Membership Spotlight | Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site

Membership Spotlight | Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site‍

Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site is a fine example of the fur trade in the west. Discover a historic trading post along the North Saskatchewan River and immerse yourself in stories of Indigenous Peoples and legendary explorers. Learn more about this historic site below, we interviewed Mike Moynihan, from the Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site:

‍1. Tell us about your organization?
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Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site is located at the confluence of the North Saskatchewan and Clearwater rivers. Indigenous Peoples who gathered and settled in this area were foundational to the establishment of the four Rocky Mountain House fur trade forts along the river banks. The fur trade posts were important sites of economic, social, and cultural exchange and were active in the area from 1799 to 1875 when the final fort closed. Today you can discover interpretive exhibits, interactive cultural demonstrations, archaeological foundations of the four forts, plains bison, 10 km of hiking and biking trails, friendly heritage presenters, and the Trading Post Gift Shop.  You can also stay overnight and experience our Heritage Camping in Tipis, Métis Trapper Tents, or Trapline Cabins.  If you prefer to bring your own tent or trailer, we have unserviced RV sites and walk-in tenting, both situated a stone’s throw away from the banks of The North Saskatchewan river.

‍2. What makes you different, unique, or standout?

‍One reason is the large number of different experiences. People routinely make a day trip out of it, and increasingly with the improvements to our campground, people often return to stay a while. A nice day trip itinerary includes: enjoying the fur trade era exhibits and activities in the visitor centre, strolling along 10 km of easy trails that meander around the archeological remains of four fur trade forts; taking a selfie in the York Boat, watching blacksmithing demonstrations, burning off some youthful energy in the play fort, engaging with Metis cultural demonstrations and enjoying the family-friendly David Thompson puppet show.  You can bookhands-on workshops such as a Dream Catcher Workshop or Drum and Song, or stay awhile in the campground and enjoy outdoor games, bird watching, and gathering around the fire pits.

3. Why do you do what you do?

‍This National Historic Site is proud to be part of the cultural fabric of Rocky Mountain House, Clearwater County areas, and connected to the spectacular travel route of The David Thompson Highway. Rocky Mountain National Historic Site is administered by Parks Canada, and part of our mandate is to “protect and present nationally significant examples of Canada's natural and cultural heritage” for present and future generations.  We, along with our community partners The Confluence Heritage Society and Metis Local 845 want to share why this place is important, of its stories of Indigenous Peoples, legendary explorers, and the fur trade in the West.

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4. What can guests (local or visiting) expect to experience?

The longer you stay, the greater your chance of experiencing more ways this place is special. Perhaps you will witness an Indigenous cultural gathering or watch the setting sun cast its long summer shadows over the archeological remains of the fur trade forts.  Chances are you will hear coyotes yipping and beavers being industrious along the river banks. Walk, roll or cycle along 10 km of gentle trails, visit our blacksmith as they crank the blowers and shape iron, or stop by the Métis Camp and learn about traditions such as beading, fiddling, and jigging! Stay awhile, let Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site surprise you.

5. What is new or upcoming?

Check out our new interpretive experience: Follow the Bison Herd – Listen to stories of Indigenous Peoples following the movements of bison, and how it is integral to their culture and way of life. There is also a daily puppet show about legendary explorer David Thompson, plus different events throughout the year like Canada Day and Fur Trade Christmas. The play fort, which is ¼ scale replica of a fur trade fort, will be upgraded in September 2022 with new features, including a York boat where you can fantasize about rowing the North Saskatchewan River as a renowned adventurer.    

Click here to learn more about Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site and make sure to follow them on Facebook.