Visit the North West Mounted Police Barracks
Step into Canmore’s past!
Built in 1893, the Canmore North West Mounted Police Barracks brings to life the story of the officers who served in early Canmore and the changing community around them.
One of Alberta’s oldest surviving NWMP buildings, the Barracks is now a Provincial Historic Site stewarded by the Canmore Museum. Explore the historic building, walk the grounds and heritage garden, and discover stories from Canmore’s early years.
Admission by Donation
Suggested admission: $10
Canmore NWMP Barracks
609 8th Street
Canmore, Alberta T1W 2B1
Grounds & Heritage Garden
The Barracks grounds are a public space, and visitors are welcome to explore the gravel pathways and heritage garden at any time.
The NWMP Barracks grounds once included a horse barn, paddock and likely a practical vegetable garden. Today, the site features vegetable and perennial beds, mature shrubs and trees, and a rose and peony garden with more than 500 plants. Many of the varieties grown here reflect plants historically cultivated in Canmore and are considered heritage varieties.
Accessibility & Facilities
The NWMP Barracks Historic Provincial Site is located at the entrance to Canmore’s charming downtown at 609 8th Street.
Paid street parking and surface lot parking are available nearby.
Canmore is accessible via Roam Transit; the 5C and 5T buses within Canmore are free for everyone
Due to the nature of the original building, the NWMP Barracks is not wheelchair accessible
Picnic facilities are located on the NWMP Barracks grounds
From Mounted Police outpost to Provincial Historic Site
The first North West Mounted Police constable was stationed in Canmore in the late 1880s. As the community grew, permanent quarters were needed and the existing Barracks were constructed in 1893.
Between 1893 and 1929, one or two officers were stationed here at a time. Their duties included patrolling the area, checking trains for illegal liquor and monitoring labour unrest, including strikes in Canmore.
The Barracks were decommissioned in 1929 and later became a private residence. The Town of Canmore purchased the property in 1989, and it was designated a Provincial Historic Site in 1990.
Programs at the Barracks
Events at the Barracks
The Canmore Museum hosts programs, special events and seasonal activities at the NWMP Barracks throughout the year.
Gift Shop
Stop by our small gift shop for a selection of museum-inspired keepsakes and locally connected finds to remember your visit.
Summer Camps at the Barracks
The Canmore Museum hosts programs, special events and seasonal activities at the NWMP Barracks throughout the year.
