Fort McMurray Heritage Shipyard

Kids, did you know that for years, Fort McMurray was a transportation hub? Just imagine the sounds and excitement in spring when the railcars would arrive to unload their wares. These then were transferred to ships that travelled up the Athabasca River, which in turn distributed these goods to remote communities. Some even as far as the Arctic!

A visit to the Fort McMurray Heritage Shipyard celebrates and preserves this fascinating history, with historical vessels, as well as two train cars, an incredible collection or artifacts, and yes, gift shop!

It's a great day of learning and fun for the whole family, as kids get to see stories from history right in front of their very eyes. 

Fort McMurray Heritage Shipyard is a destination like no other. It's located along the Clearwater River, and set across 4.4 acres that also happens to be the original location of what was once called the Prairie Shipyards. This was when it was, as we just described, the "gateway to the north"

Today, it's the only remaining shipyard in the entire province of Alberta. 

You can visit the NTCL Machine Shop, built in the 1940s, as well as the NTCL Blacksmith Shop. Blacksmiths of course played an essential role in the history of the community!

There's a carpentry shop too, and don't miss some time on the playground, kids. It's always great to take a break from learning and blow off steam (excuse the pun!) on the super fun pirate ship playground.

With the real life ships and barges to boot, a day at the Fort McMurray Heritage Shipyard really is a day out in the history books!