Canada's Petroleum Heritage

Celebrate 150 years of oil history and the historic strike in Oil Springs and Petrolia with our new section devoted to the celebration. Click here to discover more about this historic event.

Welcome to the Canada's Petroleum Heritage Website - a dynamic, multi-media  learning resource that presents the oil and gas industry from past to present. Its rich history, the challenges it faces today and its future potential are explored through text, images, audio and video. The industry not only resulted in the development of resource communities but also introduced a new vocabulary into the English language including words such as roughnecks, wildcats and doodlebugs. Industry pioneers also speak in their own voices.

Explore the following topic areas :

The Industry section examines the sector through historical events, the significant contributions companies and organizations have made, and the issues that the industry faces.  Here we learn more about Canada’s rich oil producing basins, and how Canadians at home and abroad have developed the world’s petroleum resources.

The Technology section features a broad overview of the science that drives the development of this multi-billion dollar industry.  Discover the industry's secrets from exploration and extraction of our oil, gas, and oil sands resources, to the development of petrochemicals products that we use in our daily lives. 

The People section explores the pioneers and contemporary leaders that have shaped the industry. In an industry where millions of dollars are gambled and rewards are magnificent, careers in oil and gas are important and demanding.  Learn about occupations, the training and demands of the people who work within the industry. 

Media section is an unique feature of the website and includes CKUA Radio Network Inc.'s 24-part documentary series and 60 minute video titled Roughnecks, Wildcats and Doodlebugs.