Calgary 
Many of Alberta’s historic forts, remnants of the 1800s fur trade, are open to the public today as museums. Calgary and Edmonton have their historic river forts open, while many others are open to visitors around the province’s rivers.
Credit: Fort Museum
But no other former Alberta fort has retained its 19th and early 20th century charm quite like the town of Fort Macleod. This southwestern Alberta town is set amongst some of the province’s prettiest scenery (any time of the year) near badlands, foothills, plains, and the Rockies. The scenery in town matches the natural views in terms of beauty.
Founded in 1874, Fort Macleod grew around the barracks of the North West Mounted Police, becoming a pivotal agricultural and railway hub with significant wood, brick, and sandstone constructions. Despite flourishing initially, the town faced economic setbacks following the relocation of the Canadian Pacific Railway divisional point in 1912, and eventually declared bankruptcy in 1924.
For many decades, growth stagnated, preserving many early 20th-century structures. Recognizing its historic value, efforts to catalogue and restore pivotal edifices began in the 1970s, culminating in the designation of downtown as Alberta’s inaugural “Provincial Historic Area” in 1982. The area, encompassing six blocks and several pre-1906 fire structures, showcases the town’s rich history, with notable buildings including the National Historic site-designated Territorial Court House and the iconic 1912 Empress Theatre.
On Set & on Location in Fort Macleod
Historic Main Street and downtown Fort Macleod are recognizable for how well its buildings are preserved, and thanks to the buildings’ appearances in movies and TV shows. Main Street and its beautiful architecture are but one reason to visit Fort Macleod.
An especially amazing thing to consider before visiting is the fact that the famous and historic downtown façade may be old, but it isn’t original. A fire ravaged Fort Macleod in the early 1900s, but the community was quick to rebuild. So, these buildings still date back to pre-WWI.
As you walk, bike, or drive around town, you might notice some familiar facades. The well-preserved historic downtown area has shown up in a few notably famous films. Additionally, the areas surrounding the town, like some of the badlands, have shown up in Hollywood productions as well.
- The Last of Us (TV, 2023): the new hit TV series used the town for much of the first episode during an outbreak scene meant to take place in Boston.
- Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021): uses the historic downtown in any of the scenes that take place “in-town.” Other southwestern Alberta scenery is evident throughout the movie.
- Interstellar (2014): a film which transforms southwestern Alberta into a dystopian farm land. The movie is not set here, but the mountain backdrop with the prairie foreground is easy to recognize for those from southern Alberta.
- Passchendaele (2008): this one is unique from the rest on this list as parts of this movie actually take place in Alberta. The local scenery will be easy to spot! The WWI-epic centres around a soldier, a nurse, and the massive battle of Passchendaele on the European front lines.
- Brokeback Mountain (2005): was one of the first major 21 st century films to use the historic downtown for movie scenes.
After a tour of the history and filming locations, there are many other ways to fill a day trip or weekend getaway here.
Exploring History & Indigenous Culture in Southwestern Alberta
Besides the pop culture history around the town of Fort Macleod, there is also rich cultural history to uncover. Some locations within Fort Macleod are easily accessed on foot, even with multiple stops.
- The Fort Museum of the North West Mounted Police and First Nations Interpretive Centre is open from spring to fall each year with a museum and musical rides. The museum offers a glimpse into the town’s rich history, the area’s significance, the history of Indigenous communities in the area, and the NWMP/RCMP’s history.
- Take a walking tour down the historic main street with the OnThisSpot App or website. With the app, your tour will have photos from a variety of eras within Fort Macleod’s history.
- The Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump UNESCO World Heritage Site is only a 15- to 20-minute drive from Fort Macleod. The incredible piece of geological and cultural history is surrounded by a modern Visitor’s Centre, and is easy to explore on the marked trails.
Local Eats & Brews
Whether all the local exploration has made you hungry, thirsty, or both, you will find something to satisfy your cravings while supporting the local restaurants! Fort Macleod is home to a great array of different cuisine types from local eateries, bakeries, cafes, and the local brewery.
- The Homestead Bakeshop and Blackwood Coffee Co. are highly rated places for starting your day with freshly baked goods and hot coffee.
- Fort Macleod Pizza is a local family favourite for easy, yet delicious, lunches and dinners.
- The Fort’s local craft brewery, Stronghold Brewing, has a taproom open on Main Street, with Fort Macleod Pizza providing the food. Taste the local brews or local nonalcoholic sodas while you wait for your pizza delivery.
- The Igloo Restaurant is Fort Macleod’s authentic drive-in fast food joint. Stop by for lunch, dinner, or dessert.
Markets, Antiques, and More
- The Fort Macleod Handmade Market pops up at various times of the year, including November for the Christmas Market; watch their Facebook page for all upcoming market dates. Additionally, the Midnight Stadium Farmers’ Market is hosted every Thursday.
- Along with an annual antique festival, Fort MacLeod also boasts a couple of antique shops with impressive collections: The Collective, Samuel Roland Antiques and Collectibles.
- If you prefer boutiques over antiques or want to mix up your shopping, try Fort Macleod’s local shops like Macleod Living or Next Home and Garden.
Annual Fort Macleod Festivals & Events
There is a festival in Fort Macleod for every season!
- PRIDE events and celebrations take place at the end of August each year in Fort Macleod at Centennial Park.
- Taste of Fort Macleod features all the best of the local dining scene together in one place.
- The South Country Fair (July) is a 3-day festival with live music, camping, and fair activities.
- The annual Antique Show (June) is an excellent opportunity for a day of treasure hunting.
- Fort Macleod’s Santa Claus Parade & Moonlight Madness (last Saturday in November each year) event is one of the largest holiday parades in Western Canada.
- Summer rodeos occur in Fort Macleod, and the surrounding communities.
Plan your Trip – Fort Macleod
What: Fort Macleod was originally a trading fort set up on the Old Man River. The town is famous in Alberta for its visibility in Hollywood films. This all stems from, first, the town’s natural beauty and, second, the incredibly well-preserved downtown Main Street. Fort Macleod sits at the foot of the Rockies, giving you incredible views from many different places in or around town.
Location and how to get there: at the intersection of Highways 2 and 3
175km south of Calgary on Highway 2; 50km west of Lethbridge on Highway 3
