Northern Rockies Museum of Culture and Heritage

The Northern Rockies Museum of Culture and Heritage is a quaint museum located in the industrial mountain town of Hinton. The facility is housed within the original train station constructed by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway in 1911. 

The station was used between 1911-1917, then from 1927-2003. After it was decommissioned from VIA Rail, it was purchased by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway Station House Preservation Society for $1. Over nearly 15 years, the volunteer society worked to rehabilitate the building, including removing all of the lathe, plaster, and original electrical fixings. 

On May 20, 2017, the Northern Rockies Museum of Culture and Heritage officially opened to the public after almost 15 years of restoration.

In addition to the historic building, the facility is also home to a segregated train car from Kentucky constructed around 1912.  Although the car has no history in the region, it does have an important legacy. While it was used to enforce Jim Crow laws in the United States for many decades, it was purchased in the 1970s as part of Fort Edmonton’s original rolling stock. 

The best aspect of the Northern Rockies Museum is the tours. The staff always go above and beyond with their tours to create an inviting atmosphere that inspires curiosity, creativity, and an understanding of historical events.