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Rocky Mountain House…the forts are gone but the name remains. This is a story of trade, exploration and competition, but above all it is a story of people!

In 1799 the North West and Hudson’s Bay companies set up rival posts at the end of the fur trade line on the North Saskatchewan River. Competition for trade was fierce at Rocky Mountain House, and during its 76-year history, nine different Aboriginal cultures came here to trade. Explorer, fur trader and mapmaker, David Thompson used the North West Company post as a base for finding a pass across the Rocky Mountains.

Today, Parks Canada protects the archaeological remains of four trading posts while presenting the site’s rich fur trade history through on-site programs and special events.

The National Historic Site is located 6 km west of Rocky Mountain House on Highway 11A. The site is open from mid- May to late September and entrance fees are charged. Every school program at Rocky Mountain House presents our commemorative integrity themes with direct links to the Alberta Education Social Studies Curriculum. Some programs are also offered in French or as outreach programs. Please contact the site to book a program or for a detailed list of curriculum links.

Educational Programs:

• School Programs 2009

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