Categories: Travel

This small town in Alberta has a historic trading post and pioneer history museum

Photo via Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site, Parks Canada/Facebook

Rocky Mountain House is a quirky small town in Alberta, filled with rich fur trading history that visitors are welcome to delve into year-round.

According to the Town of Rocky Mountain House’s website, the town is well known as the place “Where Adventure Began” due to the history of its trading fort and the British fur trader and explorer David Thompson. Today, this area remains a hot spot for history lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of trails, a fun museum, and much more to discover.

You can still explore some of the historic forts that once called this town home, and there are plenty of other ways to make the most of a visit to Rocky Mountain House.

What to know before visiting Rocky Mountain House

Where is Rocky Mountain House?

Rocky Mountain House is a town in west-central Alberta, situated along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. It’s about two and a half hours from both Calgary and Edmonton.

What is there to do in the area?

There are more than a few things to do when visiting the town.

For those loving a good walk through nature, the town has put together a collection of its local trails. This includes trails with creek waterfalls, large loops through both residential and commercial spots, and riverside sites.

If you want to go see a movie, there’s always Rocky Cinemas. Or, if you’re a history buff, you can also check out the Rocky Museum, which is filled with the history of pioneers who homesteaded in the area.

What is the Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site?

The Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site is a trading post along the North Saskatchewan River.

Guests can explore interactive exhibits, check out a play fort, keep an eye out for bison, and enjoy a step into Alberta’s history. Parks Canada lists all the activities and events offered throughout the year online.

How much does the Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site cost to visit?

Admission to all national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada is free for all youth (ages 17 and under) as of January 2018.

For daily passes to the site, adults (ages 18 to 64) admission is $10, and seniors (ages 65 and up) admission is $8.50.

Where are the best places to stay?

If you’re looking to make your trip an overnighter, here are a few spots in the area where you can stay:

Where are the best places to camp in the area?

Rocky Mountain House is also known for being a great camping spot, so here are a couple of spots you might want to consider instead:

So, for those looking for their next vacation within the province, this small town should definitely be a contender. With loads of campsites, trails, wildlife, and history, what else could you want?