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10 Things to Do in the Crowsnest Pass

Exploring Southern Alberta Adventures

Crowsnest Pass in Alberta, Canada

10 Things to Do in the Crowsnest Pass - To begin with The Pass is a narrow corridor tucked in the southwestern corner of Southern Alberta along Highway 3 near the BC/Alberta border. This mountain locale is an undiscovered gem with adventures waiting for outdoor enthusiasts and lovers of history alike. Read on for a list of 10 of my favourite things to do in Crowsnest Pass.

10 Cool Things to Do in Crowsnest Pass

Ten? Only 10 cool things to do in Crowsnest Pass? Trust me, this list is just a random selection of the multitude of adventures that await you in the Pass. Come, experience and explore and you'll soon be racking up the numbers on must-do adventures just like me! For this reason we have to start somewhere, so I'll start with 10 of my favourite things.

In a recent post, I wrote about the fantastical storybook glamping experience at Charmed Resorts in Blairmore, Alberta. It's a perfectly offbeat and unique place stay in the Crowsnest. However, now that you know where to stay, it's time to get your adventure on!

Multi-terraced waterfall in Crowsnest Pass in Southern Alberta

Allison Creek Waterfalls is a perfect hike on a hot day. Photo credit: Megan Kopp

Adventure #1 – Hike to a Waterfall

There are dozens of waterfalls flowing fast and free in the Crowsnest Pass – some easy to access and others more challenging. In other words check out 3 Stellar Crowsnest Waterfalls to get you started. Pick one or make it a quest to hit as any waterfalls as you can during your visit to the Pass. You won't be disappointed.

Subalpine ridge with fire lookout in distance in Southern Alberta

Willoughby Ridge is home to the Ironstone Fire Lookout. Photo credit: Megan Kopp

Adventure #2 – Climb up to a Fire Tower Lookout

Ironstone Fire Lookout on Willoughby Ridge is a 14-kilometre return hike (550 metres of elevation gain) up to spectacular views of the Flathead Mountain Range. In addition, talking with the lookout staff, we were shocked to learn that he receives less than 50 visitors in a season. Definitely an under-appreciated jewel in the crown of the Crowsnest Pass.

Man on bicycle reading directional sign pointing to narrow gravel road.

Biking the Crowsnest Community Trail is a great way to see the Pass! Photo credit: Megan Kopp

Adventure #3 – Bike the Crowsnest Community Trail

Looking for rolling good fun from Bellevue through to Coleman and beyond? Check out the Crowsnest Community Trail! Do the paved pieces, explore the gravel road section leading through Frank Slide or test your mettle on the upper trail from Frank to Bellevue.

Furthermore, the trail runs from Bellevue down to Hillcrest and along through Frank, Blairmore and Coleman.

Silouette of two men and a child walking into light from a mine shaft braced with timbers.

Underground adventure at Bellevue Mine in the Crowsnest Pass, Alberta. Photo credit: Megan Kopp

Adventure #4 – Head Underground for a Mine Tour

You don't just have to imagine what it felt like to leave the warm summer sunshine behind as you walk into a darkened cavern and feel the temperature drop like a stone. You can experience it for yourself by donning a miner's hat and light and heading underground for the Bellevue Mine Tour. We did the tour with my brother and with our great-nephews. Needless to say, it was a smash hit for both of our over 60 and under 16 crowd!

Man walking down trail with evergreen trees around and mountains in the distance in Southern Alberta.

Saskatoon Mountain offers spectacular views of Coleman, Blairmore and the Flathead Mountain Range. Photo credit: Megan Kopp

Adventure #5 – Summit Saskatoon Mountain

Don't let 4.4-kilometre return distance with only 270 metres of elevation gain fool you. This hike requires a little bit of route-finding and has a serious steep section!

That being said, the views of Coleman, Blairmore and Crowsnest Mountain make it worth the effort. Keep your eyes peeled for the namesake Saskatoon bushes that are loaded with berries in mid-summer.

Blue and white inflatable kayak bow on a blue-green lake with mountain in distance.

Paddling the sheltered bay at the east end of Crowsnest Lake is a good option on windy days. Photo credit: Megan Kopp

Adventure #6 – Paddle Crowsnest Lake

This lake has been popular with people for thousands of years. Notably, the First Nations people used to camp on the shores and fish the headwaters of the Crowsnest River. In the early 1900s, the area was a popular getaway and in the 1930s a dance hall was even built on the eastern lakeshore.

Today stand-up paddlers and kayakers alike flock to the somewhat sheltered bay at the east end of the lake. However, it's important to note that while the bay is a great place to paddle out of the wind, the main body of the lake can blow up into whitecaps in the blink of an eye. Always play safe with your outdoor adventures.

Two men and a woman standing among large boulders with mountain in background at Frank Slide.

The Frank Slide is still an impressive site to see. Photo credit: Megan Kopp

Adventure #7 – Explore the Frank Slide

This historic rubble pile holds more stories than you can imagine. It never fails to amaze. Don't miss a visit to the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre, walk through the slide on the circular interpretive trail and witness the "Mountain that Walks" for yourself. For this reason alone, it is a Top 10 Things to Do in the Crowsnest Pass region.

Man standing over mountain bike next to stump with plastic figurines tucked inside.

There are surprises to be found on the mountain biking trails in Alberta's Crowsnest Pass. Photo credit: Megan Kopp

Adventure #8 – Brush Up on Your Mountain Biking

We love the mountain biking trails at Pass Powderkeg Ski Hill (check out UROC for local trails), but if are like me and need to improve your riding skills, check out lessons from Sweet Riders.

Old rock foundation in meadow near the ghost town of Lille

Little remains at the ghost of Lille. Photo credit: Megan Kopp

Adventure #9 – Take a Tour to a Ghost Town

Although we biked into the ghost town of Lille on our own, you can join Uplift Adventures for guided tours to discover old mine ruins, settlements, and an historic cemetery as you bike or hike towards the past.

Young boy holding a walking tour pamphlet on street in Coleman Alberta Canada.

Exploring Coleman Historic District. Photo credit: Megan Kopp

Adventure #10 – Wander Coleman's National Historic District

Most people overlook the old town of Coleman as they drive through on Highway 3 but take the time to pick up a walking tour pamphlet and explore the old downtown, residential areas and remnants of the surface mine plant.

This National Historic District preserves the atmosphere of a western Canadian mining town as it was from 1905 until 1950. This historic tour is perfect for biking, walking or driving. P.S. Don't miss the Disney house! Spoiler alert: it might have been built for Edmund Disney not Walt, but it's still magical to see.