A former post that traded with eight distinct First Nations groups is officially one of the best places to visit, according to National Geographic.
Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site is a historic trading post located along the North Saskatchewan River in Alberta.
A decades-long hub for North American trade, the post was abandoned by the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1875. It was deemed “unprofitable” by the company that operated it intermittently.
Today, Rocky Mountain House has been transformed into an immersive cultural experience, informed by Indigenous knowledge keepers.
Originally called one of “highways to the west”, Rocky Mountain House allows you to follow in the footsteps of Indigenous Peoples, fur traders and explorer David Thompson, who all met at this historic place.
Archeological remains
Fire and the sands of time have weathered the four forts at Rocky Mountain House, but you can still see their archeological remnants by visiting the national historic site.
The four fur trade forts were operated by the North West Company and the Hudson’s Bay Company between 1799 and 1875.
Interpretive story stations can be found along the trails and grasslands surrounding the park, which sits at the confluence of the North Saskatchewan and Clearwater rivers.
You can also learn about the importance of the Bison herd to Indigenous Peoples who traded at the fort, and spot them yourself at the park’s Bison Lookout. Bison wander through the plains from Elk Island National Park, and you can catch a glimpse of them enjoying the sun at Rocky Mountain House.
Stroll the riverbanks
Seven kilometres of nature trails await you at Rocky Mountain House, where you can walk in the footsteps of fur traders, Indigenous groups and explorer David Thompson.
You can also engage in a variety of activities and educational experiences designed to help you connect with and learn from local Indigenous peoples.
Drum and song, Indigenous games, and dream catcher workshops honour tradition while teaching the techniques that have helped Indigenous communities thrive since time immemorial in Canada.
The park encourages you to “sit back and stay awhile”, with a range of camping styles along the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, from Métis trapper tents and tipis to glamping and RV sites.
A wealth of artifacts and records remain, just waiting to be discovered at Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site. Now you too can be part of the story.
Where: Township Road 392 — Rocky Mountain House, Alta.
How to get there: Drive two hours and 25 minutes northwest of Calgary via Highway 2
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Em Medland-Marchen
Em is a Staff Writer for Curiocity Calgary. They are passionate about live music, rose gardens, iced coffee, their dogs Bandit and Stanley, and walks along the Bow River.
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