School tours introduce students to Alberta's legislative process and focus on topics related to levels of government; the roles of the Lieutenant Governor, Premier, Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly; Alberta's political history; the daily Routine of the Legislative Assembly; parliamentary tradition and the art and architecture of the building.

Visitor tours introduce visitors of all ages to Alberta's legislative process and focus on topics related to levels of government; the roles of the Lieutenant Governor, Premier, Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly; Alberta's political history; the Daily Routine of the Legislative Assembly; parliamentary tradition and the art and architecture of the building.

Grade 6 tours support the social studies curriculum in their coverage of the provincial level of governance and active citizenship. Students are given an overview of the history of the province and insight into the legislative process while discovering connections between the Legislature Building and Alberta’s democratic heritage.

Grade 9 tours support the social studies curriculum through comparison and contrast of the functions and procedures of the provincial Legislature and the federal government. Students also learn how Alberta's unique political history has contributed to the national story. Interpreters challenge students to think critically and discover for themselves distinctions between the two jurisdictions, offering the class an engaging learning experience.

Tours for English language learners welcome newcomers to the English language and make learning about Alberta's legislative history and parliamentary process more accessible. Customized tours introduce visitors to the history, traditions and people associated with Alberta's legislative process.

Live from the Legislature

A Heritage Interpreter leads this all-ages visitor tour, which is live-streamed directly to one or more classrooms. Students interact with a second interpreter through chat, asking questions and receiving answers in real time. This tour covers the same content as the in-person tours.

Pre-Recorded Tour

Three Heritage Interpreters lead this all-ages tour that takes viewers throughout the Legislature Building, stopping at all of the same areas offered on an in-person visitor tour. Book a live question and answer video session after this tour to allow students to interact with a Heritage Interpreter and ask questions.

On-site Programs

The Mock Legislature allows students to participate in the parliamentary process as a role-play activity. Using replicas of the apparel and the symbolic items used in the Legislature, guides lead students through the stages of passage of a Bill so that every student can participate in the debate. Download the teacher manual, script and student handbook.

The Legislative Assembly Visitor Centre features an interpretive centre, theatre and gallery, which are all located on the main floor of the Edmonton Federal Building and are open for guests to discover, either booked with a Heritage Interpreter or as reservations without a dedicated Heritage Interpreter. Reservations can be added on to a group booking option as a way of adding programming outside of scheduled itinerary times. All reservations add 30 minutes per area.

The Agora Interpretive Centre is a hands-on, multimedia learning space that features interactive activities and historical artifacts relating to the Alberta Legislature Building. Explore the Agora Interpretive Centre and uncover compelling stories of Alberta’s past and inspiring tales about how active citizenship will shape Alberta’s future.

The Borealis Gallery is a state-of-the-art exhibition space, where thought-provoking heritage exhibitions and world-class works by renowned Canadian artists await visitors. The Borealis Gallery features temporary exhibitions throughout the year that celebrate Canada’s dynamic identity, rich history and cultural diversity.

The Pehonan Theatre uses a 360-degree screen and 4-D effects in the film Our People Our Province, which celebrates the political and social history of Alberta.

Watch Session

Online Programs

Online educational programs are interactive presentations given by Heritage Interpreters to encourage students to consider new perspectives. They can be delivered for a Grade 6 or Grade 9 level.

COVID-19 in Perspective 

Examine the treatment of pandemics in Canada’s history and how individual and collective rights have been affected by the use of emergency powers. The three pandemics analyzed are the Smallpox pandemic in Western Canada (1869-71), the Spanish Influenza pandemic (1918-19), and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

Unconstitutional Alberta 

Examine the constitutional division of powers between governments in Canada, focusing on the role of citizens. Choose one of three case studies: the Famous Five successfully challenging the constitution, allowing women to be appointed as Senators; Lieutenant Governor John C. Bowen reserving Royal Assent to an unconstitutional bill passed in the Alberta Legislature; and Premier Ralph Klein’s use of the Notwithstanding Clause to redefine marriage in the province of Alberta.

Perspectives on Treaties in Alberta 

Explore the intricacies of Treaties in Alberta by examining the histories and development of Treaty-making in Canada, as well as present-day perspectives and understandings. Through fostering relevant discussions about the various levels of governance in Canada and Alberta, many of which overlap, this program highlights contemporary relationships and responsibilities, reconciliation and active ally-ship. 

Watch Session

This flexible option allows viewers to watch live broadcasts or previous recordings. Viewers can watch the Speaker's procession and Oral Question Period, as well as listen to the full deliberations of the Assembly. This activity is not led by a Heritage Interpreter. Learn More  

On-site Options

Online Options

Note: the itineraries are PDF files. To ensure functionality, please download the document and open it in Acrobat Reader.

On-site Booking

Online Booking

Note: these fillable forms are  PDF files. To ensure functionality, please download the form and open it in Acrobat Reader.