Canadian Grain Elevator Discovery Centre

Canadian Grain Elevator Discovery Centre A National Historic Site celebrating prairie agriculture and railway history.

Discover, explore, and help preserve the iconic grain elevators of Nanton, Alberta. PRESERVING HISTORY

In the early 2000s, the abandonment of the Canadian Pacific railway threatened the demolition of the historic grain elevators that stood next to the railway in the town of Nanton. The citizens of Nanton rallied together for the protection and preservation of the town's historical landmarks. A hi

storical society named "Save One" was formed, as the original goal of the society was to save the largest of the two standing grain elevators. The undertaking was a big one and it took three years to achieve, but the incredible effort put in by the many volunteers and local businesses proved to be so successful that they were able to save all three of the remaining buildings. The generous donations provided by members, local farmers and ranchers, and local businesses have enabled the replacement of the railway tracks next to the elevators and helped to restore the buldings to their former glory. The most notable restoration was painting the former Alberta Wheat Pool elevator back to its original green and the Pioneer elevator back to its original orange and yellow. This will need to be repeated about every 10 years, so the fundraising continues for that and other maintenance and upgrading. Thanks to the society and local contributions, the Canadian Grain Elevator Discovery Centre has been established to educate visitors about the elevators, the town and Alberta's agricultural history.

We will be closed in the afternoon of Sept 3rd! Don’t worry we’re back on Friday! Thank you for your understanding!
08/31/2026

We will be closed in the afternoon of Sept 3rd! Don’t worry we’re back on Friday! Thank you for your understanding!

Martin Kerr sings what you’re thinking. A folk troubadour for the post-truth age, his songs are connecting with millio...
08/21/2026

Martin Kerr sings what you’re thinking.

A folk troubadour for the post-truth age, his songs are connecting with millions of listeners around the world. He blends the urgent issues of the day with deeply personal stories, in nostalgic and honest folk arrangements that invite you to sing along.

Join us at the Canadian Grain Elevator Discovery Centre on Saturday, September 19 for an evening of thought-provoking songs by this UK-born Edmonton-based artist. Doors open at 7 pm, show starts at 7:30. Licensed event, all ages welcome. Tickets $30 each available through Showpass.

The Nanton Grain Elevators are still large, unheated agricultural buildings so it can get a bit chilly. Please dress accordingly for your comfort.

This event has been generously sponsored by Sunspace Movement Therapy.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

08/15/2026

There should be a break from the rain just in time for Alberta Open Farm Days this Saturday and Sunday! Tour the grain elevators at the Canadian Grain Elevator Discovery Centre and watch vintage engine runs (weather permitting). Open 10 am - 4 pm with tours on the hour (last tour starts at 3 pm).

Jory Kinjo and Aaron Young are two titans of the Canadian music scene, bringing decades of global touring experience to ...
08/14/2026

Jory Kinjo and Aaron Young are two titans of the Canadian music scene, bringing decades of global touring experience to the stage.

Jory Kinjo, a veteran of the legendary Mocking Shadows, has shared stages with icons like B.B. King and Ziggy Marley, blending soul, ska, and reggae into a world-class groove. He is joined by virtuoso guitarist Aaron Young, a prolific performer with over 7,500 live shows to his credit. From his years with the world-beat phenomenon Barrage to producing over 180 albums, Young’s fingerstyle mastery and soulful songwriting make for “next level” entertainment.

Together, they deliver an unforgettable performance rooted in deep musical history and exceptional talent.

Friday Sept 11, 2026
Doors open at 7 pm, with the show starting at 7:30. This is a licensed event offering limited bar service; we accept payments by cash, debit or credit. All ages welcome.

The grain elevators are an amazing venue for live music, but are large, unheated agricultural buildings, so it can get chilly in the evening. Please dress accordingly.

08/13/2026

49 years apart in Nanton Alberta. ➡️➡️

The Then image is thanks to our friend Henry Niznik and he shot it with a 126 format instamatic camera. We say it often, but it's a thrill to stand on the same spot as the original photographer did long ago.

The trains are long gone, but happily the grain elevators were saved. You can tour them and step back in time. The view would be a little different if we shot the comparison today and the buildings are now surrounded by a fence.

We normally like to shoot Now photos season specific (so if the original was captured in summer, we also shoot in summer), but sometimes an exception has to be made. The trees here when greened up would block the view, so it wouldn't work then.

In 1972, the grain elevators you see there were one of thousands to be found in small towns all over prairies. Today, so few remain.

Like what you see? Say so in the comments!
_______

Greetings from Chris & Connie - unique content since 2012!

Address

2119-19th Avenue, P. O. Box 1402
Nanton, AB
T0L1R0

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4am
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+14036461146

Website

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