[Editorial correction: The RCMP Heritage Centre does not have a café on site, as the initial version of this article said.]
Visitors to Moose Jaw looking for an engaging and informative day trip should look no further than the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Heritage Centre, only an hour’s drive away and open year-round.
The RCMP Heritage Centre provides a state-of-the-art, immersive exploration of the history and culture of Canada’s national police force, and the role of the RCMP in shaping the country’s identity.
The Centre is located on the grounds of the RCMP Academy "Depot" Division at 5907 Dewdney Avenue, Regina. The RCMP Academy was established in 1885 and remains the exclusive training facility for all RCMP cadets. The Centennial Museum, precursor to the Heritage Centre, opened in 1933. In 2006, the Centennial Museum closed permanently, and the Heritage Centre opened in 2007.
Upon arriving at the RCMP Heritage Centre, visitors are greeted by staff and volunteers who provide an overview of the facility's offerings and can answer any questions. The centre is open year-round, with operating hours from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For the most up-to-date information on the centre's schedule, visit their website at www.rcmphc.com.
Visitors can choose between self-guided and guided tours. To ensure a spot on a guided tour, it is recommended to book in advance through the centre's website or by contacting the RCMP Heritage Centre at (306) 522-7333, toll-free at 1-866-567-7267, or by email at info@rcmphc.com.
The centre features a variety of exhibits, including the popular "March of the Mounties," which showcases a chronological timeline of the RCMP's development, "Creating a Mounted Police," which delves into the training and daily lives of officers, and “Cracking the Case,” which invites visitors into hands-on interactive exhibits to examine a scene and help solve a crime.
Before leaving the RCMP Heritage Centre, visitors can stop by the gift shop, which offers a wide range of RCMP souvenirs, clothing, and collectibles.
The Heritage Centre is currently completing a years-long quest to become a National Museum. National museums are Crown Corporations with their operating costs federally funded. If they can succeed in 2023, the achievement will coincide with the 150th anniversary of the RCMP.
Fulfilling the National Museum requirements has meant a shift in direction for the Heritage Centre. The Centre’s executive team, with the full support of RCMP leadership, has created a strategy to address the full history of the force, including its impact on and relationship with marginalized populations in Canada.
The focus on current issues such as Truth and Reconciliation and positive changes in the RCMP’s relationship with 2SLGBTQ+ communities has coincided with increased resources toward outreach and education. Innovative new programs for high school students, for example, have engaged with thousands of youths so far in 2023, and connected them with serving RCMP officers across the country to answer questions and share experiences.
The RCMP Heritage Centre is the best place in Canada to learn about the legendary red-coated Mounties, including the force’s fascinating roles in both World Wars, Cold War-era espionage, and current status — recognized worldwide as an elite modern law-enforcement organization.
