Rocky Mountain House

Rocky Mountain House is approximately west of Red Deer at the confluence of the Clearwater and North Saskatchewan Rivers, and at the crossroads of Highway 22 (Cowboy Trail) and Highway 11 (David Thompson Highway). The surrounding Clearwater County's administration office is in Rocky Mountain House. Rocky Mountain House is the gateway to David Thompson County, a wilderness recreational area that is west of the town in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

History

The town's history dates back to the 18th century with the presence of British and Canadian fur traders during the westward Canadian expansion. In 1799, the Hudson's Bay Company and the North West Company established the Rocky Mountain House, the westernmost post on the North Saskatchewan. It was within sight of the Rocky Mountains, and Acton House fur trading posts. Trade with the local Aboriginal peoples continued until 1821 when the companies merged. They continued to trade until 1875 and closed the Rocky Mountain House post. The name of the settlement however remained. The Rocky Mountain House settlement also served as a launching point for many explorers such as David Thompson, in search for a passage west to the Pacific Ocean. Many travellers used this location as a stop on their way further west or northwest.

Rocky Mountain House can be accessed from Edmonton or Calgary by taking the Queen Elizabeth II Highway (Highway 2) to Red Deer, then going west on Highway 11. Rocky Mountain House is also accessible from the west via Icefields Parkway (Highway 93).

• Rocky Mountain House National Historic SiteAn archaeological site that contains the remains of several early 19th-century fur trade forts known as Rocky Mountain House. It is on the North Saskatchewan River. The designation refers to the remains of trading establishments built and occupied between 1799 and 1875 on the west bank of the North Saskatchewan River above its confluence with the Clearwater River together with an associated burying ground.

• Rocky Museum

  phone: +1 403-845-2332
  address: 5406 48 St

• Canyon Creek Golf Course

  phone: +1-403-845-5001

• Pine Hills Golf Club

  phone: +1-403-845-7400

David Thompson Country

• ATV TrailsThere are numerous ATV trails west of Rocky Mountain House, accessible from Hwy 11 and the Forestry Trunk Road.

• BikingThere are numerous mountain biking trails west of Rocky Mountain House.

• HikingThere are many different locations in the Rocky Mountain House area that are open to hiking.

• Brick Road Collectibles

  phone: +1 403-418-6071
  address: 4911 50 St
  An eclectic collection of furniture, coins, comics, war history, sports memorabilia, celebrity autographs along with collectible toy brands including Tonka, Lincoln trucks, Wyandotte, Hot Wheels, Matchbox, Dinky Toy, Fisher Price, Structo, Husky, Buddy L, Marx, Nylint, ERTL, Thistle, antiques & toys.

• Twisted Barn

  phone: +1 403-845-5050
  address: 404039 Range Road 72
  A country store well stocked with yarns and knitting supplies. Twisted Barn also offers homemade jam & tarts, farm raised chickens, to canned salmon. Giftware from bison wallets to hand woven rag rugs.

• Grillers

  address: 4819 45 St
  Steakhouse, burgers, wraps, family restaurant, breakfasts.

• McQueen's On Eleven

  phone: +1 403-844-4490
  address: 5103 46 St
  Panini, sandwiches, soup.

• Cucina

  phone: +1 403-844-2173
  address: 12A-5207 48 St
  Korean & Italian cusine.Vegetarian & gluten-free options.

• Boomers Pub

  address: 4939 50 St
  Pub and party place serving Bento boxes.

Camping

• Centennial Park

  address: 5301 55 Avenue
  15 sites, not suitable for large units.

• New Old Town Campground

  phone: +1 403-844-4442
  address: 4302 62 Street
  Bath house with flush toilets and showers. Fire pits, firewood and picnic tables. Nine cottages are also available for rent.

Nearby

• Canyon Creek Golf & Camping

  phone: +1 403-845-5001
  61 sites. Fully serviced or with power and water only. No tenting sites available.

• Cow Lake Recreation Area

  phone: +1 403-845-5851
  120 unserviced sites and 3 mini group sites with shelter.

• Crimson Lake Provincial Park

  phone: +1 403-845-2330

• Horburg Provincial Recreation AreaOffers great access to the North Saskatchewan River for canoes and kayaks. There are also a few small campsites available that are quiet and well in the trees. Due to steep access road conditions, large units are not recommended.

• Jackfish Lake Provincial Recreation Area

  phone: +1 403-721-3975
  Small campground, with just a few campsites nestled in the forest by the lake. There is a boat launch and a pier.

• Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site

  phone: +1 403-845-2414
  3 tipis and 6 trappers tents oon raised platforms with period tables and chairs; 24 non-serviced RV sites and 12 non-serviced tenting sites.

David Thompson Country

There are numerous camping options along the David Thompson Highway (Highway 11) corridor between Rocky Mountain House and Banff National Park.

Hotels & motels

• Alpine Motel

  phone: +1 403-845-3325
  address: 4435 47 Avenue

• Best Western

  phone: +1 403-844-3100
  address: 4407 41 Avenue

• Canalta Hotel - Rocky Mountain House

  phone: +1 403-846-0088
  address: 4406 41 Avenue

• Rocky Inn Express

  phone: +1 403-845-2871
  address: 4715 45 Street

• Tamarack Motor Inn

  phone: +1 403-845-5252
  address: 4904 45 Street

• Walking Eagle Inn & Lodge

  phone: +1 403-845-2804
  address: 4819 45 Street

Nearby

• Prairie Creek Inn

  phone: +1 403-844-2672
  address: 73042 Township Road 380
  Bed and breakfast country inn.

Continue west to David Thompson Country and Banff National Park.