Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates walking with Canadian Maj. Gen. Langpon in Banff Canada 2008

Lord Strathcona'S Horse (Royal Canadians)

Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians): Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Calgary Historical Sites Guide

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians), commonly known as LdSH(RC), is one of Canada’s most distinguished armoured regiments. With a legacy rooted in the pioneering spirit of the Canadian West, its history spans from the Second Boer War through both World Wars and into modern peacekeeping and armoured operations. For those interested in military heritage, the regiment’s story is preserved and showcased at The Military Museums in Calgary—a must-visit site for history enthusiasts and curious travellers alike. This guide provides a detailed overview of the regiment’s history, essential visitor information, and tips for exploring Calgary’s broader historical landscape (strathconas.ca, themilitarymuseums.ca).

Canadian trooper in uniform with horse during wartime

Lord Strathcona's Horse regiment soldiers marching with horses during a military campaign

Charge of Flowerdew's Squadron Canadian cavalry attack at Moreuil Wood 1918

Photograph of Sgt. Arthur Herbert Lindsay Richardson, Victoria Cross recipient from the Boer War

Portrait of Colonel S.B. Steele commanding Strathcona's Horse in military uniform

Colonel S.B. Steele commanding Strathcona's Horse

Colonel S.B. Steele commanding Strathcona's Horse in military uniform

Colonel S.B. Steele commanding Strathcona's Horse in historical military uniform

First mounted review of Strathcona Horse regiment in Ottawa, Ontario, March 7th 1900

Lieutenant Magee and soldiers of No. 4 Troop A Squadron, Strathcona's Horse, Ottawa in uniform

Moosomin Troop Lt AE Christie Non Coms and men of No 3 Troop A Squadron historic black and white military group photo

Group photo of early 1900s North West Mounted Police members attached to British Army in Boer War South Africa

Officers of the Strathcona Horse regiment in uniform No. 30

Sir Samuel Benfield Steele in Lord Strathcona's Horse uniform

Portrait of Major-General Sir Sam Benfield Steele in military uniform

Strathcona's Horse personnel en route to South Africa aboard S.S. MONTEREY

Strathcona Horse soldiers standing on the deck of SS Monterey ship

The Monterey ship departing Halifax with Strathcona Horse troops for South Africa on March 17, 1900

Introduction
Origins and Formation
Early Military Engagements: The Boer War
World War I and Interwar Years
World War II and Mechanization
Postwar Operations and Peacekeeping
Modern Era and Heritage
Visiting the Strathcona Museum: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Museum Highlights and What to See
Educational Programs and Special Events
Visitor Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Contact and Further Information
Conclusion

Origins and Formation

Founded in January 1900 by Donald Smith, Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal, LdSH(RC) was established as a mounted regiment to serve in the Second Boer War. The unit was unique in its recruitment of cowboys, frontiersmen, and members of the North West Mounted Police, reflecting the rugged identity of Western Canada (strathconas.ca). Under Superintendent Sir Sam B. Steele, the regiment quickly gained a reputation for discipline and effectiveness in the challenging conditions of South Africa.

Early Military Engagements: The Boer War

LdSH(RC) saw active service in the Boer War, where it became renowned for its reconnaissance and scouting skills. The regiment’s heroism was immortalized by Sergeant Arthur Richardson, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for gallantry—the first such honour to a Canadian unit. After the war, King Edward VII presented the King’s Colours to the regiment, a rare distinction for a cavalry unit. Although disbanded in 1901, the regiment was reconstituted in 1909 (strathconas.ca).

World War I and Interwar Years

During World War I, LdSH(RC) adapted to the demands of modern warfare, initially serving as infantry before reverting to mounted operations. The regiment’s versatility was crucial on the Western Front, embodying the transition from traditional cavalry to mechanized forces. After the war, the regiment was stationed at Mewata Armoury in Calgary and began its gradual shift from horses to armoured vehicles, keeping pace with military innovation (strathconas.ca).

World War II and Mechanization

World War II marked LdSH(RC)’s formal transformation into an armoured regiment. Mobilized as the 1st Canadian Motorcycle Regiment, it was soon redesignated and equipped with tanks. The regiment played a pivotal role in the Italian Campaign, notably at the Melfa River Crossing, and continued its distinguished service through the liberation of Northwest Europe (strathconas.ca).

