Fort Edmonton
Fort Edmonton-Pioneerland was situated in the La Ronde sector of Expo 67 and sponsored by the city of Edmonton, Alberta.
A view of Fort Edmonton from the Expo-Express station.Located near La Ronde's Expo Express station, Fort Edmonton was one of the first things visitors saw as they entered the amusement area of Expo 67. Surrounded by a barrier of tree trunks, Fort Edmonton's traditional setting transported guests to the old Canadian West.
The Golden Garter saloon.The Gold Rush days were re-created with continuous lively entertainment at the Golden Garter saloon, where leggy chorus girls could often be seen through its swing doors. A full liquor service was available at the establishment, which became "adults-only" after 6pm.
One of Fort Edmonton's daily action-packed shows.Visitors could have their picture taken behind bars at Fort Edmonton, or have novelty newspaper headlines printed while they waited. There was also had a general store, a film and camera shop, hat and souvenir stands, and 2 restaurants... The Klondike steakhouse served barbecued and grilled specialties in an authentic frontier-style ambiance.
There was even a barber shop, where men could have their hair cut...!
The typical Gold Rush atmosphere of Fort Edmonton.A Minirail station at Fort Edmonton took visitors to other areas of La Ronde.
One of the attractions in Fort Edmonton was the Flume ride. Passengers sat in hollow logs that floated down twisting ramps of water, ending with a climactic final plunge, leaving visitors thrilled and damp...
This water-borne roller coaster was one of La Ronde's most popular rides.
An aerial view of La Ronde's Flume ride during Expo 67.La Ronde's Fort Edmonton still exists today, and the La Pitoune log ride is still one of the park's most beloved attractions...
images: (1) flickr.com
(2-3) the Lillian Seymour collection
(6) ebay.com
(4-5-7) library and archives Canada
Labels: la ronde
posted by Jason Stockl @ 7:34 am
2 Comments:
I made my first visit to La Ronde last year, and I was hoping that more of the original Fort Edmonton area would still be intact. Instead, it's basically become a gussied-up fast-food concession area. The most notable exception is the Golden Garter, which appears to have been preserved. I'm from Edmonton, so this part of the park was of particular interest. Note that there's a Fort Edmonton Park in Edmonton, which is a living-history museum (you know, with interpreters dressed up as trappers, fur traders and old-timey school teachers). Interesting to visit if you're ever out west, though there's not a single Pizza Pizza outlet onsite. ;-)
I grew up in Montreal and visited La Ronde very often to go on the water ride and we loved it. Such great memories and I hope to visit even though the prices have changed.
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