Bison, Trails & Fur Trade History: Exploring Rocky Mountain House in Alberta

 

Looking for a Canadian adventure that combines history, nature, wildlife and a little bit of fun? Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site in Alberta should definitely be on your adventure list!

 

Located along the North Saskatchewan River, this Parks Canada site offers a fascinating glimpse into Canada's fur trade era while also giving visitors plenty of opportunities to explore. During our visit, we discovered historic trails, fur trade posts, Métis culture, camping, a beautiful riverfront and something we were really hoping to see... bison!

 

We started our adventure at the Visitor Centre, where we got an introduction to the history of this important location. Then it was time to hit the trails.

 

Explore the Chimney & David Thompson Trails, Historic Fur Trade Posts & Bison

 

Our first stop was the Chimney Trail, where the archaeological remains of the historic fur trade posts can be explored. Rocky Mountain House was an important trading location for more than 75 years, with four major fur trade posts established here between 1799 and 1875 by the North West Company and Hudson's Bay Company.

 

One of the most interesting connections to this site is David Thompson, the legendary explorer, surveyor and mapmaker. Rocky Mountain House was used as a base for several of his expeditions into the Rocky Mountains.

 

And David Thompson wasn't travelling alone. His wife, Charlotte Small, was an important member of many of his journeys. Charlotte was Métis and Cree, and her knowledge of Indigenous languages, geography and travel was invaluable as the couple travelled through western Canada.

 

We continued along the David Thompson Trail, taking in views of the North Saskatchewan River along the way. The river was an essential transportation route during the fur trade, allowing people and goods to travel through this part of the country.

 

There is an important accessibility note if you’re planning to explore the  After you pass the Métis Camp, the trail includes steps, so this section is not accessible. However, there is a shared-access trail that is accessible.

 

Eventually, we made our way to the Bison Lookout Trail and viewing platform, hoping to spot the herd. Unfortunately, the bison weren't there!

But we didn't give up! We spotted them in a field just past the last North West Company Post, and when we drove away, we got another view of them from the opposite side of the field. So keep your eyes open and watch the fields carefully because you never know when you might spot them!

Seeing these magnificent animals roaming freely across the landscape was definitely one of the highlights of our visit. The bison added a whole different dimension to our adventure and were a great reminder that Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site isn't just about history. It's also a place where you can experience Alberta's wildlife and natural landscape.

Things to Do at Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site in Alberta

 

History isn't the only reason to visit. The site is also filled with hands-on experiences and opportunities to learn about the people who lived, travelled and traded here.

 

We explored the Métis Camp, watched a Métis dance demonstration, checked out the play fort and even found a geocache along the way.

 

The site also offers camping, including walk-in tenting, making it possible to turn a day trip into a longer Alberta adventure.

 

And after exploring the trails, history and wildlife, we headed into Rocky Mountain House for something every good adventure needs: coffee and a bakery stop!

 

If you're travelling through central Alberta, don't simply drive past Rocky Mountain House. Give yourself time to explore this fascinating corner of Canada's history. Whether you're interested in the fur trade, David Thompson, Métis culture, hiking, wildlife, or simply getting outside, there is plenty here to discover.

 

Come adventure with us!

 

 

 

Snowmobiling and Small Towns in British ColumbiaEH BC's of Rural Tourism PodcastMerritt Snowmobile Club - Simon Rizzardo What happens when you combine deep powder, hundreds of kilometres of groomed trails, dedicated volunteers and a small-town community that knows how to welcome snowmobilers?You get rural winter tourism in British Columbia, Canada.In this episode of EH BC’s of Rural Tourism, the Brothers of Tourism, Greg and Colin, sit down with Simon Rizzardo of the Merritt Snowmobile Club to talk about the people, passion and economic impact behind snowmobiling in Merritt and the Nicola Valley.Merritt may have a population of just over 7,000, but its winter tourism opportunities are anything but small. The Merritt Snowmobile Club maintains more than 300 kilometres of trails, four riding areas and six warming shelters. Simon was also recognized as Groomer of the Year by the BC Snowmobile Association in 2022.The conversation goes well beyond the thrill of riding.Greg and Colin explore how snowmobiling contributes to the local economy, bringing visitors into communities where they fuel up, stay in accommodations, eat at restaurants, visit local businesses and often return with friends.They also shine a spotlight on something that often goes unnoticed: the volunteers and groomer operators who make rural winter tourism possible.Without their time, dedication and hard work, the trails simply wouldn't be ready when visitors arrive.This episode is a look at why rural tourism matters, why winter recreation deserves a bigger place in BC's tourism conversation, and why supporting the people behind the experience is just as important as promoting the destination.Watch the episode, hear Simon's story and discover why the best snowmobile adventures aren't just about the powder — they're about the people and communities that make the ride worth taking.EH BC’s of Rural Tourism is a partnership between the Tourism Industry Association of BC and EH Canada Travel, bringing the voices, experiences and perspectives of rural tourism to the forefront.Subscribe, like, comment and share the episode with someone who loves snowmobiling, rural BC and the great outdoors.Snowmobiling and Small Towns in British ColumbiaEH BC's of Rural Tourism Podcast