Fort Normandeau
Fort Normandeau
4
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
Sitting on the south bank of the Red Deer River, Fort Normandeau is the historical meeting place of Red Deer's three founding cultures; the Indigenous people who lived on the land for millennia, Metis buffalo hunters and traders, and early European settlers. Explore the Fort grounds, visit the interpretive centre, and have an interactive historic experience with the Interpreters in the rec-recreated Fort building and palisade.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.0
24 reviews
Excellent
11
Very good
7
Average
5
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Shaowu C
Edmonton, Canada12 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Visited this fort for the first time last week. It is conveniently located less than 10 min west of highway 2. Plenty of parking and surrounded by nice park, chicken coop and veggie garden. There were two interpreters dressed in historical outfits in the fort that told us short stories about hygiene practices in old times. It was quite fun. The fort is small and due to social distancing, I didnt really walk around inside. My kids had lots of fun feeding the chickens behind the fort with dandelion leaves. I definitely recommend this sight if you want a short break from your travels and if you want to learn a bit about Ref Deer history. Beautiful scenery around the fort too.
Written August 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
browncondo2102
Kitchener, Canada1,788 contributions
Jul 2021
I great little fort from years gone by. Unfortunately during this part of our trip there were no kids with us to enjoy the animals.
This is the birthplace of Red Deer and is steeped in local history from the mid 1800's.
This is the birthplace of Red Deer and is steeped in local history from the mid 1800's.
Written July 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gord H
Red Deer, Canada243 contributions
Aug 2013 • Friends
We arrived at Fort Normandeau to start a 3-4 hour river float, and were greeted by a very friendly and informative host. He informed us of any river changes, hazards, etc. , and also warned us not to leave any valuable in sight in our vehicles as break-ins had occurred in the public parking areas.
As a bonus, we were asked if we were taking our cell phones on the float, and when we answered no due to possibility of them getting wet, he gave us the neatest waterproof phone bags, and indicated that for our safety we should take our cell phones along.
All of our group was impressed with the thoughtful and caring approach by the staff member, and it really made our launch at Fort Normandeau very heart warming...
We floated to Three Mile Bend - approximately 3-4 hours of relaxed floating (not paddling) - that was plenty for us (any longer would have been too long ...)
One thought on the landing - 3 mile bend is on the outside of the river bend - the current is faster and the water deeper at the edge... Next time we would park our pick-up vehicles at Bower Pond Boat Launch - a shorter trip but easier landing...
Now we want to come back and tour the Fort to see what it offers there
Thanks for a wonderful River Float Send-off!!!
Note - always park your vehicles in approved parking areas, and choose parks that are busy - vehicle break-ins happen at the lesser used areas
As a bonus, we were asked if we were taking our cell phones on the float, and when we answered no due to possibility of them getting wet, he gave us the neatest waterproof phone bags, and indicated that for our safety we should take our cell phones along.
All of our group was impressed with the thoughtful and caring approach by the staff member, and it really made our launch at Fort Normandeau very heart warming...
We floated to Three Mile Bend - approximately 3-4 hours of relaxed floating (not paddling) - that was plenty for us (any longer would have been too long ...)
One thought on the landing - 3 mile bend is on the outside of the river bend - the current is faster and the water deeper at the edge... Next time we would park our pick-up vehicles at Bower Pond Boat Launch - a shorter trip but easier landing...
Now we want to come back and tour the Fort to see what it offers there
Thanks for a wonderful River Float Send-off!!!
Note - always park your vehicles in approved parking areas, and choose parks that are busy - vehicle break-ins happen at the lesser used areas
Written August 6, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SakiSue
Sechelt, Canada34 contributions
May 2014 • Friends
Fort Normandeau shows a mixture of First Nations and Settler experiences. We started with an excellent 10-15 minute video presentation, then looked at exhibits in the building. We walked up to the Fort and stepped right into the 1800's, very well done. There is a Teepee, a small covered BBQ/picnic area. I noticed a family gathering on the large, open grassy area where the kids safely ran about. There may be additional picnic tables placed in these open areas, I don't recall. There is a functioning sweat house, apparently wonderful and used regularly. The resident hosts are very informed, having worked there seasonally for many years. Our host mentioned First Nations are very active in Fort Normandeau, using the sweathouse and venue for ceremonies and gatherings. Our host was also very informed about the River, both the history of it and details of annual changes in the flow, how to stay safe while on the River. He was great, enthusiastic about the Fort and the River and the first Nations involvement.
Written June 1, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PeregrineEdmonton
Edmonton, Canada268 contributions
Aug 2021
This was the original Red Deer River crossing. This is a well-designed and well-kept County site. Access is by donation. There is an interpretive centre with a balanced 10 minute video introduction to the history of the site, as well as friendly and knowledgeable interpreters on site. The visitors centre is cleverly built into the river bank, nicely integrated into the environment. The fort, which is small, a stockade around a house and a couple of out buildings, is none-the-less a good example of fortifications at the time. The house contains a collection of period artifacts.
The grounds have several benches and picnic tables and good views of the river. There is also a boat launch.
The grounds have several benches and picnic tables and good views of the river. There is also a boat launch.
Written August 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gander17
Red Deer, Canada30 contributions
Sept 2014 • Business
Fun like place for picnic . Fort is worth a tour . 30 minutes will do or more if like . Access to Red Deer River , so bring your canoe.
Written June 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Meagan E
Red Deer, Canada1 contribution
May 2014 • Family
Chickens and new renovations makes this place a wonderful.place for a day picnic or a site to stop.and see while traveling Alberta.
Written June 17, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adrian D
Coquitlam, Canada165 contributions
Sept 2016 • Couples
We visited Fort Normandeau with family while on a visit from our BC home. The location is extremely pleasant - a nice park-like setting right beside the river. However, the historical presentation is every bit as worthwhile - we learned a great deal about early settlement in the Red Deer area as well as the Northwest Rebellion. If you enjoy a taste of history in an extremely relaxing setting, this is the place for you! Great stop for a picnic lunch too!
The only downside is the parking area, which appears a little on the small side. We were told that parking during the summer season can be extremely problematic.
The only downside is the parking area, which appears a little on the small side. We were told that parking during the summer season can be extremely problematic.
Written September 26, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
C R
Alberta, Canada5 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
We had a great day visiting Fort Normandeau. It was so interesting walking around the area. I wish we would have packed a picnic lunch to complete our day
Written April 18, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roxana N
Red Deer, Canada20 contributions
Aug 2015 • Family
Interesting to learn history and some artefacts to see. Small kids would likely not be as interested. Lots of people visiting mnostly to launch boats on the river :)
Written September 2, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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