Fort Whoop-Up is now open Thursdays to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for its pre-season. The fort’s regular season begins June 19 and will be open Wednesdays to Sundays.
Fort Whoop-Up is a replica of an original fur trading fort built in the late 1800s. The museum offers guided tours with knowledgeable interpreters. Tours offer a great way to explore the history of southern Alberta, while listening to interesting stories along the way. Self-guided tours include a map and an informative brochure to expand your experience of the fort site.
Led by an experienced teamster and accompanied by an interpreter, wagon rides throughout the river valley begin during the fort’s regular season. Wagons rides are first-come first-served and are 30 minutes in duration.
“Wagon rides are always a delight for families, as they can listen to local history,” says Marketing and Communications Officer Peter Tah.
One of the main events scheduled this summer, in partnership with the Helen Schuler Nature Centre, is a celebration of Indigenous culture on National Indigenous Peoples Day June 21 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The day will feature storytelling, crafts and Blackfoot vendors.
As a build-up to this day, Tah adds, the fort will be taking part in the raising of the tipi June 15. “Which is a way to bring community members together and learn the significance of the tipi and the Blackfoot people and foster community connection.”
Fort Whoop-Up will be celebrating Heritage Day Aug. 5 from 1-4 p.m. with candle making, demonstrations and traditional games.
“Visitors can experience how people lived in the 1800s with activities,” says Tah.
Fort Whoop-Up, in partnership with Parks Canada, is also hosting the travelling exhibition, “Lii Bufalo: A Metis Way of Life” until September. The exhibit highlights the deep historical ties and spiritual connection the Metis people have with the buffalo. It features stunning artwork by Metis artist Jesse Gouchey and showcases the conservation efforts of Elk Island National Park.
