Western Development Museum - History of Transporation, Moose Jaw
About the History of Transportation WDM
Until the early nineteenth century, the chief means of transporting people and goods across the west was along natural waterways by canoe, or over land by Red River cart, horseback, pack horse or travois. The railway played a crucial role in opening Western Canada, delivering goods and passengers with ease. Later generations experienced the impact of the automobile and the network of roads carved from the land to accommodate it. The journey follows the daring attempts to master the sky, using aircrafts, which were often little more than canvas and wood held together with prayers and prairie ingenuity. Travel the past with us and see how our forefathers dealt with distance.
Or, how about seeing the Snowbirds Gallery? Our exclusive gallery is the only one in the world to feature Canada's premier aerobatic team, the 431 Squadron Snowbirds. You will experience the personal side of the team, learn of Canadian military aerobatic flight history, and view behind-the-scenes areas frequented by pilots and crew.
Phase one of the new commemorative centenary exhibits, Winning the Prairie Gamble: The Saskatchewan Story, are now open. Phase one is composed of the introductory section of the exhibits which sets the stage for provincehood. Four mannequins, a First Nations woman, a Métis man, a settler woman and a politician from 1905, tell of the events leading to the division of the North West Territories into the provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta. The events are recounted in an evocative blend of song and story, photographs and maps - available to Museum visitors with the push of a button.
Hop on board the WDM Shortline narrow gauge railway and tour the track outside the Museum. Steam and rail volunteers operate the train on weekends and holidays May 24th to Labour Day (weather permitting). Tickets to ride the Short Line are $2.00 each.
Don't forget to stop at the Museum Gift Shop to find a rich array of transportation, Saskatchewan and Moose Jaw themed souvenirs and collectibles.
The History of Transportation has more to offer:
Picnic site on Museum Grounds
Self-guided tour information
Shortline Railway
Museum Gift Shop
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