Invest in Alberta's David Thompson

Trailblaze the untamed

A Gateway to Alberta's Untouched Wilderness: Where Nature Inspires New Journeys.

Nestled between the Rockies and Abraham Lake, this region offers a rare blend of untamed beauty and opportunity. Unlike legacy destinations, it’s not defined by what’s already built, but by what’s possible. For adventurous entrepreneurs and experience-driven brands, David Thompson is ready to be shaped by bold ideas and immersive experiences.

This Tourism Development Zone is poised to become a cornerstone of Alberta’s tourism economy. Its prime location next to two National Parks remains an unrealized gem, offering Canadian and international visitors sought-after high-demand experiences. Backed by natural assets with year-round potential and strong economic growth, this zone is a launchpad for the future of tourism.

There are many unique opportunities to shape this TDZ into a sustainable, high-quality destination that enhances resident well-being, protects ecological integrity, and creates new services and experiences through collaborative development.

Here, the story is still being written—and the next chapter is yours to create.

At a glance

Location: Southwest Alberta
Key communities: Rocky Mountain House, Nordegg
Getting here: 188 km (117 mi) drive from Edmonton International Airport
Projected visitor spend: $488M by 2035
Market catchment: Within a two-hour drive, 400k residents have a median disposable household income of $106K
Welcoming to businesses and visitors: Nearly six in 10 Albertans are familiar with David Thompson and 75% of its residents believe tourism is important to their community.

David Thompson Country Tourism

Discover Nordegg

Location

Where David Thompson is situated

Around a two-hour drive from either Calgary or Edmonton’s International Airports, David Thompson stretches along the scenic Highway 11. Connecting Rocky Mountain House to the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) and offering a quieter, less commercialized alternative to Alberta’s legacy mountain destinations.

River Adventure Potential Market Size: 3.5M

Winter Escapade Potential Market Size: 3.4M

Guided Nature Tours Potential Market Size: 3.2M

Group of three friends exploring a frozen canyon at nights with the Northern Lights overhead

Couple enjoying a beverage on the deck of a cabin at Expanse Cottages

Main attractions

What’s bringing visitors to David Thompson?

Abraham Lake

This man-made lake is an Instagram-worthy stop all year-round. In the spring and summer, the waters take on the characteristic turquoise colour of alpine lakes, making it a picturesque spot for a picnic.

But it’s in the winter that Abraham Lake becomes really eye-catching. That’s when methane bubbles get trapped in the ice and produce a striking effect. As you walk or skate over the ice, the bubbles appear to be stacked beneath your feet. They will soon be stacked up on your photo roll, too.

The Crossing Resort

The resort features 64 motel-style units and three dining options. A General Store, Gift Shop, and Service Centre with gasoline, diesel, and electric charging stations complement the resort facilities.

Fourteen of the best hiking trails in the Canadian Rockies are located 30 minutes or less from their "backdoor". Two of the major attractions along the Parkway, the Columbia Icefields Centre and the Glacier Skywalk are a 40-minute drive making The Crossing Resort a central hub for hiking & attractions in David Thompson.

Rocky Mountain Historic Site

Discover a historic fur trade post along the North Saskatchewan River and immerse yourself in stories of Indigenous Peoples and legendary explorers. Discover interpretive experiences, sites of interest, the archaeological locations of four fur trade forts, wild bison viewing, 10 km of hiking and biking trails, friendly heritage presenters, and more.

Try Heritage Camping and experience the life of a fur trader and stay in a Tipi, Métis Trapper Tent, or Trapline Cabin. Trailer and walk-in tenting campgrounds are also available.

Get inspired

Aurum Lodge

Aurum Lodge is a secluded mountain retreat offering guests an escape into nature’s beauty. Nestled near the turquoise shores of Abraham Lake, this eco-lodge provides breathtaking views of mountains and pristine waters, perfect for those seeking peace away from the daily hustle.

Brazeau Collieries Mine National Heritage Site

Both a Provincial and National Historic Resource, the industrial coal mine site was key in the development of Western Canada. Tours are offered in the 1950s coal briquette plant and auxiliary buildings.

Crescent Falls

Crescent Falls is a two-for-one experience. It's a series of two waterfalls located on the Bighorn River in Clearwater Country. That's about 25 km (15.5 mi) from Nordegg off Highway 11 (David Thompson Highway).

Expanse Cottages

The six cozy cabins at Expanse Cottages are nestled in Nordegg on the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies. That means guests can be assured of both adventure and total relaxation when booking a stay.

HeLa Ventures

Dedicated to providing individuals, school groups, and all-around adventure seekers with positive outdoor educational experiences, they offer a variety of outdoor activities by well-trained and experienced educators and guides from a holistic perspective.

Nordegg Adventures

Sharing adventures in awe-inspiring places since 2010, Nordegg Adventures provides year-round tours the area. Walk on the ice at Abraham Lake in search of the famous methane bubbles or take a scenic float on the North Saskatchewan River.

Rockies Heli Canada

Rockies Heli Canada offers year-round helicopter tours in the breathtaking Canadian Rocky Mountains. Choose from 20-minute to 55-minute sightseeing tours, as well as heli-hiking, snowshoeing, and wilderness adventures.

Wildhorse Ranch & Outfitters

Ride through time at Wildhorse Ranch with Bear and Diane—your hosts with over 30 years of horse & land connected living. Peace lives here, Rest and Pause, Unwind in the Woodland Nordic Spa with a wood-fired hot tub and sauna.

Unlock opportunities

Discover your next great investment with our expert-led team.

Contact us to learn more about Travel Alberta’s efforts to grow tourism in the region, and to access third-party opportunity assessments and bespoke insights.