The Military Museums

The Military Museums, 4520 Crowchild Tr. S.W., off Flanders Ave. exit, is home to seven museums detailing the history of the Canadian Armed Forces. On-site are the Naval Museum of Alberta, the Army Museum of Alberta and the Air Force Museum of Alberta as well as museums highlighting Lord Strathcona's Horse Regiment (the Royal Canadians), Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, The King's Own Calgary Regiment and the Calgary Highlanders.

Galleries re-create battle scenes and specific acts of heroism with audio and artifacts. Featured are an impressive collection of weapons, including small arms, navel deck guns and torpedoes; Naval fighter aircraft such as a Banshee jet fighter, Supermarine Seafire and a Hawker Sea Fury; a submarine exhibit; and other equipment relating to life in all branches of Canada's military. The Cold War exhibit focuses on the contribution of the RCAF with three fighter jets on display—an F-86 Sabre, a CF-104 Starfighter and a CF-18 Hornet.

Visitors also can view a huge mural in the Queen Elizabeth II Atrium entry hall; interactive touchscreen monitors explain what each mosaic piece represents. Outside, vintage tanks and carriers dot the landscaped grounds.

Picnicking is permitted. Food is available. Time: Allow 3 hours minimum.