Dinosaurs roamed Northern Alberta long before people inhabited it. The Pipestone Creek area near Grande Prairie is home to one of the largest dinosaur bone beds in North America and the world's largest site of the pachyrinosaurus.

More recently, the Beaver, Cree, Savey, Chipewyan, and the Dene Tha peoples developed their respective cultures in the beautiful regions of Northern Alberta. The fur-trade related exploration and settlement of the late eighteenth century brought other cultures and another phase in Northern Alberta's exciting history.

Imagine plowing a field in High Prairie and finding a sword that was dropped by the legendary David Thompson over 200 years ago!

Or place yourself in Athabasca in the 1890's when residents received word of the Gold Rush a full two months before it hit the American newspapers! These were the days of exploration, immigration, and dreams all whirled together to make this region rich in folklore and history.

Take a trip through time and visit Fort George-Buckingham House Provincial Historic Site near Elk Point. Here you'll step into the re-created world of the Aboriginal people at the time of the fur-traders' arrival. Be sure to listen to the "Country Wife", to learn about the important role she played as the link between two cultures. Immerse yourself in the past at the historic Lac La Biche Mission or travel to the majestic hills at Historic Dunvegan. Discover early medical history at Manning's Old Hospital Gallery & Museum. Pay tribute to the early history of the fur trade at Fort Chipewyans' Bicentennial Museum.
 

New archaeological evidence is bringing to light Fort Vermilion's importance as Western Canada's first agricultural area. With the Dominion Land Act, settlers could purchase a quarter section of land (that's 160 acres!) for $10. Northern Alberta entered a new phase of far-reaching social and economic changes that are continuing today.

Today's residents treasure these great sagas of yesterday through our commitment to community museums and heritage sites. These local gatekeepers of our history will transport you through fascinating facts on the history and culture of Northern Alberta.