Nestled along the Rocky Mountains in Southwest Alberta, straddling Alberta Highway 3 (Crowsnest Highway), this area is delight to visit for history enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. Getaway from the maddening crowds of Banff and Jasper and explore this delightful area that once hosted famous coal mines of Alberta.
Journey underground:
Gain a better understanding of a previously dominant industry in the Crowsnest Pass area by touring the Bellevue Underground Mine. Guests to this historically-rich site can enjoy tours between May and August. Each tour is guided by a trained and knowledgeable Heritage Interpreter. Hear the stories of workers, learn all about the revolution of the mining occupation, explore the beginnings of a mine, and more!
Re-live a tragedy:
On the morning of April 29, 1903, Canada’s most tragic rock slide occurred. Named after this tragic event, the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre, was built in remembrance. Guests are able to study the interpretive panels, look on at the viewpoints around the centre, hike through the scene of the slide, and more. Drop by to take part in an in-depth learning experience before grabbing a snack from the gift shop! Details
Remember Canada’s worst mining disaster:
In 1914, 189 lost their lives during the Hillcrest Mine Disaster. This tragedy left over 200 wives and children, and the Hillcrest community, in despair. On the 104th anniversary, view audio-visual presentations, interactive exhibits, and interpretive programs to remember this horrific event. Additionally, learn the financial, cultural, and political circumstances that shaped this moment in history. Details
Experience the ranch lifestyle:
Centre Peak High Country Adventures offers guests a unique mountain experience. Witness different parts of ranch life before (and after) taking part in a horseback ride amid the beautiful mountain scenery of Crowsnest Pass. There’s also the possibility of seeing wildlife from the area while you ride! Don’t miss this one of a kind adventure. Details
Appreciate art:
Spend an afternoon checking out local, provincial, and national art at the Crowsnest Pass Public Art Gallery. This gallery hosts a variety of programs for all ages. Additionally, a number of special events can be enjoyed throughout the year. Commemorate your visit by purchasing something from the gift shop which sells art and crafts from over 50 local artists. Details
View wildlife captured in photographs:
the Launsteins are a family of wildlife photographers who have compiled a collection of beautiful photographs of wildlife from all over the world. Consequently, four of six members have received prestigious photography awards. Stop by their gallery to fully admire the moments they have flawlessly captured. The Launsteins would love it if you came and said hello! Details
Roll down a mountain:
Crowsnest Pass is a delight for those who want to enjoy the thrill of mountain biking! The Crowsnest Pass boasts extensive mountain bike trails throughout the community, including at the Pass Powderkeg Ski Hill. You can contact United Riders of Crowsnest Pass for all those hidden gems in the area. If you want guided experience, check out Sweet Riders. This mountain biking company offers lessons and tours for all ages and abilities. All lessons and tours are run by Karey, who is an internationally recognized mountain biker. See how Karey can help you achieve your mountain biking dreams! Details
Tour a fallen enterprise:
Leitch Collieries was a family-based coal mining pursuit that was cut short due to the financial crises brought about by World War I. Despite its closure, the infrastructure built for the Collieries has withstood the test of time. Today, guests can enjoy a walking tour of the area. Knowledgeable staff are onsite during the summer season! Details
Eat as much as a bear:
Treat yourself to a meal at Cinnamon Bear Bakery & Cafe. Guests can enjoy all kinds of baked goods, lunch items, and hot and cold beverages. With so many delicious items to choose from, it’s no wonder that this cafe is popular among visitors and locals alike. The food here won’t disappoint! Details
Camp out at a ghostly campground:
Lost Lemon Campground was named after Frank Lemon, who killed his partner, Blackjack, shortly after they struck gold. Legend has it that Lemon spent the rest of his life slightly crazy after murdering his friend. Campers to this area may not experience an encounter with a crazy ghost. However, Lost Lemon Campground’s location amid Crowsnest Pass makes it an ideal home base for exploring the area. Make the most of your stay here by taking a dip in the pool and buying some ice cream from their on-site convenience store! Details
Work on your golf swing:
Recreational and competitive golfers, alike, will be pleased to find out about the Crowsnest Pass Golf and Country Club. Guests can take part in lessons or improve themselves at the driving range. A new and improved course will be available for golfers to play a round on! Enjoy the scenic views will you aim for a hole in one. After, treat yourself to a meal at the on-site restaurant! Details
Find out more about fly fishing:
Crowsnest Cafe and Fly Shop is the perfect little pitstop for those wanting to wade into the world of fly fishing. Visitors can shop for gear in the shop and take part in lessons or trips with Alberta Fly Fishing Adventures. Let the friendly staff inform you (or show you) about all the fishing opportunities that Crowsnest Pass has to offer! Once that’s done, stop by the cafe for a hearty meal! Details
