Crowsnest Pass
Crowsnest Pass
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jess152
Alberta108 contributions
The Crowsnest Pass is the southern-most route through the Rocky Mountains crossing from Alberta into British Columbia. It is a busy highway that leads from rolling foothills into a narrow valley that climbs to cross the Continential Divide. It is a spectacular drive, bring your camera! Wildlife such as bighorn sheep, deer, elk, moose and occasionally bears (better chance if you are off the highway) can be seen throughout the year.
The Municipality of Crowsnest Pass is made up of 5 unique small towns filled with interesting shops & cafés; Blairmore, Coleman, Hillcrest, Bellevue and Frank. Frank was devastated by Canada's deadliest rockslide in 1903, and much of the rock remains where it fell, aside from what they cleared to allow the highway and railway to pass. There is an interpretive centre that explains the tragic story of the slide and what the future may hold for the town that lay in the shadow of the mountain today. The area's history revolves around coal mining and there is a restored mine that offers tours in the summer.
The recreation opportunities here are all of the usual things you would do in one of Alberta's National Parks, although the Crowsnest Pass is not in one. It is situated between Kananaskis Country and Waterton Park, so there is lots of hiking, x-country skiing, mountain biking, fly-fishing as well as some things that the parks do not allow; hunting, snowmobiling, quading/atv-ing. There is also a small ski hill right in the town of Blairmore that offers night skiing. In July there is a large fireworks show that coincides with a celebration of the rum running history that attracts thousands of people to the area.
Two hours southwest of Calgary, the Crowsnest Pass is easy driving distance from a major centre. It is also close to the US border (maybe 4o minutes/1 hour drive), and about 20 minutes to the British Columbia border.
The Municipality of Crowsnest Pass is made up of 5 unique small towns filled with interesting shops & cafés; Blairmore, Coleman, Hillcrest, Bellevue and Frank. Frank was devastated by Canada's deadliest rockslide in 1903, and much of the rock remains where it fell, aside from what they cleared to allow the highway and railway to pass. There is an interpretive centre that explains the tragic story of the slide and what the future may hold for the town that lay in the shadow of the mountain today. The area's history revolves around coal mining and there is a restored mine that offers tours in the summer.
The recreation opportunities here are all of the usual things you would do in one of Alberta's National Parks, although the Crowsnest Pass is not in one. It is situated between Kananaskis Country and Waterton Park, so there is lots of hiking, x-country skiing, mountain biking, fly-fishing as well as some things that the parks do not allow; hunting, snowmobiling, quading/atv-ing. There is also a small ski hill right in the town of Blairmore that offers night skiing. In July there is a large fireworks show that coincides with a celebration of the rum running history that attracts thousands of people to the area.
Two hours southwest of Calgary, the Crowsnest Pass is easy driving distance from a major centre. It is also close to the US border (maybe 4o minutes/1 hour drive), and about 20 minutes to the British Columbia border.
Written November 6, 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AMSHL
Canada88 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
We were at Crowsnest Pass for the first week full weekend of August. Staying in B&B at Hillcrest Mines for 3 days. There are tons of things to explore if you have sometimes, by far for us the Frank Slide and Bellevue Underground mine are the highlight. Crowsnest Pass consisted of 5 tiny little towns and by far the largest is Blairmore. If you just passing through crowsnest pass or have a few hours to spare, do stop and learn some of Canadian coal mines history and disaster that happened here. there are also lots of hiking trails and the other best part is picking your own huckleberry. overall, it was a nice and very reward trip.
Written September 5, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael C
Derby, UK1,981 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
Driving the Crowsnest Highway, we came to the pass and saw some beautiful scenery on both sides of the road. There are not many places to stop in order to enjoy the views, but its worth having at least one stop.
Written June 17, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
david f
Calgary, Canada176 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
Crowsnest Pass - Lundbreck, Frank, Blairmore, Coleman is a hidden gem much beloved by those who love some beautiful scenery and different flora and fauna - but, at least not yet, off the tourist track. It can be accessed from Calgary preferably via highway 22(a wonderful road trip in itself). Within striking distance of Fernie and Waterton it features great hiking, camping, quadding, snowmobiling, skiing. 2 craft breweries have recently started up and the restaurant offers while still simple are a lot better than they used to be. If you want to escape the madness of Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper and the Transcanada corridor into BC - check out the Crowsnest Pass and take the Crowsnest Highway for a relaxing drive to the west coast. And don't tell anyone.
