains culture at the oldest, largest, and best-preserved buffalo jump in North America. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s not to be missed!
- Historic Dunvegan: Explore the stories of Indigenous, fur trade, and mission life through four historic buildings on the banks of the mighty Peace River.
- Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology: Celebrate the spectacular diversity of life on Earth, from the tiniest grain of pollen to the mightiest dinosaur, at the Royal Tyrrell Museum. It’s a must-visit for any dinosaur enthusiasts out there!
Outdoor Activities
Alberta’s natural landscapes are a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, and Heritage Day is the perfect opportunity to get out there and enjoy them. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a camping aficionado, or just someone who enjoys a good picnic, there’s something for everyone in Alberta’s great outdoors. So, let’s lace up those hiking boots, pack that picnic basket, and set off on an adventure!
- Hiking and Camping at Athabasca Sand Dunes: Located between the Maybelle River Wildland Park and the Richardson River Dunes Wildland, these unique formations are a must-visit for any outdoor enthusiast. You’ll feel like you’ve traveled to another planet as you explore these towering sand dunes.
- Picnicking at Lesser Slave Lake: Nestled in the heart of the Boreal Forest, Lesser Slave Lake is one of the largest in Alberta. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic, with stunning views and plenty of birdwatching opportunities.
- Exploring Kleskun Hill Park and Natural Area: Just east of Grande Prairie, this park is home to Dinosaur Hill and Garrett Hill, the eroded remains of an old river delta. With over 160 species of wildflowers and plants, it’s a nature lover’s paradise. Details
- Visiting Kakwa Falls Wildland Provincial Park: On Alberta’s western edge, you’ll find the stunning Kakwa Falls. A short walk from the campground and parking lot will take you to the falls, where water rushes over a 30 m-tall cliff surrounded by towering pines and firs. Details
- Hiking at Red Rock Canyon: Hidden in Alberta’s southwest within Waterton Lakes National Park, Red Rock Canyon offers several short hikes around its bright and colorful rock faces. The scenic drive into the area is a treat in itself. Details
- Exploring Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park: Home to hoodoos, narrow sandstone canyons, and steep sandstone cliffs, this park also contains the largest concentration of First Nation petroglyphs and pictographs on the great plains of North America. Details
- Visiting Dinosaur Provincial Park: This region, known as the Dinosaur Capital of the World, is famous for the abundance of fossils and bones discovered in the rocks and hills of the surrounding badlands. Details
Celebrating at Home
Who says you need to leave the house to have a good time? Not us! There are plenty of ways to celebrate Heritage Day right from the comfort of your own home. So, put on your comfiest clothes, grab a snack, and let’s get this home celebration started!
- Cooking up a storm: Alberta is known for its delicious food, so why not try your hand at making some traditional Albertan dishes? From Alberta beef to Saskatoon berries, there’s a whole smorgasbord of local ingredients to choose from. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try making some bison meat dishes, perogies, or even a Bloody Caesar? Details
- Diving into a good book: If you’re a bookworm, why not spend Heritage Day learning about Alberta’s history through literature? There are plenty of books out there that delve into the rich history of our province. One such book is “A Stunning Backdrop: Alberta in the Movies, 1917-1960” by Mary Graham, which explores the history of filmmaking in Alberta. Details
- Watching a film: If books aren’t your thing, why not watch a film about Alberta’s history instead? There are plenty of films out there that showcase the beauty and history of our province. So, pop some popcorn, get cozy on the couch, and get ready for a movie night, Alberta style!
Heritage Day Trips
For Heritage Day, why not explore the rich cultural and natural heritage of Alberta with a day trip? Here are some suggestions:
- Lake Louise & Banff & Moraine Lake Tour: This full-day tour offers an immersive experience in the magnificent scenes of Banff National Park. You’ll be picked up from Calgary or Banff and taken on a journey through some of Canada’s most stunning landscapes.
- Discover Banff National Park – Day Trip: This adventure tour promises to wow you at every stop. You’ll be laughing and enjoying the beauty of Banff National Park, with no written script dictating your day. Details
- Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway – Full-Day Tour: Experience the beauty of Canada’s outdoor attractions on this full-day tour. You’ll visit Lake Louise and the Icefield Parkway, two iconic destinations in Alberta.
- Banff & Yoho Parks | Lake Louise | Moraine Lake | Emerald Lake – PRIVATE TOUR: This private tour offers the best of Banff National Park and Yoho National Park, including Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Emerald Lake, and Natural Bridge.
- Jasper National Park Tour: Maligne Valley, Medicine Lake and Spirit Island: This tour lets you explore Jasper National Park, known for its stunning valleys, lakes, and islands.
Wrap Up
As we wrap up our journey through Alberta’s Heritage Day celebrations, it’s clear that there’s no shortage of ways to honor this special day. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, or someone who simply enjoys a good community gathering, Alberta offers a multitude of ways to celebrate its rich cultural heritage.
From traditional parades and festivals to exploring the province’s historical sites and natural landscapes, there’s something for everyone. And let’s not forget the joy of celebrating at home with traditional Albertan foods or a good book about Alberta’s history.
For those with a bit of wanderlust, Alberta’s major cities and surrounding areas offer a plethora of day trips that highlight the province’s diverse landscapes and cultural landmarks. No matter where you are in Alberta, Heritage Day is a chance to celebrate the province’s past, enjoy its present, and look forward to its future.
So, this Heritage Day, we invite you to step out of your comfort zone. Try something new, explore a part of Alberta you’ve never seen before, or dive deeper into the province’s rich history. After all, Heritage Day is all about celebrating what makes Alberta unique, and that includes you, the people who call this wonderful province home.
Happy Heritage Day, Alberta! Here’s to making this year’s celebration one for the history books!
FAQs
Julie R McCrea is an eLearning and Employment Project Specialist, author, and advocate for newcomers to Canada. With over 20 years in adult education, she contributes insightful Canadian Cultural articles to various platforms, including civicholiday.org. Julie’s passion for innovative learning approaches and her belief in education as the great equalizer shine through her work. She manages the EMCN Job Ready YouTube channel and is a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ2S+ community.