Nearly 150 years of Canadian history resides in Calgary, where in 1875, the Northwest Mounted Police built a small wooden fort that eventually became the foundation for this metropolitan city. After putting an end to the crime-ridden whiskey trade and befriending the First Nations people in the region, residents of Fort Calgary went on to open the land for peaceful western settlement. History buffs on a train tour of Canada will have a memorable afternoon at Fort Calgary Historic Park, which was the first permanent settlement of the modern-day town.

Located just east of downtown Calgary, this 40-acre site is open year-round for visitors to participate in interactive exhibits, tours and educational programs for children. Until May 25, travelers from Canadian rail trips can walk through the temporary exhibit of folk paintings from the William Winder Collection, one of the first members of the founding Northwest Mounted Police. Although curators do not know whether the paintings were done by Winder or a local artist, they depict the town as it was almost 100 years ago. Called "Elbow Many Houses" by the Blackfoot, Calgary was a boomtown compared to the Native American community surrounding the settlement.

Families wanting to travel Canada by train this year can enjoy both original and recently replicated buildings throughout the site. In 2001, Calgary volunteers rebuilt the Fort's 1888 barracks using traditional building materials and methods. Children will enjoy pretending to be a criminal in the 1875-era jail or dressing up in a ruby red uniform worn by the Northwest Mounted Police, or "Mounties."

Hungry visitors can enjoy a simple lunch while watching an entertaining murder mystery at the Deane House. Serving an amazing brunch with homemade buttermilk scones, the homestyle meals bring tourists back to a time of homey meals and kind hospitality.