Written March 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
obviousk
Beaumont136 contributions
Aug 2015 • Friends
Love travelling highway #3 through the Crowsnest Pass. Starting with Lundbreck Falls where you can get out and take some great pictures. There is a parking lot on either side of the falls. You can have a picnic there and enjoy the sounds of the falls or take a path which takes you along the Crowsnest river. Continue on hwy #3 and you can stop and take a fabulous picture of the Burmis tree and read the history on that specific tree. Very interesting!!! Of course you have to stop at the Leitch Collieries and see how this mine functioned. Stroll through the ruins and read interesting history on this mine. You can be walk and look on your own or you can take a guided tour. You definitely have to stop at the little mining towns along this path from Bellevue, Frank, Hillcrest, Blairmore and Coleman. There is so much heritage to see. It is truely amazing stuff.
Written August 17, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim S
44 contributions
Apr 2019
It's like Banff or Canmore without the touristy commercialism. Great trails for biking and hiking. Can plan 1-2 hour jaunts between each of the 5 towns. Frank Slide Interpretive Centre is a must see ! Blairmore to Frank path parallels the river - all paths are well marked with signage and distances to different points on the route. Very friendly residents and great independent businesses.
Written April 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SDBReviews101010
Calgary, Canada181 contributions
Sep 2017 • Couples
As a Banff National Park regular (since its closer to me), I figured it was about time I headed down South a bit more. I was most surprised at the difference in scenery. I feel like these mountains are smaller and set back a further distance from the main highway. But that doesn't mean they aren't spectacular, and filled with loads of amazing historical spots to stop. Our favourite stops were at the Leitch Collieres and Frank Slide.
Written September 7, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeanne1942
High River, Canada83 contributions
Sep 2016 • Solo
I am so happy I moved here to the gorgeous Crow's Nest Pass and Blairmore in particular. But I am always surprised to see that very few traveler's stop and take in the beauty and tranquility of the Pass and the river in particular. It is peaceful - more peaceful I think than any place I have been before and it is always subtly changing. There are so many places to stop along the highway that allow access to drive closer to the river, or to park and just walk over to the river. Peaceful, beautiful - green green grass, trees, snow capped mountains surrounding and a peaceful yet bubbly river to sit by and just reflect on the pleasures of just being alive in this amazing place. Please stop and take time to just enjoy the view - and maybe a cup of tea or coffee at one of our local shops.
Written October 26, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
muchmusic
Victoria, Canada102 contributions
Sep 2016
We thoroughly enjoyed our trip from East to West on the Crowsnest Pass and all along the Crowsnest highway.
Stunningly beautiful scenery and you could make dozens of stops in so many places. Such dramatic vistas all along way! The Frank Slide Interpretive Centre is a very well done tribute to the ninety people who lost their lives in the dark early morning hours, on April 29, 1903, and the interpretive centre's trails tell the story of the Frank Slide and the dramatic history of the Crowsnest Pass. Well done. We had our picnic lunch outside there, at a lookout. Crowsnest highway with bridges, tunnels, follows rivers cutting into the mountains, really is nothing less than spectacular! I would not relish doing a trip through in Winter though!
Stunningly beautiful scenery and you could make dozens of stops in so many places. Such dramatic vistas all along way! The Frank Slide Interpretive Centre is a very well done tribute to the ninety people who lost their lives in the dark early morning hours, on April 29, 1903, and the interpretive centre's trails tell the story of the Frank Slide and the dramatic history of the Crowsnest Pass. Well done. We had our picnic lunch outside there, at a lookout. Crowsnest highway with bridges, tunnels, follows rivers cutting into the mountains, really is nothing less than spectacular! I would not relish doing a trip through in Winter though!
Written October 17, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ilovesunnyvacations
Alberta15 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
We enjoyed our trip to the Crowsnest pass this past weekend. We did the Bellevue Mine Tour which the kids really enjoyed as well as Frank Slide interpretative centre. We also enjoyed the mountain bike skills park there as well as some fishing with the kids.
Written July 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What are the best hikes in the Crowsnest Pass? So far, Turtle Mountain and Window Mountain Lake have been recommended to us. Any other must-do hikes?
Written August 30, 2017
Those are the best I have heard of.
Written August 31, 2017
Is there a nearby campground that is kids/family friendly?
Written August 1, 2017
Yes a few, you can reserve online by this link Alberta Parks Camping Online Reservations, and also check out Travel Alberta Camping for more details. Enjoy, its a beautiful area.
Written August 3, 2017
Hi, just wondering if anyone has travelled this road with a 5th Wheel, and it it doable?.....
Written June 12, 2016
It is a very good highway. two lane and has corners of course and you will drive normal speed, with warning when to slow but it is absolutely fine for a 5th wheel. It is used as a failry main route by semi trucks etc so that shows it is good for 5th wheelers as well. Very beautiful scenic route lots of pull outs and small towns with excellent food
Written June 12, 2016
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