Hidden away in Calgary’s bustling downtown is one of Canada’s last prairie sandstone mansions. If you’ve ever stumbled across it, you might think you’ve fallen backwards in time. Lougheed House is a standing symbol of Canadian heritage and a charming place to spend an afternoon. From year-round exhibits to seasonal events, this piece of history is more than a pretty face.
Here’s everything you didn’t know about this historical home and what’s happening this spring.
Steeped in History
The Home
Lougheed House is actually one of the oldest buildings in Calgary still in its original location.
Built back in 1891, the home sits on three acres of gardens and boasts a stunning blend of Victorian and Edwardian architectural styles. The reason it still looks so good is thanks to its restoration in 2005, after which it was designated a National and Provincial Historic Site.
While originally built to be the family home of Senator Sir James Alexander Lougheed and Lady Isabella Clark Hardisty Lougheed, the building has had many uses over the years. As Calgary changed, Lougheed House has been everything from a political and social hub, a women’s training facility, a women’s army corps, and even a Red Cross blood donor clinic.
Today, Lougheed House is a hotspot for history and community. You can attend seasonal events like spring tea and Halloween-themed murder mystery parties or even host your wedding here!
The Gardens
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more picturesque spot to enjoy a beautiful day in Calgary than the Beaulieu Gardens. Beaulieu means ‘beautiful place’ in French, and if you’ve ever seen the gardens in full bloom, you know it’s aptly named.
The gardens remain true to their Victorian origins with formal landscaping and thriving heritage plants. Come by and enjoy a picnic among the blooms or a leisurely stroll on a sunny afternoon.
Exhibits and Events
Lougheed House hosts regular exhibits and seasonal events throughout the year. Here’s what’s on for spring:
Restore and Revive
Learn about the home’s more than 130 years of history and meticulous restoration. This exhibit also commemorates the 20th anniversary of Lougheed House as a museum.
When: From now until Sunday, April 13, 2025.
Women’s Day House Tour
Learn about the Victorian women of the past. This tour teaches you about the many women who resided in the house and led its restoration.
When: Sunday, March 9, 2025 from 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Trivia Night
Bring your friends and your knowledge of animation studios! Teams of up to six people can enjoy a spirited night of trivia that’s completely free to attend. This event is 18+ and sponsored by Last Best Brewing.
When: Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
Guided House Tour
This guided house tour explores the home from a technological and architectural lens. Discover what made Lougheed House cutting-edge in the 1890s and remarkable to this day.
When: Thursday, April 3, 2025, from 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Spring Tea
Put your pinkies up for a spring tea celebration in one of Calgary’s most beautiful venues. Museum admission is included in your reservation, so you can enjoy a self-guided tour while you’re there.
When: Sunday, April 13, 2025. Reservations start at 10 a.m.
Mother’s Day Tea
Treat your mom to fancy afternoon tea in the historic conservatory at Lougheed House. It’ll be a Mother’s Day she’ll never forget.
When: Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11, 2025. Reservations start at 10 a.m.
Check out this piece of Calgary history next time you’re downtown. The gardens also make for an unbeatable photo op!
Lougheed House, Calgary AB
Where: 707 13 Ave SW, Calgary
When: 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Friday to Sunday
Cost: $8.50 for adult museum admission.
Recent Posts:
Here are the best urban strolls you can take in Calgary
This small town in Alberta is home to one of the oldest theatres in Western Canada
Alicia Lyons
Branded Content Writer
Alicia is a storyteller who chased the sun all the way to Calgary and decided to stay. When she’s not crafting killer content, she can be found stumbling along nature trails, curling under a fuzzy blanket with a good book, or finding any excuse to eat.
Read articles
