Things To Do In The Crowsnest Pass Alberta Canada

Road Trip Destinations Along the Crowsnest Hwy 

Where Is the Crowsnest Pass and What Is There To Do

Things To Do In The Crowsnest Pass Alberta Canada. This is a mountain pass highway route, including a municipality, in southwestern Alberta, Canada neighbouring the border of British Columbia. This is an outdoor lovers paradise. The Pass technically continues on into British Columbia towards Fernie. There are multiple little towns on the Alberta side, along the Crowsnest Hwy aka Hwy 3. Blairemore, Coleman, Bellevue and Frank are some town names you will find here. Each with its own charm and unique offerings. Many of these communities are home to local businesses such as a candy shop, bakeries, multiple restaurant options, outdoor stores including the Fly Shop and Cafe, antiques, and many additional shopping opportunities. There are not many large corporations or chains down here. It is mostly independent unique stores and small town charm. And I don't know about you, but I much prefer to spend my money in areas like this! Supporting local goes a long way down here!

Things To Do In The Crowsnest Pass Includes A History Lesson

This area of southern Alberta has a deep history in the coal mining industry and it shows when visiting. From ruins, to mining disaster cemeteries and even an underground mine tour that is still available today, there is a ton to see and learn about. The Crowsnest Pass is also a very rich archeological section of the Rocky Mountains as well. With some ancient tools found in this region dating back to over 10,000 years ago! Furthermore, many of the head waters for our rivers start in these mountains and head out west to the pacific and also east to Hudsons Bay. The Crowsnest Pass is a nature and history lovers playground! Interestingly, in 1979 the communities of Hillcrest, Bellevue, Blairmore, Coleman and Frank amalgamated to form what is now known as the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass. This Pass is the most southern highway route in the Canadian Rocky Mountains and is one of the lowest elevation passes in Canada, making it a relatively safe and easy to enjoy road trip through the mountains. This is a 324 km paved highway pass through the Canadian Rockies. A quieter, less explored pocket of the Rockies. 

10 Things To Do In The Crowsnest Pass Alberta Canada

1. Campgrounds, Day Use Areas & Parks 

Whether you are just passing through or looking to stay awhile, the Crowsnest offers a variety of locations to suit your needs. You'll find many day-use areas with pavilions, picnic tables and amazing views. As well as a plethora of fun campgrounds to use as a basecamp for some fun adventures. Try the Hillcrest Mine Disaster Memorial Park, or Chinook Lake Day-Use pavilion for a lunch break. Planning to stay? Book your accommodation at the Lost Lemon Campground and Cabins, drop your trailer at Island Lake Recreation Area, or pop a tent in the backcountry of the Livingstone PLUZ. The Livingstone Public Land Use Zone stretches right into The Pass and is a great location to find those random camping spots. As it goes, that's just to name a few of the many options available in The Pass.

2. Find Some Waterfalls

We love waterfalls! But who doesn't? The Crowsnest Pass in Alberta has no shortage of waterfalls to find. Most require a bit of hiking to get to, but hiking in the Crowsnest is actually pretty easy compared to other mountain areas in Alberta. The trails are generally in amazing shape, and quite family friendly. Throw Rainbow Falls, Crowsnest Creeks Falls, Allison Creek Falls, and Star Creek Falls onto your waterfall bucket list. Just so you know, you won't typically find gigantic waterfalls here, Star Creek being the largest I have found yet at a still impressive 30ft drop. There is even an intermittent waterfall annually that is very easy to access from your vehicle at Emerald Lake.

Around Town in the Crowsnest Pass

3. Support Local and Shop and Eat Around Town

So not only can you take in some great outdoor activities around here, you'll notice the cute towns that make up the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass have a lot to offer as well. With 5 communities in less than 20 kms along Hwy 3, there are a ton of small town options for shops, restaurants, bakeries, grocery stores, liquor and 420 stores, boutique shops and much more. Walk the downtown areas and enjoy the small town vibes. 

4. Discover The Crowsnest Heritage Route

History runs deep in the Crowsnest Pass. For example, Coleman has a number of historical buildings. You can walk or drive around town and view the plaques on the buildings speaking to their part of the Crowsnest story. There is even a little map and information pamphlet available to download here on the Alberta Governments website, to help you check all the stops off and learn more along the way. In addition, to the specific Coleman tour, there are numerous signs, sights and experiences that tie into the history in this region and all over the Pass; from Ghost Towns to ancient artifacts, and hidden backroad finds. Do something different on your summer vacation this year and book your family a tour of the Bellevue Mine!

Cool Off This Summer in the Crowsnest Pass 

5. Bring The Kids to the Pool and Waterslide or Spray Park

This addition on our list of Things To Do In The Crowsnest Pass is certainly a seasonal excursion in Canada. Luckily the Blairmore Pool, but better known as The Pass Pool, is pretty awesome! Open from May to September annually, this summer attraction offers a large pool, hot tub, lazy river, waterslide, toddler area and more! With a gorgeous mountain backdrop, it's a lovely place to cool off during a hot summer road trip! Alternatively, if you are looking for something a bit quicker or a light drenching instead, you can always enjoy a quicker visit to the Coleman Spray Park in Flumerfelt Park. 

Tragedy is Common in Crowsnest History

6. Find the Plane Crash Site

This unique find will take some time to find. It's located on the border of the Crowsnest Pass and the Castle Provincial Parks. This is a nice multi-use 9 km in and back trail leading to a deadly military plane crash site. The plane is still there surrounded by 8 crosses, one for each passenger on board. 

7. A Blast From the Past at Frank's Slide Interpretive Centre and Hiking Trails

Frank's Slide Interpretive Centre is a fantastic reminder of what was only a few moments in time, yet it changed this area in vast ways. Not only did the landscape drastically change for ever, but the town of Frank was left devastated in the wake of Canada's deadliest rockslide. Interestingly, all 3 of Alberta's deadliest disasters happened along this strip of hwy just kms from each other and within a short period in history.

Endless Adventure Possibilities in Southern Alberta Canada 

Take a Road Trip to the Crowsnest Pass Alberta

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Things To Do In The Crowsnest Pass Alberta Canada