Calgary 
Alberta’s wilder wilderness areas are marked by Alberta Parks as Wildland Provincial Parks. Every part of the province has an area like this, with hundreds of square kilometres of wilderness. These rugged areas are tougher to explore and don’t offer the amenities that a front country campground in Alberta would offer. But there are still several reasons to make the trip to these parts of the province any time of year.
Credit: Alberta Parks
Alberta’s Wildland Provincial Parks are usually best suited to experienced backcountry campers, cross-country skiers, equestrian riders, or off-highway vehicle owners.
The Bob Creek Wildland Provincial Park, west of Claresholm, has an extensive trail system for much of the above. Along with the many lengthy trails in the area, the Bob Creek Wildland’s beauty is also a huge draw for adventurers.
Bob Creek is one of the many, but one of the larger, creeks that are part of the Oldman River watershed. The southwest corner of the park is especially scenic and is one of the best places to get a view of the river. The area, known as the Livingstone Gap, has parking and spots for fishing.
Make your way to the Bob Creek staging area to get the best access to the full Wildland Provincial Park.
Exploring Bob Creek Wildland:
Before you explore any of Alberta’s Wildland Provincial Parks, Heritage Rangelands, or Public Land Use Zones, check the maps for private property.
While protected areas, many also contain farms or ranches, and people’s homes. Always be respectful of no trespassing signs, fences, and no parking signs. The Bob Creek Wildland Provincial Park and Black Creek Heritage Rangelands both have private property that visitors need to respect.
-
- In addition to the area being active ranch lands, it is also gorgeous. So many opt to explore the Wildland with their horses. The area’s equestrian trails are well-marked by previous riders. The south staging area has ample room for horse-trailer parking.
- Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) are permitted on the main Wildland trails. You could explore the PP from north to south on these trails. The main trail follows Camp Creek from north to south but creates a few loops along the way. OHVs are the best way to reach the backcountry camping in the area.
- Head to a backcountry campsite in the Bob Creek Wildland for one, two, or a few days of peace and quiet in these beautiful areas. Always minimize your footprint when finding and setting up camp, and use existing fire rings when possible.
- In the winter, the OHV trails are busy with snowmobilers. All of the same summer trails are accessible to snowmobilers from the Bob Creek Staging Area.
- Hiking and biking are popular here, too. But to simplify your adventure by staying away from private property, take to the trails surrounding the Bob Creek Wildland. Hikers may follow the OHV trails as well while being mindful that there will be traffic.
The Best Hiking Trails Around Bob Creek
Find trails exclusively for hiking in the Provincial Parks and Recreation areas surrounding the Bob Creek Wildland.
- The Racehorse Creek Trail is a pretty, quiet, and simple trail which leads you from the Racehorse PRA. The trail is 2.3km out and back.
- In need of a challenge? The Thunder Mountain Trail south of the Bob Creek Wildland has every challenge a hiker could want but in small doses. The trail has rocky sections, small places to climb, and a few different routes for getting to the peak. Once at the top, the incredible views will display prairies, foothills, and mountains. The trail is 9km out and back.
More to do in the Southwest Rockies
- Fishing is permitted at the Livingstone Gap area of the Bob Creek Wildland Provincial Park. You could also make a short trip to three different nearby Provincial Recreation Areas for world-renowned fishing opportunities. These include Maycroft, Dutch Creek, and Racehorse Provincial Recreation Areas. These locations also offer camping and simple hiking trails.
- Head out on a waterfall-chasing adventure. You’ll find the Livingstone Falls, Allison Creek Falls, Lundbreck Falls, and Star Creek Falls, all between the Wildland Provincial Park, and the Crowsnest Highway.
- Explore the history of coal mining on display all along the Crowsnest Highway, south of the Wildland Provincial Park. Visit the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre, hike up Turtle Mountain, or visit the abandoned Bellevue Mine. End it all with a picnic at the Leitch Collieries Historic Site.
Dining in Claresholm
Claresholm is directly east of Bob Creek Wildland PP on Highway AB-520. The town of Foothills offers a wide array of cuisine from local eateries.
- The Fairway Restaurant serves all-day breakfast, as well as dinner, drinks, and appetizers.
- The &Kitchen offers authentic Korean dishes plus burgers, wraps, and a variety of sides.
- Canadian Pizza Unlimited is a highly-rated family restaurant and Alberta chain with all sorts of casual comfort dishes.
- Roy’s Place has a menu for every meal of the day, and a sunny patio.
Plan Your Trip – Bob Creek Wildland Provincial Park
What: The Bob Creek Wildland Provincial Park east of Claresholm is a large, protected part of the Rockies and foothills of southwestern Alberta. The park’s borders encompass a valley created by Bob Creek and the surrounding mountain peaks. The most popular ways to explore the Wildland PP are by OHV or by horseback. The area permits backcountry camping.
Location and how to get there: south access, use Township Road 103A via Highway AB-22, or Highway AB-517.
Best time to go: year-round access
How much: Free
For more information:
Bob Creek Wildland Provincial Park
