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  Updated: December 3, 2008 |
| Prehistory Archaeologists from the University of Calgary, in association with Alberta Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture , have developed a new archaeological interpretive centre within the Bow Valley Ranch Visitor Centre, allowing visitors to explore and experience the park's 8500 year human history. The new area includes a range of interactive archaeological displays and a working laboratory, giving visitors a chance to view ancient and historical artifacts excavated from sites throughout the park. Visitors can also take a "virtual tour" around a number of the historic sites. "The Fish Creek Valley is where generations of native communities grew and thrived for thousands of years, where the first Europeans in Calgary settled and where the city's first industrial development was established," says Dr. Walde, University of Calgary archaeologist. "It's a wonderfully preserved area sitting right in the middle of Calgary." Please phone 271 6333 for more information. More than 80 archaeological sites have been identified throughout the park. The University of Calgary archaeological team has uncovered evidence of early buffalo hunts, native weaponry, First Nations campsites cooking utensils and other ancient artifacts. Humans are believed to have first settled in small numbers in the Fish Creek Valley around 6500 B.C. At least four locations in the park have been identified as buffalo jumps and kill sites used by hunters between 2500 B.C. and 1700 A.D. The oldest identifiable artifact found in the park to date is a broken atlatl head, dated around 2500 B.C. The University of Calgary Archaeology Department provides opportunities for students and the public to visit and join in the work being done in the park. For more information visit: Park Features Links: Prehistory | History | Nature |
For more information regarding Fish Creek Provincial Park, please contact Park Office. |
