Edmonton 
Did you that there exist badlands that date back to the age of the dinosaurs within the county of Grande Prairie? Located just east of the city of Grande Prairie near Bezanson is Kleskun Hill Park and Natural Area. This north-west park offers a host of weekend activities like hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and a chance to learn about Alberta’s history.
Things to Do at Kleskun Hill Park & Natural Area
Protected by Alberta Parks, Kleskun Hill Natural Area features the province’s northernmost badlands. The most noticeable badland formations are Dinosaur Hill and Garrett Hill; these unique formations are the eroded remains of an old river delta-similar to southern Alberta’s badlands and rise 100m above rolling hills and planes.
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Kleskun Hill is well known for the large hills and the immense variety of over 160 wildflowers and plants you can spot on a spring or summer hike, including cacti! The 1.4-kilometre hiking loop will take you through the most diverse areas of native upland prairie vegetation remaining in the Peace region.
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The site is also home to a sacred ancestral site of the Beaver First Nation.
Also located in the area is a historic village museum with nine preserved buildings like East Kleskun School and Teacherage, church, general store, houses, and barns. Exploring the historic townsite of Kleskun Hill can easily fill an afternoon on its own.
If you’d like to combine all the Kleskun Hill and Grande Prairie region adventures into more than one day, there is also a campground (no services) operated by the County of Grande Prairie with washrooms non-potable water, showers, and a playground.
Planning Your Trip to Kleskun Hill Park & Natural Area:
What: See Canada’s northernmost badlands ecosystem and a historic village. Whether you are planning a weekend in Grande Prairie or on an Alaska Highway trip to Yukon from Edmonton, these Hills make a fabulous stop.
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Best time to go: You can visit the natural area year-round.
Campground: May 15 to October 15; Weekend day-use from October 16-May 14
Museum: Weekends from June to August.
How much:
Kleskun Hill Natural Area is part of Alberta parks and is free to visit.
Admission to Kleskun Hills Museum is around $2 per adult and $1 per youth.
Campground:
$26/night individual campsite includes one hard-sided camping unit, one tent and one vehicle.
$30/ half-day for private function in the day-use area
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Getting There:
Address: 41060 TWP RD 724, Grande Prairie
Kleskun Hill Natural Area is located 30 km northeast of Grande Prairie and ~436 km northwest of Edmonton.
For more information:
By: Bernadette Gallagher
