Fort Steele summers are hot and dry. Autumn is generally delightful with moderate temperatures, dry weather and wonderful natural colours. Winter is decidedly cool and dry, with minimal snow (although it does happen).

We recommend layered clothing in spring and fall, warm clothing in winter, and good walking shoes all year round.

1.   “Sunbrellas” are recommended in hot summer months.
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3.   Bring a water bottle…or, water can be purchased from any of the food service locations.  We put out water for pets at several locations.  If you can’t find it, please ask.
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5.   Bring a picnic Oct-April when our food service is limited, or eat at one of the many fine food service outlets in our surrounding communities.
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7.   Dress for the weather as you will be outside through much of your visit.  Layered clothing is recommended (especially in cooler months), as weather can be changeable. 
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9.   We sometimes experience good winds (we’re on top of a bluff overlooking the river… bring your hat pins, ladies!).
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11.   Rain is not common, but when it falls – it falls!  Bring a slicker or umbrella if it looks questionable.
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13.   We may have a limited supply of umbrellas available for sale in the Visitor Centre.
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15.   Insect repellent & suntan lotion.  If you forgot yours, you can get some at the Visitor Centre.

     

What Time of the Year is Best?

We are open year round.  Programming is in effect from May-October.  We have a full calendar of year ‘round.

Spring programming includes visits with our heritage tradesmen and very popular Gossip Tours.  Display buildings and excellent museum displays are open.  Some food service is available at this time, and most retail locations are open. 

Summertime sees the addition of wagon & steam train rides, living history street theatre, and our main stage Wild Horse Theatre show.  All food service and retail locations are open at this time.

Winter at Fort Steele can be magical.  Those who are fortunate enough to visit during at this time have the site virtually to themselves.  Display buildings and museum exhibits are closed, but winter walks around our serene streets – taking in views of the surrounding mountains – can be unforgettable.

Plan Your Visit

Help plan your Fort Steele experience by having a look at the Things To Do section of the website. If you can, plan to attend one of our special and current notices.  Feel free to give a us call or send us a note if you have questions

How Long to Stay?

That really depends on you!  Plan for at least two hours, but know that you are welcome to stay for two days.  Fort Steele admission tickets are good for two consecutive days visit, so if you miss something, you can always come back tomorrow. 

The historic town site is set up like a giant city block.  It is 12 acres, and includes over 60 buildings and outbuildings.  A two-hour stop will give you enough time to have a look about and grab a snack.  If you are prone to in-depth visits, and reading the information inside museum exhibits, add more time!  In the summertime, if you plan to ride the steam train (20 min), take a wagon ride (20 min), AND see the theatre show (60 min), add more time.  You can easily spend over 90 minutes on those three things alone. Fort Steele admission tickets are good for two consecutive day visits, so if you miss something, you can always come back tomorrow.

Be A Friend

If you plan to visit Fort Steele more than twice in the year, take a look at our annual memberships. Depending on your family size, and how many times you will visit during the year, a membership may be your most cost-effective way to go.  Membership is also a great way to support our not-for profit society and show your support for this amazing heritage property.  For more information about the Friends of Fort Steele Society.

We Are All Stewards of Our Future

Fort Steele Heritage Town is a resource for everyone, both now and a hundred years from now. It is a valuable link to our past, with over 100 years of stories encased in its streetscapes.  If these walls could only talk! 

Please treat our town as you would your most precious family possessions, the ones that you intend to pass on to your children…because that is exactly what you are doing! Fort Steele belongs to all of us.  It is the memory of a way of life, and a time, that your children and their children will want to have the opportunity to experience and to remember their great grandparents through. 

Thank you for using the site with care.