The David Thompson Highway, in west-central Alberta, provides access to some of the most beautiful but more remote parts of the province. From Nordegg to Banff National Park, on this stretch of Mountain Highway, are incredible sights, slices of Alberta’s nature and wildlife, and backcountry opportunities.
Remote mountain landscapes and more rugged terrain aren’t always on everyone’s itinerary. These backcountry adventures require extra equipment, training, and knowledge. Luckily, there are places around the David Thompson Highway and County, such as the Thompson Creek Provincial Recreation Area, that provide the feeling of a remote mountain adventure while keeping the adventure close to services and amenities, plus a campground.
Banff & Jasper Basecamp
It is simple and convenient to make the Thompson Creek Provincial Recreation Area the basecamp for adventures in either of the National Parks. The boundary and entrance to Banff is quite a bit closer to Thompson Creek, with 10km between the two parks, while Jasper is about 55km away. A visit to either park during a stay at the Thompson Creek PRA grants you access to several other great views and picnic, fishing, and hiking spots. Plus, this brings the adventures onto the gorgeous Icefields Parkway.
A Scenic & Quiet Camping Escape
The Thompson Creek Provincial Recreation Area is surrounded by the Kiska/Wilson PLUZ and lies close to the Banff National Park Boundaries. This area is a prime location for “crown land camping,” or the backcountry camping permitted around the PLUZ. However, for those who prefer at least a few different services for camping, and do not need to hike into the site, this area offers the campground of Thompson Creek!
- The Thompson Creek Campground has 56 basic campsites that offer a picnic table and fire pit, and room for a tent, trailer, or RV. Plus, for those who want a quieter, more private spot, there are also 3 walk-in sites for tents. Each site is well-treed-in to provide shade and privacy between sites.
- The park office also offers firewood for sale, and all campers have access to outhouses and pumps for non-potable water.
- Stargaze around the firepit by nightfall and spend days at the campground exploring the banks of the North Saskatchewan, or the shallow waters of Thompson Creek.
Enjoy the Surrounding Waters
One of the best ways to make the most out of a trip to this part of David Thompson County is fishing! Both the Thompson Creek and North Saskatchewan River are open to fishing with direct rive shore access from the campground. During a dusk or dawn fishing trip, or a sunrise/sunset walk, take time to enjoy the incredible nature of it all! With this section of the North Saskatchewan River running west to east, there are chances to catch both an epic sunrise and sunset surrounded by mountains and forested hills.
Banff at your Backdoor
Head west by less than 10km to reach the entrance to Banff National Park where there are more waters to photograph and enjoy, and several other sights to see.
- Highway AB-11 west will connect to the Icefields Parkway after the park entrance. The intersection is a great stop for food (The Crossing Café), gas, another place to stay (The Crossing Resort), and those incredible views of the river.
- This area has some incredible hiking opportunities, too. The Glacier Lake trailhead near the crossing starts an 8.1km trek up to the beautiful mountain lake; this hike will take up an entire day at roughly 16.2km out-and-back.
- Enjoy relaxing recreation along the area’s easier trails like the 1km Mistaya Canyon trail, the 1.2km Peyto Lake Viewpoint Trail, or the 9.2km Cirque Lake Trail.
- To the north, on the Icefields Parkway, about 55km from Thompson Creek, is the boundary between Jasper and Banff National Parks.
Explore the Kiska/Wilson Public Land Use Zone (PLUZ)
The trail within the Thompson Creek PRA provides 1.5km of hiking trail between the campground and the North Saskatchewan Riverbanks. Follow the trail out to an opening overlooking the expansive river section, where lower water levels reveal a collection of small islands. And all around the park, mainly within the Kiska/Wilson PLUZ, are several other great hiking trails from other simple treks to the more challenging day hikes.
- There are three trails which head from the same spot across the David Thompson Highway from the Thompson Creek PRA. Two of the trails are over 20km, with the choice to summit either the Resolute or Cline Mountains. However, only 4.5km from the trailhead are the Thompson Creek Falls, which create a more moderate 9km out-and-back hike.
- Similarly, the trails for Landslide Lake east of the Thompson Creek are either a strenuous 30.1km hike, or the much simpler 2.4km Interpretive Trail.
- Further east, and just outside of the Kiska/Wilson PLUZ, is the Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve with more camping, and a handful of easy riverside trails.
Planning Your Trip – The Thompson Creek Provincial Recreation Area
What: The Thompson Creek Provincial Recreation Area is a comparatively small campground and park with basic amenities and services, and direct hiking access to the North Saskatchewan River. The park and campground are on the River’s north bank.
Location and how to get there: 83km southwest of Nordegg on AB-11 (10km east of Saskatchewan River Crossing)
Best time to go: day use and camping open May 2-october 4
Cost: day use free; camping $28 per night
For more information:
Thompson Creek Provincial Recreation Area