Recreation of Fort Normandeau
May 1

Celebrate Red Deer’s founding cultures at Fort Normandeau

Today you too can stop at the crossing to hear stories of the trailblazers have come before.

First a sparkling ancient glacier blazed a wide trail through thick forests and rolling hills. Then Cree and Blackfoot travellers crossed the river here at the naturally shallow ford. Soon traders, settlers and Metis buffalo hunters rested here, weary from their long journeys carrying furs, whiskey, and other goods from north to south and back again.

Today you too can stop at the crossing to hear stories of the trailblazer shave come before. And you will have lots of company too – this is a busy place during the summer for shady picnics and campfires along the river, cultural celebrations, and historical re-enactments.

The Crossing’s long history

For a long time before European settlers arrived here, First Nations people knew this spot as the safest place to navigate the water for a long distancearound. In 1884, an enterprising hotelier (see, there have always been trailblazers here) built a stopping place for traders, settlers and soldiers heading along the natural corridor of the Calgary-Edmonton Trail.

A military installation was established at the Red Deer River Crossing in 1885 to guard the trail and river against spreading violence from the Riel Rebellion and it was dubbed Fort Normandeau. The current incarnation of the fort was rebuilt in 1974 with some of the original century-old logs and today operates as an interpretive centre and memorial to the Blackfoot, Cree, Metis and European cultures that worked together to establish the region.

Spend a day the pioneer way

Step back in time to the 1880’s and partake in some of the old-time activities like making Bannock and ice cream using time-honoured recipes or tending a pioneer garden. Before video games there were marbles, jacks and Jika Kwanak. Learn how to play games that have stood the test of time and entertained the pioneer children of days long past.

Take a restful afternoon paddle

The crossing at Fort Normandeau is also a popular canoe launch for a restful drift down the winding Red Deer River. Experience the area’s natural beauty from a new vantage point, as you glide past fluttering aspen parklands, coast into deep-cut valleys and watch for wildlife as you go with the river’s gentle flow.

You can learn more about canoeing on the Red Deer River by picking up a paddler’s map from the Fort Normandeau bookstore.

Fort Normandeau interpretive centre entrance
A tipi set up at Fort Normandeau with a woman in native regalia
Fort Normandeau interpretive centre entrance

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