Visiting Fort Macleod

WELCOME TO "HISTORIC FORT MACLEOD"

"DISCOVER OUR TOWN"    " DISCOVER OUR PAST"

Fort Macleod is at a crossroads that once hosted Indian encampments, wagon trails and buffalo grazing grounds, in view of the Porcupine Hills that front the ancient and majestic Rocky Mountains. The last frontier in the west is home to Alberta's only Provincial Historic Area.

Empress Theatre

The Empress Theatre has been operating since 1912, making it Western Canada's oldest continually operating theatre and one of Fort Macleod's most recognizable attractions.
This historic resource continues to be a favourite stop because of its many exciting summer events. Come and sit our love seats from 1938, relax under the custom 1940's ceiling tulips or see our dressing rooms covered in signatures from as long ago as 1913!
You may even meet our most famous theatre employee...Ed the Ghost!
Summer program, runs throughout July and August offering theatre tours and lighthearted, historically  based plays.
Centre Stage Concert Series and Windy Mountain Chamber Music Festival, both running during the off season, provide an eclectic mix of music and culture.

www.empresstheatre.ab.ca
1-800-540-9229
245 Colonel Macleod Blvd., Fort Macleod, AB, T0L 0Z0

The Fort - Museum of the
North West Mounted Police                 

The Fort - Museum of the North West Mounted Police, the most famous attraction in Fort Macleod, documents and explores the challenging early years of the NWMP, now known as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
'The Red Coats are Coming', a dramatic interpretation of early aboriginal and police culture.
Running in May and June, this program is offered for both schools and the public.
NWMP Musical Ride, one of the first riding demonstrations took place in Fort Macleod in 1876, the riding tradition lives on at the Museum, with daily shows from July 1 to Labour Day weekend, excluding Tuesdays.
Giftshop, Visit the giftshop for a variety of locally made handcrafted gifts.
Private tours, wedding photos and meetings can be accommodated.

www.nwmpmuseum.com
1-866-273-6841  or   403-553-4703
219 Jerry Potts Blvd., Fort Macleod, AB, T0L 0Z0
Open: Early May to Thanksgiving weekend

Golf & Country Club

Fort Macleod is home to Alberta's first golf course and oldest green west of Winnipeg.
Founded in 1890, today the nine-hole course, located in the Oldman River Valley, is lined with 60-foot trees, lush fairways and accommodates the experienced and novice player.
Licensed Clubhouse, Pro Shop, Rental Equipment

270 Lyndon Road, Fort Macleod, AB
Club/Pro Shop
403-553-4664

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is one of the oldest, largest and best preserved buffalo jumps in North America.
The interpretive centre explores the buffalo hunting culture of the plains people from ancient times to the arrival of the European.
Tipi Camping, offered May to September, is an opportunity to sleep in a Blackfoot tipi, sample food and explore trails and the Interpretive Centre. Tipi Camping packages available.
Drumming & Dancing in the Plaza, runs every Wednesday during July and August, visitors enjoy spectacular Blackfoot singing, dancing and drumming on the plaza.

www.head-smashed-in.com
Toll free in Alberta 310-0000, then dial 403-553-2731
Located 18 km north and west of Fort Macleod on secondary Hwy 785
Operates year round.

Historic Main Street
(Colonel Macleod Boulevard)

Step into the past, visit Main Street Fort Macleod, a designated Provincial Historic Area, named Colonel Macleod Boulevard.
Fort Macleod was the headquarters of the North West Mounted Police in Western Canada, established in 1874, on an island two miles downriver from the present townsite. Flooding problems at this location necessitated a move to higher ground in 1884.

Many of the town's historic buildings and homes are still in use today. Enjoy a sunny afternoon strolling the streets, view the filming locations of the movies Brokeback Mountain and Passchendaele, learn about the history of the Queen's Hotel (1903), the Reach Block (1907), Holy Cross Catholic Church (1898) and many more...

Guided Tours run twice daily throughout July and August, meeting at the Devonian Walkway nest to the Empress Theatre. For a tour schedule visit The Fort - Museum of the North West Mounted Police.

Northwest Mounted Police
1884 Barracks
Provincial Historic Site

The 1884 Barracks, officially opened in August 2005, houses three reconstructed buildings documenting one of the most important eras of Western Canadian history.
Sitting on the original 30-acre site are three buildings with period displays including the saddlery, prison and gallows, the firearms and medicine room.

www.nwmp.ca
403-553-3255
Located on Hwy 3 on the western outskirts of Fort Macleod.

River Valley Wilderness Park

The River Valley Wilderness Park, located along the banks of the Oldman River, is home to a multitude of wildlife including deer, rabbits, beavers and fish.
The 120-acre park is one of the few places where the narrow-leaf cottonwood tree species still survives. The park has an extensive pathway system and playground that allows visitors to enjoy its natural beauty and peaceful surroundings.

Follow Sixth Avenue north (Hwy 811) over the green MacKenzie bridge and take your first left into the gravel parking lot