Visit a murder scene:
When Constable Steven Lawson was murdered, there was conflict over who the perpetrator was. Visitors to the Alberta Provincial Police Barracks can tour the ‘scene of the crime’ and decide for themselves who they think the murderer was. Touring the Barracks also allows guests to access the Crowsnest Museum! Take time to visit the location of Canada’s most infamous rum running murder! Details
Enjoy an ample meal and drink:
From 1916 to 1923, Alberta functioned as an alcohol-free province. Consequently, “rum runners,” people who transported alcoholic beverages to alcohol-free areas, started frequenting Crowsnest Pass. The Rum Runner restaurant is named after this group of rebels. It boasts giant burgers, along with other delicious food; a wide variety of alcoholic beverages, including four different rum runner drinks; and a laid-back atmosphere. Drop in for a meal you won’t regret! Details
Have a sugar rush:
No summer adventure is complete without ice cream, so treat yourself to top quality frozen delights by visiting the Old Dairy Ice Cream Shoppe. Guests can choose from a variety of soft serve and hard ice creams, including the fittingly named “Turtle Mountain.” Enhance your experience by treating yourself to a delicious waffle cone. No matter what frozen delight you choose, the old ice cream shoppe is the perfect reward after your outdoor adventures. Details
Explore the Pass on OHV:
As days go by, the areas allowed to explore on off-highway vehicles is decreasing with restrictions at place at many, once sought after places in Alberta. Areas around Crowsnest Pass like Livingstone Public Land Use Zone remain the few allowed places. The Crowsnest Pass features over thousands of kms of maintained and mapped quad and snowmobile trails. See Quad Squad for more information.
Devour a specially made pizza:
Indulge yourself in a delicious pizza by stopping by Black Rock Pizzeria & Bakery. This one of a kind shop offers flavours to suit every craving. Each pizza is assembled once requested to ensure maximum freshness. Make sure to visit this locally-owned pizzeria when you visit Crowsnest Pass! Details
Check out something bigger and for the better:
An interesting pitstop for visitors to the Pass is the Biggest Piggy Bank in the World. With some help from a local, you can find it, along with the walking trails and picnic areas close by! If you stop by, bring some food to enjoy a little more time at this hidden location. The piggy bank also collects donations for various organizations and charities, so feel free to drop a few coins in! Details
Visit a not-so-typical museum:
Journey up the shell of a mountain:
Turtle Mountain, known to Indigenous peoples as “the mountain that moves,” caused Canada’s deadliest rockslide. The mountain continues to move, but the movements are monitored to prevent future catastrophes. If you’re feeling brave, you can make the 6.2km return trip to the North Peak. After braving the shifting rocks and exposure, you will be rewarded with a bird’s eye view of Frank Slide and the neighbouring peaks! Details
Explore a crash site:
in 1946, an RCAF DC-3 Dakota came crashing down near the North York Creek. The wreckage from the crash remains today. Hikers can make the 6km trip to it, but make sure not to touch anything! The continued preservation of this site will allow others to enjoy this unique hiking destination for years to come. Details
Go on a quick trek:
The Star Creek Falls Loop proves that you don’t have to walk far to observe breathtaking views! This loop takes visitors across two bridges and offers two viewpoints of the beautiful falls. The road to the trail can be quite rough, so be prepared to park your vehicle at the bottom of the hill. The extra bit of walking will be well worth it! Details
Visit the Seven Sisters:
Crowsnest Mountain is home to an intense 10.8 km hike. Be forewarned that this hike is not for the faint of heart: route finding and intermediate scrambling skills are required. However, if you brave the loose rocks and exposure, you will be rewarded with panoramic views that feature the seven sisters! Will you make the trip up? Details
Fall in love with some waterfalls:
The Lundbreck Falls Recreation Area is home to the Lundbreck Falls which features two drops into beautiful waters that visitors can dip their feet in. The hike to this natural landmark is only one of many activities that can be enjoyed in the area. Get the most out of your visit by spending a night or two at one of the close-by campsites! Details
Meander through a ghost town:
The town of Lille was once a promising mining camp that met its end at the hands of a catastrophic economic crash. Following its decline in 1913, the town of Lille was turned into a Provincial Historic Site in 1978. This decision has allowed for the preservation of the remaining artifacts which hikers to the area can observe. Take some time to appreciate this ghost town when you visit the Pass! Details
Celebrate history and nature:
Crowsnest Pass hosts its Annual Doors Open and Heritage Festival in August. Guests can enjoy a more in-depth experience of what Crowsnest Pass has to offer by stopping by at one of two picnics, joining tours of many historical areas, or browsing the Coleman Country Market. Get the most of your visit to Crowsnest Pass by stopping by during this history and nature rich festival! Details
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