Experience The Northern Leg

Rocky Mountain House

Fur traders put Rocky Mountain House on the map 200 years ago when the North West Company and the Hudson’s Bay Company established trading posts on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River. The trading post fort was deserted in 1875. However, it lives on today as a National Historic Site that commemorates the era of the fur traders and explorers. Stroll along the interpretive trials. Kids will love the pint-sized play fort and puppet theatre along with a chance to see the bison.

Rocky Mountain House has been tagged the “Gateway to Adventure” and there are hundreds of miles of wooded foothills and front-range mountains to explore. Hook up with a well-established outfitter to try your hand at working cattle, backcountry trail riding, canoeing rivers, or just relaxing.

Alder Flats

The hamlet of Alder Flats is located 71 km north of Rocky Mountain House and 49 km south of Drayton Valley. Here you will find two major western attractions. EM-TE Town is a western ghost town, but sadly it will be closed for the 2018 season. Ponderosa City is located right across the road though, and they offer gifts, home décor, clothing, tack, and saddles. Looking for a western wedding venue?

Enjoy a round of golf at Raven Meadows, sample “Vanilla & Honey” at Grey Owl Meadery, or hunt wild boar. Consider an overnight stay in a spacious log cabin. Then tuck into a hearty country breakfast before you move on.

Drayton Valley

Oil and gas production is a big driver in the local economy. The giant West Pembina oilfield is Canada’s largest. But don’t be fooled, the cowboy way of life is alive and well.

Located along the picturesque North Saskatchewan River Valley, the Eagle Point - Blue Rapids Provincial Park System invites you to Get Active, Get Outdoors! Whether it’s an afternoon walk along the trails, a paddle down the river, or a ride through the forest - fun and adventure await you.

Head north to the villages of Entwistle and Evansburg. Find the official residence of the Town Grouch at #10 Frowning St. in Evansburg. Can you spot Dippy the Chip Lake Monster? Stop for a picnic at the Pembina River Provincial Park.

Mayerthorpe (Trails End)

The town of Mayerthorpe, took its name from “Mayer,” an engineer who homesteaded close by in 1908. Be sure to check out the Ol’ Pembina River Ferry Crossing, the Rochfort Bridge, and the Elevator Museum.

Denny and Rod Hay ranch just outside of town but they are Mayerthorpe’s favourite sons. With an Olympic gold medal and 11 Canadian saddle bronc championships between them, the men stand little chance of being bested anytime soon. Mayerthorpe is rightly proud of the boys, so they renamed a portion of the trail as it runs through town. It is now officially known as Denny Hay Drive.