Originally called "Galbraith's Ferry" after John and Robert Galbraith that started a cable ferry across the Kootenay River. The community was later renamed Fort Steele in honour of Sam Steele of the North-West Mounted Police.

Fort Steele grew into a commercial centre, shipping lead, zinc and silver from Kimberley's North Star Mine to smelters in the United States. However, when the railway bypassed the centre in 1898 the town was gradually deserted.

The town is back to life as Fort Steels Heritage Town is vibrant with the sights and sounds of frontier life. Visitors can enjoy first-class musical comedies, scripted street dramas, food at the International, and much more. The grounds are open year-round, dawn to dusk with an admission fee in peak season of mid-June to early Sept.

Enjoy a Slide Show of Fort Steele

If you would like to have your business listed, please Click Here.

Access: Follow Highway 93/95 16 km north of Cranbrook

Local Attractions: Wild Horse Theatre Shows, Living History Street Dramas, Steam Train Rides, Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides, International Hotel Restaurant, Prospector Print Shop, City Bakery, Kershaw's General Store, Mrs. Sprague's Confectionery, over 60 heritage buildings, Pepsi Hose Reel Race

August: Harvest Festival

Accommodations: There are campground/RV parks and a lodge located at the Heritage Town as well as a variety of motel/hotel and campground accommodation in the surrounding area.

For Information:
Fort Steele Heritage Town
Fort Steele, BC V0B 1N0
Telephone: (250) 417-6000 • Fax: (250) 489-2624
Recorded Information: (250) 426-7352