Sir George Simpson Historical Landmark
Where to find the Sir George Simpson Historic Landmark
If you are heading to Radium Hot Springs you can add this historic landmark as a quick stop. From Calgary take the Trans Canada AB 1 West 141 km to exit 50 for AB-93 to Kootenay National Park -
Turn left onto AB-93S and approximately 49 km on your right will be the Sir George Simpson Historic Landmark.
From Radium take BC-93N for approximately 57 km and the Sir George Simpson Historic Landmark will be on your left.
History In The Kootenay National Park Mountains
Sir George Simpson Historical Landmark
George Simpson was born in Scotland in 1792 and when his working career began as a young man it was as a sugar broker for his uncle in London. While at the sugar brokerage, Simpson met a Hudson's Bay Company board member and was offered a position. Although Simpson knew little about the fur trade business he embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly. He was appointed Governor of Ruperts' Land and Indian Territories in 1820. This was a massive area from Hudson's Bay to the Pacific Ocean and the rest of the country. Simpson traveled extensively and made many contributions to the Hudson Bay Company in developing the fur trade across the region. He was knighted in 1841. Simpson had an incredibly successful life and died in 1860.
More things to do in Kootenay National Park
Simpson River Trail
If you have the time the Simpson River Trailhead is just 0.7 km up the road towards Alberta and is a beautifully scenic hike. The trail goes through a burnt forest from a forest fire in 2001 but there is lots of new green growth and new life. From the Simpson River Trail, you will see views of mountains such as Spar Mountain (South) Octopus Mountain (far east) Indian Mountain (far east) Shanks Mountain (north).
Simpson was here in 1841 and the river and valley are named after him. The entire trail is 23.3 km (14.5 miles) and takes approximately six and a half hours to complete however you do not have to go too far for exceptional scenery and another fun thing to find...Canada's Red Chairs.
Red Chairs in Kootenay National Park
A fun family thing to do while traveling in Kootenay National Park is to find all the Red Chairs. The photographic opportunities are incredible in the Red Chair locations as they have been placed in some of the most scenic spots in Canada. There are 3 locations in Kootenay National Park, at Marble Canyon, by Radium Hot Springs, and along the Simpson River. Be sure to have a pen to sign the little notebooks between the chairs in some locations.
Interesting Stops on Highway 93 in Kootenay National Park
Three other interesting stops on Highway 93 worth visiting are Marble Canyon, Paint Pots, and Numa Falls. Fantastic photo opportunities with the stunning scenery at all three easy access stops.
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