Family Summer Indigenous Attractions

Fort Whoop-Up

Name: Fort Whoop-Up
Address: 200 Indian Battle Rd S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 5B3, Lethbridge, AB, CA
Telephone: 4033203777

Originally called Fort Hamilton—the name Whoop-Up was a nickname that ended up sticking—this replica of the original fur trading fort tells the story of the region and the people who lived here in the late 1800s.Learn about the buffalo robe and illegal whisky trade as you discover how the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), First Nations, Métis, Canadians, Americans, and British all had an influence on the culture and politics of the time (including the stories of a few notorious characters).At Fort Whoop-Up, you can experience tours (both guided and self-guided), exhibits, wagon rides, a gift shop, and more. If you're interested in the history of Southern Alberta, a visit to Fort Whoop-Up is a must.

200 Indian Battle Rd S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 5B3

About Fort Whoop-Up

If you’re looking for a fun, interactive attraction that the whole family will love, look no further than Fort-Whoop Up. Situated a stone’s throw from downtown Lethbridge, this replica fort tells the story of the buffalo robe, furtrade and all the folks that have called the Oldman River Valley home over the centuries. You’ll find unique interactive experiences, authentic stories, and a glimpse back to Alberta’s founding history through the viewpoints of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, and early settlers.

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History

The replica fort was built in 1967 commemorating one of the original trading posts in the Lethbridge region. The original Fort-Whoop Up was abandoned in 1892 after a brief but dramatic foray into the local fur trade and the replica gives visitors an immersive experience into the fort’s history. Guests will have a chance to try out a variety of activities that would have been common in the region when the fort was in operation, like traditional crafts from Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, and early European and American settler cultures. Although the original fort site was located several miles from Lethbridge, the replica fort sits on part of the Battle of the Belly River site: another key historical event in the region’s history that happened in October 1870.

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Getting There

Fort Whoop-Up is found at 200 Indian Battle Rd S, just to the west of Lethbridge. To get there, head west off of Scenic Drive S on 3 Ave S. You'll descend into the river valley past the Days Inn by Wyndham. Once in the river valley, the parking lot for Fort Whoop-Up will be to the south (your left).

‍When to Go

Fort Whoop-Up is open from May 15th through September 7th, 7 days per week,10am – 5pm, 1pm-5pm on Statutory Holiday Mondays. It is open weekends only from Sept 8th through to the 27th. The Fort is also open in the off-season for special events and event rentals: check out their website for further information.

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What's There

At the site, visitors can immerse themselves in authentically reproduced buildings, including the Fort’s trade rooms, blacksmith shop, living quarters, and (seasonally) a nitoyis (tipi) located in the barracks yard. 2024 saw the construction of a major new Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) exhibit, which invites visitors to learn more about Blackfoot culture and history. The Fort gift shop offers a wide variety of gifts and souvenirs to remember your visit, including locally-made products and ice cream for those hot Lethbridge summer days. Parking is free on site and pre-booking is not required for your visit.

‍Things to Do

There’s lots to see and do at Fort Whoop-Up! With activities changing daily, guests can try their hand at a variety of different traditional Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, and settler traditional crafts and skills while learning about the region’s amazing local history. From June 15 through August 31, the Fort hosts a variety of livestock and offers daily historical tour wagon rides through Indian Battle Park. Cool down with a custom flavor of local Milkman ice cream and peruse the Fort shop for unique gifts. To complete your day, take a scenic hike through the coulees to the Fort’s sister site, the Galt Museum & Archives. Check out the Fort’s social media for more info on special events happening throughout the year.

Other things to do at Fort Whoop-Up include wagon rides—only available from June 17 through September 7—at an additional cost. There are also many events throughout the summer at Fort Whoop-Up, including workshops that highlight the way of life of the people who lived in and around the area.

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