Calgary 
Long before cities, Alberta’s rivers were lined with forts and fur trade posts.
Credit: Parks Canada/Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site
The Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site was an important stop for traders and the Indigenous peoples who travelled the river, and some of the original structures are still in place today! You can visit the National Historic Site this summer to learn more about Alberta’s earliest industry and get immersive experiences that leave you feeling like the year is 1822 rather than 2026.
Your visit can involve guided or DIY adventuring, and camping if you want to make a weekend out of Rocky Mountain House.
In terms of guided experiences, the park offers a few from which you or you and your kids can choose, focusing on hunting, blacksmithing, Indigenous education, and introductions to games or crafts. If you are short on time, you can walk the grounds and still get interpretive experiences via the Visitor’s Centre, the Play Fort, or the Blacksmith Station.
Credit: Parks Canada/Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site
If you seek a bit more adventure, the Historic Site is also a popular launch spot for whitewater rafters. Only non-motorized boats are permitted, but you can tackle the generally class-III rapids with a kayak or canoe. There are also five main trails to explore by bike or foot, with a variety of lengths, sights, and difficulty levels to choose from.
The most immersive experience offered here, however, is the authentic camping you can enjoy through Metis Trappers’ Tents, Tipis, or Trapline Cabins. There is even more camping available, with space for tents and RVs (although no services are provided). While you’re here, there will be a lot to uncover, so camping and staying a while is your best shot at trying it all.
Other sights you’ll need to check out at Rocky Mountain House NHS include the bison lookout, where you can view small herds from a safe distance, the replica York Boat, the War Memorial, and various plaques.
Planning your trip – Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site
Credit: Canadian Tourism Commission
What: A preserved fort and historical site on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, once owned and operated by the Hudson’s Bay Company and the North West Companies. The area is only open in the summer and offers several activities to enjoy during those months.
The Site offers interpretive hikes and experiences, trails for self-guided adventures on foot or bike, long-term stays in authentic fur trade accommodation, picnic sites, and a Visitor’s Centre with cultural exhibits.
How to get there: located 5 minutes west of the town of Rocky Mountain House on Highway AB-11A. From 11A, turn south on Range Rd. 74A.
Site 127 Comp 6 RR4, Rocky Mountain House, AB T4T 2A4
Things to Do Nearby:
Best time to go: camping available May-September
How much:
Admission $8.50 – $10
Camping $31.75 to $147.50
For the 2026 summer season: Free admission and 25% off camping fees from June 19 to September 7, 2026.
For more information:
