Boreal forest, wetlands, rolling prairies—our landscape is a part of the history of Alberta. Alberta’s Iron Horse Trail has been an integral part of that history since the 1700s. From the Aboriginal and Métis people of Canada who used this trail, to the early fur traders traversing this land towards the trading posts of Fort George and Buckingham House, to the Red River Cart brigades that are a symbol of our settler history.

From 1927 – 2000, this great trail in Alberta was the vital rail link that fostered the growth of settler populations and rural economic growth as these settlers fed the nation from this fertile land. Along the Trail you can see the historic train stations that are still standing—from Heinsburg to Smoky Lake—and take a step back in time.