OUR HISTORY

Alberta’s eastern slopes are steeped in the rich traditions of mountain culture, where trappers, explorers, mountain men, and Métis communities shaped the rugged frontier. Today, the spirit of these early trailblazers lives on through the people, places, and experiences that celebrate their legacy.

The Grande Cache Tourism Centre is the perfect starting point to discover this remarkable history. Offering insights into local legends, historic sites, and the untold stories of Alberta’s past, the Centre connects visitors with a wealth of cultural and adventure opportunities.

At the heart of this heritage is the Mountain Métis Hide-A-Way Camp, operated by the Mountain Métis Community Association. This group camp facility blends modern amenities with rustic charm, providing an unforgettable setting for events, family gatherings, or a wilderness retreat. Visitors can connect with Métis culture through storytelling, hands-on experiences, and the captivating tales of fur traders, voyageurs, and mountain men who once roamed the Rockies.

The Grande Cache Chamber of Commerce plays a vital role in preserving and promoting this cultural legacy. By connecting local businesses, artisans, and historians, the Chamber fosters partnerships that bring the region’s rich heritage to life.

The Willmore Wilderness Foundation enhances this connection to history by offering resources that dive deep into Alberta’s mountain culture. Visitors can access detailed information on backcountry guides, outfitters, and trails, along with maps and outdoor wilderness courses. The Foundation also promotes education and storytelling through books, documentaries, films, mountain horsemanship training, outdoor wilderness courses, making it a trusted source for exploring the traditions and culture of the Rockies.

A Mountain Culture

The story of Alberta’s mountains is one of remarkable diversity, resilience, and adventure. From the Iroquois voyageurs like Ignace Wanyandie and Louis Karakuntie to the legendary mixed-blood Métis trader Tête Jaune, the region’s early inhabitants forged a way of life that celebrated independence and ingenuity.

Central to this culture were the Freemen, descendants of Scottish fur traders and Indigenous women, who became Alberta’s first independent businessmen. Known as the Otipemisiwak, meaning “those in charge of themselves,” these hardy individuals built a legacy of self-reliance and resourcefulness that still shapes the social fabric of the Rockies. Men like James Findlay, Jacco Findlay, Pierre Delorme, Colin Fraser, and Henry John Moberly were pioneers of this unique mountain culture.

A Living Legacy

Today, the descendants of these early trailblazers continue to honor their heritage. From rustic backcountry lodges and teepees to tented packhorse trips, visitors can immerse themselves in the culture and traditions of Alberta’s mountain past. The region’s historical landmarks, including Willmore Wilderness Park and Jasper National Park, remain home to the Freemen’s legacy, offering travelers an unparalleled connection to history.

The names of the Yellowhead Region—Yellowhead Pass, Pierre Grey Lakes, Moberly Lake, Tête Jaune Cache, and many more—bear witness to this vibrant history. Visitors can explore these sites and discover the stories of Alexander McKenzie, David Thompson, Simon Fraser, Adam Joachim, Jacco Findlay, and countless other unsung heroes of the fur trade.

By embracing the folklore, traditions, and legends of Alberta’s eastern slopes, the Grande Cache Tourism Centre, Mountain Métis Hide-A-Way Camp, Grande Cache Chamber of Commerce, and the Willmore Wilderness Foundation invite you to rediscover the stories of this rugged frontier. Whether through history, culture, adventure, or hands-on wilderness training, Alberta’s Rockies offer a gateway to the past and an unforgettable experience for the future.