Spurring east from the Icefields Parkway to Red Deer for 254 km (158 mi) is the David Thompson Highway (Hwy 11), named for Canada’s greatest mapmaker and explorer. The road begins at Saskatchewan River Crossing 77 km (48 km) north of Lake Louise. En route is striking scenery; many hiking trails; three designated wilderness areas; rivers, lakes and waterfalls; beaches and swimming; and historic sites and towns. Most tourist amenities are 180 km (112 mi) from the Parkway in the town of Rocky Mountain House.
• Kootenay Plains (7 km/4.3 mi) Drive east 5 km (3 mi) to a challenging hike that winds upstream 6 km (4 mi) from the campground to Thompson Creek Falls and great views. Kootenay Plains Ecological Area begins at 19.5 km/12 mi—this was Stoney and Ktunaxa First Nations ceremonial grounds. At 27 km (17 mi) is Siffleur Falls Trail, a 14 km (9 mi) hike to three waterfalls begins by crossing a suspension bridge over the North Saskatchewan River.
• Abraham Lake (31 km/19 mi) Watch for grazing wildlife along the north shore of scenic, 32 km (20 mi) long Abraham Lake. The area offers many short waterfall, canyon and lookout hikes, David Thompson Resort, horse riding and Icefield Helicopter Tours sightseeing, hiking, fishing and picnic excursions. At the end of the lake, Big Horn Dam has an interpretive centre open 8 am to 4 pm to late Sept. Six km (3.7 mi) farther on Hwy 11 and 3 km (2 mi) north on a gravel road is two-tiered Crescent Falls and view of Big Horn River Gorge—fish below the falls for trout.
• Nordegg (78 km/54 mi) The town was built in 1914 to support a new coal mine. But homes were abandoned in 1955 when the mine (now a National Historic Site) closed. Visit the shafts, jail, school, boarding house, boiler room and locomotive/blacksmith shop. Less well-preserved commercial buildings still stand on Main St. The Nordegg Museum & Visitor Centre (721-2625) offers tours of the mine site in summer. There's a 9-hole golf course, restaurant, gas and limited lodging.
• Crimson Lake Provincial Park (167 km/104 mi) A pretty spot boasting one of the best beaches and swimming areas in Alberta, the lake is popular with boaters. There's a playground and visitor centre (open weekends).
• Rocky Mountain House (180 km/ 112 mi) At the edge of the foothills is this vibrant town offers extensive visitor amenities and lodging, many next to the highway. Downtown, Main Street has unique shops, a bakery and restaurants. The flowers that line streets have won Alberta Communities in Bloom award.

On the north side of town near Hwy 11 is the Rocky Museum (845-2332), and Visitor Information Centre (800-565-3793). The town’s Indoor Pool Complex (845-6969) has waterslides, big hot tub and kid pool. Nearby are Pine Hills Golf Course (845-7400), Caroline Golf Course (722-2133) and Canyon Creek Golf Course (845-5001).

At Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site (845-2412), Western Canada’s fur trading past is interpreted with audio-visual programs, artifacts, signed trails and staff in period costume. The puppet show, David Thompson, the Man Who Looks at Stars, plays 2 pm Sat-Sun (Jun); W-Sun July 5-Aug 27. Voyageur Ventures (845-7878) runs trips on the North Saskatchewan River (and Brierley Rapids) in large voyageur canoes.