About this location

Kootenae House marks a pivotal location in the history of trade between the Ktunaxa people and European fur traders, starting in 1807. This significant event altered the trajectory of both First Nations and Canadian history. Situated on terraced grassland with sweeping views of the Columbia Valley, this site was where the North West Company established the region's first fur trading post. It is also notably where the legendary explorer and surveyor David Thompson embarked on his extensive survey of the Columbia River, famously referred to as the “Great River of the West.” This historical spot offers a profound connection to the past, providing insight into the interactions that shaped the area's development and cultural exchanges.