Postwar Operations and Peacekeeping

Post-1945, the regiment returned to Calgary, except for operational deployments in Germany during the Cold War. LdSH(RC) contributed to the Korean War and took on varied peacekeeping assignments with the United Nations in Egypt, Cyprus, and Bosnia. Its adaptability and professionalism have made it a key component of Canada’s armoured operations and international missions (strathconas.ca).

Modern Era and Heritage

Relocated to Edmonton in 1996, the regiment remains a vital part of the Canadian Army’s 1st Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group. It continues to train and deploy in modern operations, while maintaining its ceremonial traditions through the Strathcona Mounted Troop—an active equestrian unit that showcases cavalry heritage at public events across Western Canada (strathconas.ca).

Visiting the Strathcona Museum: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Location

Address: 4520 Crowchild Trail SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2T 5J4
Within: The Military Museums complex
Parking: Ample free parking and accessible spaces available

Hours of Operation

Summer Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed: Major public holidays
Note: Extended hours on Remembrance Day and during special events. Check the official website for current schedules.

Admission

Adults: $15
Seniors (65+), Students, Youth (7-17): $5
Children (6 and under): Free
Family (2 adults + up to 4 youth): $30
Group rates and guided tours: Available by request

Admission to the Strathcona Museum is included with entry to The Military Museums (strathconas.ca). For ticket inquiries: 403-410-2340 (Curator: ext. 2670), [email protected].

Accessibility

Fully wheelchair accessible
Accessible restrooms, ramps, and wide corridors throughout the complex
Service animals permitted as per Alberta law

Museum Highlights and What to See

The Strathcona Museum’s 2,500-square-foot gallery offers a comprehensive journey through the regiment’s history:

Boer War and Early Days: Uniforms, medals, and memorabilia from the regiment’s founding
World Wars: Artifacts, personal stories, and military equipment from both global conflicts
Armoured Evolution: Scale models and displays of armoured vehicles, including the Leopard C2 and Leopard 2 tanks (Canadian Army)
Ceremonial Heritage: Mounted Troop displays and regimental traditions
Interactive Exhibits: Multimedia presentations, oral histories, and rotating special exhibits
Research Archives: Photographs, documents, and personal diaries accessible for family or academic research (strathconas.ca)

Educational Programs and Special Events

The museum welcomes over 40,000 visitors annually and participates in Calgary’s cultural scene through:

School and cadet group educational programs (themilitarymuseums.ca)
Living history demonstrations, guest lectures, and commemorative ceremonies
Public events such as Moreuil Wood Day (March 30), Strathcona Day (May 26), and the regiment’s birthday near May 24, coinciding with the Melfa River Crossing anniversary
Special exhibits and reunions, especially during milestone years like the 125th anniversary in 2025 (LdSH 125th Reunion)

Visitor Tips

Plan ahead: Confirm hours and ticket prices on the museum’s website
Engage with staff: Curators and volunteers are knowledgeable and eager to share stories
Photography: Permitted in most areas except where restricted; observe signage
Allocate time: Allow 1.5–2 hours for a full visit, more if exploring other galleries
Combine with other sites: The Military Museums complex includes galleries for the Navy, Air Force, and other regiments
Accessibility: Facilities accommodate all visitors, including those with mobility needs
Events: Watch for living history days, lectures, and regimental celebrations

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM during summer; check the website for changes during special events or holidays.

Q: How much are tickets?
A: $15 for adults, $5 for seniors/students/youth, free for children under 6, $30 for families.

Q: Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, throughout the entire Military Museums complex.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, for individuals and groups by advance booking.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Photography is allowed in most areas except where restricted for preservation.

Q: Are there special events open to the public?
A: Yes, including living history days, commemorative ceremonies, and anniversary celebrations.

Contact and Further Information

Phone: 403-410-2340 (Curator: ext. 2670; Collections/Archives: ext. 2671)
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Websites: Strathcona Museum, The Military Museums

Conclusion

The Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) Regimental Museum offers a rich, immersive experience for anyone interested in Canadian military history. From its origins in the Boer War to its current role as a modern armoured regiment, the museum brings the story of the Strathconas to life through engaging exhibits, interactive displays, and knowledgeable staff. As part of The Military Museums complex, your visit can be expanded to explore even more of Canada’s military heritage. Plan ahead, participate in special events, and use resources like the Audiala app for enhanced tours and up-to-date information (themilitarymuseums.ca, strathconas.ca). Step into the legacy of Lord Strathcona’s Horse and connect with a vital chapter of Calgary and Canada’s past.