Museums and Archives - Museum or Archive Details

Two rival fur trading companies established posts in the Rocky Mountain House area in 1799. That fall, the North West Company built Rocky Mountain House, the first of a series of posts of that name, and the Hudson’s Bay Company erected Acton House. They were well situated to trade with the Blackfoot and other nations of southern Alberta and the Pacific.

The two companies merged in 1821 under the HBC name. New trading posts were constructed in 1835 and again in 1865, but in 1875 the last post closed permanently. There was little activity at the site until 1922, when the Brierley family rented the land to farm, purchasing it in 1928.

In 1926 the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada declared Rocky Mountain House to be of national significance. In 1970, the federal government purchased the land and declared it a national park, which was officially opened in 1979.

The site’s modern interpretive centre features exhibits of the fur trade era, as well as a theatre and giftshop. During the summer, activities include various interpretive programs and special events, as well as the David THompson Puppet Show.

Open mid-May to early Sept., 10a.m. - 5p.m. daily. Admission is charged. 6 km west of Rocky Mountain House on Highway 11A. .
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