Chimney Trail

The Chimney Trail is an educational interpretive walking trail located on the shores of the North Saskatchewan River at the Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site in the community of Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, Canada.

The Chimney Trail is a 1 kilometre loop trail exploring the historical grounds of the last two, most recent, Hudson Bay Company fur trading forts. Still standing from the days of the forts are two stone chimneys and some footings from the foundations of the forts.

One chimney is from the 1868-1875 fort and the other chimney is from the 1835-1861 Hudson Bay fort. The trail exploring the grounds of the forts is considered an easy going trail, wheel chair friendly route with many information and audio interpretive billboards.

Located along the trail are a few sightseeing benches providing views of the North Saskatchewan River. Further along the loop route are artifacts on display including a Red River Cart, York Boat and a historical graveyard.

A Red River Cart was used during the days of the fort to carry supplies along the tough and rough freight trails. The large wheels provided stability and the wood design enabled easy repairs while traveling. To cross the rivers the wooden wheels were removed so the cart could float across the river. Carts were generally pulled by a single ox or horse and could carry over 410 kg.

The Chimney Trail explores a forest of trees and an open grass field. In the open air grass field is a graveyard. The graveyard marks the resting place of 26 First Nation and European people who were involved with the fort and fur trading from 1799 to 1875. A large plaque on site reads...

"Creator has raised them upon Eagle's wings and carried them home on the breath of dawn. May all that pass, pause and bow their heads in respect."

Near the Visitor Centre of the Rocky Mountain House Historic Site the Chimney Trail connects to the the David Thompson Trail.