Fort Steele Heritage Town

Fort Steele Heritage Town is located in the Rocky Mountains, on the bench land of the Kootenay River and above the site of the former Galbraiths Ferry crossing. It is a time capsule of the settlement and changing fortunes of a pioneer community in nineteenth century British Columbia. This completely restored turn-of-the-century town is populated by townspeople in period costume and features a blacksmith's shop, a school, the Northwest Mounted Police barracks and live drama at the Wild Horse Theatre. The four distinct stages of settlement that occurred here: 1) the Galbraith's Ferry era (1864-65); 2) The Kootenay Post era (late 1880's), 3) the Fort Steele era (1890's), and 4) the period of decline which began in 1898. Today Fort Steele operates as a full service historic visitor attraction.

Special Winter Activities

• Horse-drawn sleigh rides- Jan. 1st is Annual Sleigh Ride Day
• Ice skating offered 7 days a week on outdoor rink
• Stroll the grounds
• Enjoy hot homemade cinnamon buns and hot cocoa

Historical Time Period for Site

1890s

Driving Directions from Nearest Town or Landmark

Easily accessible on Highway 93/95, 16 kilometres northeast of Cranbrook.