Old Photographs Of Aerial Views Of Different Places In Alberta (1925 -1989)

Take a trip back in time with a stunning collection of Alberta’s historical aerial photographs, captured between 1925 and 1989. Long before drones, these images reveal the province’s evolving landscapes — from early farmlands and small prairie towns to the growing skylines of Calgary and Edmonton.

Originally taken for surveys and planning, they now serve as rare visual records of Alberta’s transformation. Railways cut through wilderness, oil developments reshaped the economy, and new communities emerged in once-remote areas.

These aerial views offer a unique perspective on Alberta’s past, blending beauty, history, and a bird’s-eye view of change over six remarkable decades.

1925 – Aerial view of the town of Jasper, Alberta.
1955 – Aerial view in Calgary, Alberta.
1955 – Aerial view of Calgary, Alberta. The image is taken over a body of water.
1970 – Aerial view of Millet showing houses, businesses, and railway tracks.
1970 – The photograph consists of an aerial view of the S.S. Moyie docked at Heritage Park.
1980 – Aerial view of Millet, Alberta.
1983 – Aerial view of buildings in Calgary, Alberta.
1984 – Aerial view in Cochrane, Alberta.
1984 – Aerial view of Airdrie, Alberta.
1984 – Aerial view of Drumheller, Alberta.
1984 – Aerial view of the Saddledome, Calgary, Alberta.

Opened in 1983 for the 1988 Winter Olympics, Calgary’s Saddledome is famed for its saddle-shaped roof and western-inspired design. Home to the Calgary Flames and countless events, it remains a beloved city landmark.

1985 – Aerial view of Banff, Alberta.
1985 – Aerial view of Canmore, Alberta.
1985 – Aerial view of Kananaskis area, Alberta.
1987 – Aerial view of Edmonton, Alberta. We can see buildings in the background of the photograph.
1987 – Aerial view of Edmonton, Alberta.
1988 – Aerial view of buildings in Lethbridge, Alberta.
1988 – Aerial view of Balzac, Alberta.
1989 – Aerial view of Calgary, Alberta.
1989 – Aerial view of snowy Calgary, Alberta.

The photos above were collected from Archives Canada. If you’re interested, additional information can be found for each photograph on their website. Stay tuned for additional posts featuring historical photos from across Alberta and Western Canada. We’d love to know what you think in the comment section below.

 

About Dalia Nardolillo 1 Article
Dalia, a photojournalist hailing from Montreal, is deeply passionate about documenting events and sharing stories about people's lives. She is on track to graduate from Concordia University with a degree in journalism and a minor in art history. Currently, Dalia holds the position of Editor-in-Chief at her school's newspaper, The Concordian. Following graduation, she aims to secure a full-time reporting job at a major news outlet.