Historical Forts in the West
Forts across the West were fairly common, starting from the fur trade and extending into the early 1900s. While many of them were abandoned as transportation improved, economies changed, and settlers arrived, a select few have been restored and provide family-friendly, interesting pieces of Canadian history while offering a great staycation option or a uniquely Canadian experience for our cherished visitors from out of town. We will break these into geographic regions to help with your visit.
Northern Alberta
Fort Edmonton is the largest of the restored forts in Alberta. Located in the City of Edmonton’s river valley, this longstanding attraction is open from the May long weekend until mid-September, Wednesday through Sunday, as of the time of writing. The park is formed in sections with an 1846 fort, an 1885 street, a 1905 street, and a 1920 street. Character actors dressed in period clothing interact with guests. Key attractions include the Capitol Theatre, which plays a series of short documentaries and live productions that are most often included in the general admission price. The 1919 Baldwin steam engine train, the streetcar, and the pony and wagon rides are the three most popular attractions. There are additional fees for the wagon rides, but the steam train and streetcar have unlimited rides included in the general admission ticket. Before leaving, stop by one of the five shops for some traditional candy or snacks. Map directions are: Fort Edmonton Park 7000 143 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6H 4P3. Current details, hours, ticket pricing, movie night information at the Capital Theatre, and other details can be found here: https://www.fortedmontonpark.ca/.
The Victoria Settlement near Smoky Lake, Alberta (90 minutes Northeast of Edmonton) and downstream from Fort Edmonton showcases life as a missionary, fur trader, or settler. During the seasonal summer, costumed interactors describe life in the settlement amongst the scenic parkland and two restored buildings. The site is open from the May long weekend to Labor Day and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. See https://victoriasettlement.ca/ for the most up-to-date information, directions on Google Maps, and current admission pricing.
Fort George and Buckingham House lie three hours Northeast of Edmonton and 90 minutes East of the Victoria Settlement. The provincial historic site houses a visitor’s center a short walk from the original site of the forts. Although the forts are no longer present, guests can learn about the fur trade and the forts that once stood here in the 1700s. The seasonal site is open from the May long weekend until September. For directions, programs, events, prices, and hours, please see their website at https://fortgeorgebuckinghamhouse.ca/.
Central Alberta
Fort Normandeau, near Red Deer, Alberta, is another seasonal fort. The original site was a common river crossing site over the Red Deer River before the construction of the railway in 1893. In 1884, a stopping house was built to service travellers travelling between Edmonton and Calgary. Fear during the Riel Resistance resulted in the 65th Mount Royal Rifles under the command of Lt. Bedard Normandeau reinforcing the house and creating a fort. The small fort is now a living museum showcasing various aspects of prairie and Indigenous life where visitors can engage in various historical activities at the interpretive centre. Youth groups can book various programs ranging from overnight camps in teepees to guided programs. For updated programs, see: https://www.waskasoopark.ca/.
Southern Alberta
Fort Whoop-up is located in Lethbridge’s river valley and is a replica of the original fort built in the late 1800s to support the fur trade. The fort revisits regional history from the 1860s to 1890s. Learn about illegal whiskey smugglers, the buffalo robe, Métis and Indigenous history, the North West Mounted Police, and many other stories from this interesting period in Canadian history. The seasonal seven-day-a-week visit schedule starts mid-May until the end of August and weekends for about five weeks afterward. The family admission price represents the best value for money at the fort and one of the best values of all our choices here. For an additional small fee, 30-minute wagon rides can be added to your visit. For updates on events, exhibits, hours, and experiences or directions please see https://fort.galtmuseum.com/.
Fort Macleod, located on the main highway running through the town by the same name, was founded in 1874 by the North West Mounted Police. The fort is now a living seasonal museum with a North West Mounted Police Musical Ride as an added purchase to admission. The fort and museum showcase life in Canada’s West, the illegal whiskey trade, the roles of the North West Mounted Police, and the area’s history. For more details about the fort, see https://www.nwmpmuseum.com/. Plan 2-4 hours for the visit.
Near the Alberta Border in British Columbia
Fort Steele, named after famed military man and early police officer with the North West Mounted Police, Sam Steele, is a popular tourist and historical spot. The fort, set in 1898, showcases a museum, animals, live programs, the Wild Horse Theatre, a working bakery, a general store, and actors playing entertaining historical roles in the town. Free wagon rides are included in the price of admission. Plan at least six hours. Note that limited service days are Monday and Tuesday with reduced admission pricing.
Although technically not in Alberta…Western Saskatchewan
Fort Walsh National Historic Site is located just inside the Alberta/Saskatchewan provincial border. It comprises a square wall enclosing 11 buildings as part of this living fort. An interpretive center explains the role the North West Mounted Police brought to Canada’s West and the Cypress Hills Massacre that involved American hunters and whiskey traders. The surrounding rolling hills are scenic, and it is said that when settlers first came to the area, the grass grew as high as a horse’s chest. Six kilometres of trails are available for hiking and a covered picnic shelter is available for use. Modest entry fees apply for adults, but children 17 and under are currently free.
