Its name may say house, but this is a town. Located in west central Alberta, the town is near the confluence of the Clearwater and North Saskatchewan Rivers. Toward the end of the 18th century, the town was established as a trading post for the British and Canadian fur traders as they expanded westward. Formed in 1799 by the Hudson Bay Company and the North West Company, the trading post opened and closed several times but the name of the settlement lived on.
Today one of the town’s primary industries is tourism, and given its location, great attention is given to outdoor sports and activities. Anyone not interested in fishing can find a number of things to go do and see. More exotic choices include guided trips to Siffleur Falls, a sled ride with dogs, or an off road safari. Basics like golfing, camping, hiking, horseback riding, biking and golfing are all readily available, depending on the season. Like other tourist towns, there is a wide selection of restaurants and accommodations.
Fortunately for anglers, the area is host to some of the best freestone fishing in the Rockies. Described as rich and fertile, these streams give rise to daily insect hatches throughout the spring, summer and fall. Sport fish include brook trout, brown trout, native cutthroat trout, golden trout, lake trout and rainbow trout. Other species include burbot, goldeye, lake sturgeon, mountain whitefish, northern pike, sauger, walleye and yellow perch.
There are many options for getting to Rocky Mountain House including:
- Fly to Calgary International Airport and drive for approximately 1½ hours
- Fly to Edmonton International Airport and drive for approximately 2 hours
- Fly to Red Deer Regional Airport and drive for approximately 1 hour
- Fly to Rocky Mountain House Airport and drive for approximately 10 minutes