Trails and recreation

At Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site you can walk along the North Saskatchewan River, through historic trading posts, or enjoy a picnic with the view of the mountains.

Trails

Chimney Trail

Circle through the archaeological remains of two Hudson’s Bay Company forts dating to 1835 and 1868 (where the fort’s original chimneys still stand). Enjoy stories and interpretive panels at the listening stations.

Distance: 0.8 km loop, wheelchair accessible

Estimated time: 30 minutes walking,15 minutes biking

Trailhead

Located behind visitor center. The trailhead is a 50m walk east of visitor center parking lot.

Amenities

Paved parking including two accessible stalls, Washroom building outside Visitor Center with accessible flush toilets and picnic tables.

Trail details

Surface: 90% hard aggregate/gravel and 10% grass/dirt.

Benches: 30 m, 160 m, 340 m, 440 m and 520 m counterclockwise from visitor center trailhead.

David Thompson Trail

Follow along the banks of the North Saskatchewan River through dense poplar and spruce forests to the oldest fort sites, including the first fort built by the Northwest Company in 1799. Loop back around through the open grasslands and discover historical anecdotes and sounds at each listening station.

Distance: 3.2 km loop

Estimated time: 90 minutes walking, 30 minutes biking

Trailhead

The trailhead is a 50m walk east of the visitor center parking lot.

Amenities

• Paved parking including two accessible stalls at the visitor center.
• Washroom building with accessible flush toilets and picnic tables.

• Gravel parking lot with accessible parking stalls at the campground entrance.
• Campground washroom building with individual gender-neutral washrooms, showers, picnic tables, and Volleyball court.

Trail details

Surface: 40% hard dirt, 30% hard gravel, 20% grass, 9% gravel and 1% wooden boardwalks.

Benches: 30 m, 200 m, 400 m, 1.3 km, 1.5 km, 1.8 km, and 1.9 km clockwise from Visitor Center trailhead.

First significant obstacle

A set of wooden stairs down to a bridge across a small stream, 400 m clockwise from Visitor Center trailhead. (You can avoid this obstacle by turning onto the shared access Trail at the junction)

Steep hill up to bison viewing stand, 190 m clockwise from Campground Trail head.

Petro Canada Bicentennial Trail

Travel between the National Historic Site and the Town of Rocky Mountain House, winding through aspens and old growth forests with scenic views of Clearwater County.

Distance: 5 km one way

Estimated time: 2 hours walking, 40 minutes biking

Trailhead

Visitor Center parking lot located at the Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site. Tailhead is a 50m walk East of Visitor Center parking lot.

Amenities

Paved parking including two accessible stalls, Washroom building with accessible flush toilets and picnic tables.

Trail details

50% Firm soil, 25% gravel, 10% grass, 10% pavement and 5% loose gravel.

Shared Access Trail

This paved trail between the Visitor Centre, and our Campground is used by walkers, bikers, dog walkers, and Parks Canada vehicles. Share the road!

Distance: 1 km one way

Estimated time: 20 minutes walking, 10 minutes biking.

Trailhead

10m south of Visitor Center parking lot or 50m east of campground parking lot.

Amenities

• Paved parking including two accessible stalls at the visitor center.
• Washroom building with accessible flush toilets and picnic tables.
• Gravel parking lot with accessible parking stalls at the campground.
• Campground washroom building with individual gender-neutral washrooms, showers, picnic tables, and Volleyball court.

Trail details

Surface: 95% asphalt and 5% gravel.

Benches: 80 m, 500 m, 670 m from Visitor Center trailhead.

Outhouse: 850 m from Visitor Center.

First significant obstacle

Large hill with blind corner, 700 m from Visitor Center.

Wheelchair and Stroller Access

Chimney Trail, Visitor Centre, and the washroom building are accessible.

Keep in mind:

• Bring water and extra layers of clothing.
• Use sunscreen and insect repellent.
• Pets on leash are welcome. (Pick up after your pets.)

Picnic Areas

Designated picnic tables and trashcans are located through out the site. Refreshments and snacks are available at the Trading Post Gift Shop.

• Camping areas
• Visitor Centre

Wildlife Viewing

This historic site protects over 500 acres of field, marsh, and old spruce forest. It provides habitat for many species including the mountain bluebird, red-tailed hawk, northern harrier, bald eagle, sandhill crane, Richardson’s ground squirrel, coyote, fox, moose, grouse, beaver, and deer. Help us keep wildlife wild. Do not approach or feed animals.