Two-day itinerary – From Buffalo Jumps to Sliding Mountains, Pincher Creek is your basecamp
A SnowSeekers' road trip isn't complete unless the destinations include outdoor adventures, culinary, learning and cultural experiences. During winter 2019, create your #BucketlistAB itinerary in Southern Alberta and see just why Pincher Creek is basecamp for historic sites.
A SnowSeekers Expedition: #Bucketlistab
If you are heading to Pincher Creek over the next several weeks to get in some great snowshoeing at Castle Provincial Park, pad some time in to visit both Frank Slide and Head Smashed-in Buffalo Jump while you are in the area.
Read all about Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site here
Read all about Frank Slide in the winter here
Getting to Pincher Creek
Drive from Calgary: It’s about a 2-hour drive south on the AB-2 S to Pincher Creek. Head south on AB-2 for 153 kilometres. Take exit 89, following the signs for AB-3 W/Pincher Creek. Continue on AB-3 W for 44 km, turn south on AB-6 for 4 km.
Drive from Edmonton: It’s about a 5-hour drive south on the AB-2 S to Pincher Creek on AB-2S. Take exit 89 near Fort McLeod, following the signs for AB-3 W/Pincher Creek. Continue on AB-3 W for 44 km, turn south on AB-6 for 4 km.
Drive from Regina: It’s about a 7-hour drive west on the Trans-Canada Hwy/SK-1 W, Crowsnest Hwy/AB-3 W to Pincher Station. Turn south on AB-6 for 4 km to reach the town.
Overnight in Pincher Creek – Might we suggest staying at either the Ramada Hotel or Heritage Inn. Both properties are easy to access and offer pool activities and fitness centres.
Day One – start with a hearty breakfast
Stop in at Harvest Coffeehouse on main street to start your day with a hearty and healthy breakfast. Everything on the menu is from scratch. Fill up the go-cup with coffee is sourced from local providers before starting your adventures.
Spend the day exploring Castle Provincial Park and Frank Slide on snowshoe
A winter trip to Pincher Creek wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the almost new (2017) Castle Provincial Park. It’s a stunning place, yet to be discovered by anyone but you. Bring your snowshoes or cross-country skis and set out for adventures from the Drywood Creek Valley.
Head west out of Pincher Creek on AB-507 for 17 km. Turn onto AB-774W for Beaver Mines but continue through for 20 km until you reach the provincial park. When you have finished exploring, return to the charming Beaver Mines General Store for lunch before turning north on AB-507. At the intersection of AB-3, turn west to the highway heading west to the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre in the Crowsnest Pass only 11 km away.
When the face of Turtle Mountain came crashing down in 1903, it swept across the valley, wiping out railways, roads and most of a town. Frank Slide is a powerful reminder of how nature rules. During the winter, you can either hike or snowshoe the trails to see how the disaster unfolded and how the town and nature recovered.
Get your map to Castle Provincial Park and Frank Slide here
Return to Pincher Creek directly on AB-3E.
Late afternoon – whet your whistle in Lundbreck
On your way back to Pincher Creek, stop in at the micro brewery at Lundbreck. The Oldman River Brewing taproom offers some pretty refreshing beer. Take a growler with you filled with our favourite - the Blue Bridge lager.
Evening – Enjoy dinner in Pincher Creek
Dinner suggestions include either The Grill in the legendary King Edward Hotel on main street or Luigi’s for excellent pizza near Walmart. After dinner, head for the Pincher Creek Swimming Pool on main street before retiring to the Ramada Hotel or Heritage Inn.
Overnight in Pincher Creek
Day Two – Visit the award winning Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump
The first thing you see when you walk into the centre is a trio of buffalo on the edge of a cliff – momnets from their doom. So many first-time visitors walk into the incredible centre and say, “Wow! Why haven’t I been here before.” Second time visitors say, “It’s so nice to be back.” The amount of learning that takes place is almost overwelming. Learn more about the centre here.
To get to Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump in the winter, we suggest sticking to the main roads. Head east on AB-3 for 43 km, turn north onto AB-2 and cross the river. Take the first left where you see the giant bronze buffalo and follow AB-785W for 11 km. Keep your eyes peeled. The building is hiding in the rock outcrop straight ahead.
Get your map to Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump here
When you go:
Read more about Castle Provincial Park, Castle Mountain Resort and Head-smashed-In Buffalo Jump on our ZenSeekers and SnowSeekers websites.
Begin planning your trip to Southwest Alberta via Travel Alberta or the Explore Southwest Alberta website.
Hit the road to explore Alberta's South along Highway 3 this month and be sure to share your discoveries on social media with the hashtag #BucketlistAB and #ExploreAlberta - you could be featured on our social media channels. Check out www.BucketlistAB.ca for itineraries, stories and lots more video on Southern Albertan experiences.
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