David Thompson Trail

David Thompson Trail is a 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 3.2 kilometre loop trail explores the life of David Thompson and the history of the first two forts (oldest forts) which once stood on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River during the fur trade of the 1800s.

The David Thompson Trail visits the original site of the North West Company fort which was named Rocky Mountain House and the site of the Hudson Bay Company fort which was named Acton House. Both forts were constructed in and around the year of 1799.

The forts were the base camp for the explorer David Thompson between 1807 and 1811. During these years David Thompson explored much of the the western interior of Canada. His exploration of the Howse and Athabasca Passes helped with the expansion of the fur trade into the Columbia River region.

However, in 1821 the fur trade industry was slowing down and the forts merged to become one and kept the name Rocky Mountain House. The forts continued to operate as fur trading posts into the late 1800s.

The David Thompson Trail is an easy going loop pathway exploring the times of the fort and the life of David Thompson. The loop route consists of an upper level path and a lower level path.

The lower level path follows the banks of the North Saskatchewan River and visits with a First Nation tipi village. The dirt path is narrow, includes stairs and explores the forest providing views of the river.

The upper level path is similar to an access road in width. It is very level and leads to a bison lookout tower, a canoe exhibit with audio billboards, a play fort, some picnic tables and a fort construction exhibit. Located along the trail are information boards and more audio exhibits.

The David Thompson trail eventually connects to the Chimney Trail near the parking lot and the Visitor Centre.