The best way to get a glimpse into the past is to learn from someone who lived it.
John van der Poel is one such person. He has called Calgary home for over 70 years after he and his family moved from Holland in 1954. You’d never guess he’s 85 upon meeting him — a shock of blond hair, a high daily step count, and an even higher zest for life are unique qualities in any person, let alone a retiree. However, John is anything but ordinary.
Meet John
With no high school education, a teenage John found himself bagging groceries before apprenticing at a printing shop, where he learned the ins and outs of the industry for a wage of 50 cents an hour. In 1970, he used money borrowed against a life insurance policy to purchase a printing press and would eventually open Windmill Printing.
Being a business owner didn’t leave John with much downtime, but he always maintained an interest in Calgary’s rich history. Upon retirement, John was able to pursue hobbies like chess, magic (he currently works as a part-time magician), and, of course, walking.
When a friend told him a few interesting facts about some of Calgary’s heritage homes, John took things a step further by researching a walking route rife with history. After spending several days combing through library archives and getting firsthand information from neighbours, John was armed with the information that would be at the heart of his walking tours.
A walk to remember
The tours run just about every Saturday at 1 p.m. Guests are encouraged to text or phone John at 403-650-5241 to confirm availability. Upon meeting at the corner of 3rd Street Southwest and Roxboro Road Southwest (where there’s plenty of free street parking), the 1.5-hour tour commences.
“I start my tours by asking, ‘How many people are familiar with this area?’” John says. “People move to this city and end up in the suburbs and have no idea about some of the history.”
As you traverse each street, John tells stories about the neighbourhoods. Learn about The Elbow River, which has flooded 13 times since 1908 (six of these floods happened after the Glenmore Dam was completed in 1932), Mission District’s rich francophone history, and so much more.
Calgary’s hidden gems
Along the way, John will introduce you to hidden gems that you might not expect to find in Calgary.
“Think you need to go to Vancouver to see an island?” John asks. “No, you can see one here. You’re gonna see a castle. You’re gonna see the best view of the skyline in the city.”
And, if you’ve ever looked at a massive house and wondered, “What does the owner do?” you’re likely to find out on this tour. (Hint: The original owners are often ground-breaking pioneers who have shaped Calgary into the city it is today — no big deal).
You’ll also get to see where Ghostbusters was filmed (the neighbours got to meet the stars), a home that was owned by a couple who survived the sinking of the Titanic (the man snagged a spot on a lifeboat, which made him deeply unpopular upon his return home), and other notable locations that are home to vivid stories and anecdotes.
And because John is leading these tours out of love and passion for the city, they’re completely free! (Although, he’ll never say no to a tip or a kind review).
Reach your step goal and learn a thing or two in the process by joining John on one of his historical walks.
When: Most Saturdays
Time: 1 p.m. until about 2:30 p.m.
Where: Starts at the corner of 3 Street SW and Roxboro Road SW
Cost: Free
Related Posts:
This Calgary museum is hosting after-dark ghost tours for spring
These are the fanciest hotels in the city according to Calgarians
