Summary of the Article:
Pincher Creek is a charming small town in Southern Alberta, serving as the gateway to Waterton Lakes National Park, which is located approximately one hour away. This destination beautifully represents where the prairies meet the majestic Rocky Mountains. The plains are adorned with wind farms, creating stark contrasts against the breathtaking mountain backdrop, while cattle graze peacefully around giant bales of hay scattered across the landscape. This area is undoubtedly a must-visit for anyone exploring Alberta’s natural beauty.
Pincher Creek Alberta
During our journey through Alberta, we loved the freedom to explore various attractions at our own pace. Pincher Creek pleasantly surprised us during our travel experience, and the ability to drive from one picturesque site to another allowed us to fully appreciate the stunning landscapes. It’s important to note that having a car is essential for navigating Canada’s vast spaces, as each province offers numerous hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Pincher Creek is approximately a 2 hour and 15-minute drive from Calgary, making it a worthwhile stop on any Alberta road trip.
Burmis Tree
One of our favorite discoveries was the Burmis Tree, which we stumbled upon while driving to Crowsnest Pass. This remarkable tree stands as a symbol of endurance, welcoming travelers into “The Pass.” The Limber Pine has stood proudly in this location for over seven centuries, despite having died in the late 1970s and subsequently falling in 1998. Thanks to the community’s efforts to stabilize it with stainless steel brackets and internal supports, the Burmis Tree continues to serve as a significant landmark in this historic region.
Frank Slide
Crowsnest Pass houses the deadliest rockslide in North American history. On April 29, 1903, over 90 lives were lost during this catastrophic event. Initially, we mistook the valley filled with giant boulders for remnants of an ancient glacier retreat. Our visit to the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre revealed the true history of this location, where an astonishing 82 million tons of rock fell from Turtle Mountain, partially burying the town of Frank. Standing at the lookout point, the sight of this immense pile of rocks serves as a chilling reminder of nature’s raw power.
Lundbreck Falls
As we headed toward Pincher Creek from Crowsnest Pass, we took a detour to visit Lundbreck Falls. While these falls may not be spectacular in size, they offer a picturesque setting for photography. Upon our arrival, I cautioned Dave against taking photos that exaggerated their grandeur, as we didn’t want visitors to be misled. Interestingly, despite their understated appearance, it’s nearly impossible to capture a bad shot of these falls.
This area holds historical significance, as many dinosaur bones have been unearthed nearby. Just a few kilometers from here, the most complete T-Rex specimen was found and can now be seen at the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller. If you find yourself driving along Crowsnest Pass, this stop is worth adding to your itinerary.
Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump
I have long wished to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site after reading about its intriguing name in a previous article I penned. Contrary to a town, Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump is a historical site where early Aboriginal people hunted buffalo. By herding buffalo towards the cliff, they created a stampede, forcing the animals to jump to their demise.
This site has been in use for over 5,700 years, leaving behind a significant pile of bones and artifacts up to 10 meters thick! At one time, an estimated 50 million buffalo roamed these plains, but with the arrival of settlers, their population drastically declined, pushing them to the brink of extinction.
Buffalo of Waterton
Just outside the borders of Waterton Lakes National Park, visitors can observe buffalo roaming freely in a drive-through reserve. It’s a remarkable experience to witness these animals in their semi-wild habitat, albeit a somber reminder of their near extinction.
Reflecting on North America’s past, I envision vast landscapes teeming with wildlife—the African Savannah of the north. Once, herds of buffalo, mountain sheep, wolves, and more populated this extraordinary ecosystem. While our actions led to the near eradication of these creatures, Alberta remains a beautiful state where nature preserves and conservation areas allow glimpses of this historical legacy. If you’re fortunate, a cougar or two might cross your path during your visit.
