Activities & Daily Schedule
Every visit to Fort Steele offers something unique. Activities, building access, and interpretive programs may vary day to day.
Be sure to check in at the Visitor Centre when you arrive for the most up-to-date schedule.
Programming:
Take a ride, join a tour, and see history in action throughout the Fort.
Wagon Rides
August 2026 update - Due to the heat and smoke, wagon rides are currently offered in the mornings only. We will be offering the indoor Meet the Clydesdales experience in the afternoons.
Wagon Rides - Daily at 10:00am & 11:00am
Meet the Clydesdales interactive experience - Daily at 1:00 pm
$7.50 per person
Guided Tours
Step into the stories of Fort Steele with our guided walking tour through history.
Birth to Boom to Bust:
The Story of Fort Steele
Hourly from 10:00am to 3:00pm | $7.50 per person
Learn why Fort Steele was established, how it became the first North West Mounted Police post west of the Rockies, why Sam Steele came here, what life was like at the height of the town, and what ultimately led to its decline. This tour brings the streets and buildings of Fort Steele to life through the people, events and decisions that shaped its history.
Limit: 15 people.
Hidden Communities:
Cultural Diversity in Fort Steele
Hourly from 10:00am to 3:00pm | $7.50 per person
There's more to Fort Steele's story than old buildings and the North-West Mounted Police. Join us for this engaging 30–45 minute guided walking tour and go beyond the familiar tales of Fort Steele’s gold rush and boomtown years to explore the diverse people and cultures that shaped the Kootenay region.
Along the way, you'll encounter influential residents like Chief Isadore and barber James Highwarden, and discover the enduring stories of Chinese railway workers and entrepreneurs, early South Asian immigrants, and the Doukhobors — communities whose resilience and contributions left a legacy that continues to shape the Kootenays today.
Limit: 15 people.
Artifact Discovery Tours
Daily at 2:00pm | $12.50 per person
Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at Fort Steele? Join us for this engaging 30–45 minute guided tour and step into the world of museum collections and preservation.
Go beyond the historic buildings and familiar stories of Fort Steele to discover how we care for the objects that help tell our past. Learn how artifacts are collected, catalogued, stored, and preserved, and get a closer look at some of the fascinating objects in the Fort Steele collection.
From historic household items to medical and pharmaceutical artifacts, every object has a story. This tour offers a glimpse into the work that goes into protecting these objects and the stories they tell for future generations.
The tour takes place primarily indoors with minimal walking and includes one flight of stairs.
Suitable for all ages.
If you love history, museums, or simply enjoy discovering the stories behind the objects we use every day, this is a tour you won’t want to miss.
Come see what happens behind the scenes.
Limit: 15 people.
Other Programs & Activities
In addition to scheduled tours and programs, Fort Steele offers a variety of drop-in heritage experiences throughout the site — all included with general admission unless otherwise noted. No sign-up required.
Ongoing Activities:
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Pioneer life demonstrations at the Lambi House
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Enjoy ongoing domestic demonstrations such as:
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Preserving and baking
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Heritage laundry practices
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Sewing
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Natural wool spinning
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Gold Panning – Try your luck and experience the thrill of the gold rush — free with admission
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Heritage Trades & Demonstrations – Visit working heritage spaces including the Printshop, Leather Shop, Blacksmith, and Tin Shop to see historic skills in action
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Look for a sandwich board sign out front — if it’s out, the shop is open and staff are available for demonstrations or interpretation
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Visitors can also try simple craft-making in the Leather and Tin Shops (some fees may apply)
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Short Films at the Wildhorse Theatre – Cool off and enjoy a fun selection of short films. You can also purchase popcorn and cotton candy.
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School House and Dress shop–Step inside, meet our interpreters, and discover what everyday life was like in the past — from lessons in the schoolhouse to the clothing people wore and how it was made.
Plan Ahead
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Wear comfortable footwear — uneven paths and slippery boardwalks are part of the terrain
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Some activities may change based on weather or staffing
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Check in at the Visitor Centre for daily updates and recommendations