Vulcan (Alberta)

Vulcan is a town in Southern Alberta. It draws on its fictional namesake for its fame, billing itself as the "Official Star Trek Capital of Canada." == Understand == Incorporated in December 1912, Vulcan was named after the classical god, and its major roads were named after other classical gods and goddesses. It became a major grain shipment point, but changing economics sent that business elsewhere in Alberta, until the town was little more than a service hub for the surrounding farms. Then somebody noticed the Star Trek connection. Nowadays, Vulcan is the largest Star Trek fan tourist draw in Canada. == Get in == Vulcan is on Alberta Highway 23, approximately 120 km southeast of Calgary and 95 km northwest of Lethbridge, near that highway's junction with Highway 534. 1 Vulcan/Kirkcaldy Aerodrome. Located at the old RCAF Station Vulcan (and has a historical marker about the old airbase). General aviation only, no commercial service. == Get around == You probably drove into town, so getting around shouldn't be an issue. == See == There are Star Trek-themed murals throughout town, and some of the street lights have starship-shaped ornamental mountings. Bell Park, corner of Centre Street and 2nd Avenue South. Home of the Town Bell (rung to announce the beginning of curfew when the town had a Curfew Ordinance) and a bronze bust of Spock (commemorating Leonard Nimoy's visit to Vulcan in 2010). 1 Starship FX6-1995-A. A roadside attraction, believed to be the world's biggest Star Trek Enterprise replica. The attraction's dedication plaque includes text in some languages used in Star Trek, including Klingon. 2 Vulcan Tourism & Trek Station, 115 Centre St E, ☏ +1 403 485-2994, info@vulcantourism.com. Daily 9AM-6PM. The local tourist centre is housed in a building shaped like a Star Trek planetary surface base, and has a shuttlecraft parked outside. (updated Jul 2020) Vulcan & District Historical Society Archives & Museum, 232 Centre Street, ☏ +1 403 485-6716, vulcananddistrictmuseum@gmail.com. June-September: Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 1PM-5PM. Not Star Trek-themed. The museum has displays about Vulcan's communication, heritage, and medical history. (updated Nov 2018) == Do == Vulcan Tinman Triathlon. Beginning of June. A family-friendly triathlon. (updated Nov 2018) Spock Days. Second weekend in June. All of the events you'd expect to see in a small-town fair, given a Vulcan twist. (updated Nov 2018) Vul-Con. End of July. The local Star Trek convention — celebrities, vendors, a dinner and dance, a Cosplay Parade through town. It's the big event of the year. (updated Jul 2020) Vulcan Golf and Country Club, 710 1st Street North, ☏ +1 403 485-2553. A semi-private 18-hole course. (updated Nov 2018) == Buy == Star Trek memorabilia == Eat == 1 Amy's Restaurant, 120 Service Rd SE (across the highway from the spaceship), ☏ +1 403 485-2222. 11AM-9PM. Western "Chinese" food, with some vegan options. (updated Nov 2018) Mama's Pizza & Pasta, 123 Centre Street E, ☏ +1 403 485-6367. 11AM-9PM. (updated Nov 2018) New Club Cafe, 124 Centre Street, ☏ +1 403 485-2030. (updated Nov 2018) == Drink == The Great Full Cup, 133 Centre Street, ☏ +1 403 485-0050. Coffee shop (updated Nov 2018) == Sleep == === Hotels and Motels === 1 Vulcan Country Inn, 110 Centre St (across the road from the Vulcan Tourism & Trek Station), ☏ +1 403 485-2281, vulcancountryinn@gmail.com. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. Has coin-operated laundry machines and an attached restaurant. Smoke-free property. (updated Jun 2024) 2 Wheatland Motel, 115 2nd Street Southeast, ☏ +1 403 485-2211, mmra5451@gmail.com. (updated Nov 2018) === Campgrounds === Virginia Mitchell Memorial Park Camp Ground, 330 - 5 Street North (Turn on 3 Avenue North from Centre Street), ☏ +1 403 485-2417. 16 campsites, with 30amp power, sani-dump, picnic tables, free showers, tap water, flush toilets, and playground. Fires permitted. Open May-Sept (contact Town of Vulcan to confirm). $25/night. (updated Nov 2018) Vulcan Municipal Park (Camp Ground), 702 Elizabeth Street, ☏ +1 403 485-2417. 10 campsites, with waste disposal, washroom, tap water, and a shared picnic shelter. No power. Open May-Sept (contact Town of Vulcan to confirm). 3 nights free, after that $10/night. (updated Nov 2018) == Connect == 1 Vulcan Municipal Library, 303 Centre Street, ☏ +1 403 485-2571. M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa 11AM-3PM. Computers and wireless internet access are available for use without a library card. (updated Nov 2018) == Go next ==