Discover Crowsnest Pass

Crowsnest Pass brings mining history together with trails that explore the area’s nature and culture. The non-motorized Crowsnest Community Trail connects the communities of the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass. The route is 23 kilometres long and passes through natural areas. Interpretive kiosks along the trail tell the natural and cultural history of Crowsnest Pass. These different areas of interest can help guide your choice of vacation rental: consider whether you want to include historic sites, nature trails, or active pursuits in your trip.

Nature and Culture Along the Community Trail

The Crowsnest Community Trail can be used to travel between communities and visit local businesses and historic sites such as the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre and the Bellevue Underground Mine. Visitors can look for wildlife along the Crowsnest River, and an outlook offers views of Frank Slide and Turtle Mountain. The route brings together wildlife viewing and history, though neither has to be the main focus. Trail conditions can change seasonally, so take them into account when planning.

Coleman: Mining History in the Townscape

Mining history shapes the townscape of Coleman. Parks Canada has designated Coleman’s mine site, commercial district, and streets of former miners’ homes as a National Historic Site. On a walk through the historic streets, you can read interpretive signs and building plaques and see the ruins of the coal washery and coke ovens. The Crowsnest Museum in Coleman offers a different focus: its indoor and outdoor exhibits cover the social, architectural, and coal-mining history of Crowsnest Pass. The museum also offers tours and educational programs; availability may vary.

The Miners’ Path starts at Flumerfelt Park in Coleman. The historic trail follows Nez Perce Creek for one kilometre to Rainbow Falls. This is a shorter route option than the Lille Mines and Townsite heritage trail: at 6.3 kilometres, it is rated moderate and follows much of the original wagon road. The Lille Mines and Townsite heritage trail crosses the old railbed of the Frank and Grassy Mountain Railroad in places. The Miners’ Path and the Lille Mines and Townsite heritage trail offer different perspectives on mining history.

Frank Slide and Bellevue in the Wider Travel Area

In the wider Crowsnest Pass travel area, the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre tells the story of the night Turtle Mountain collapsed. The centre uses storytelling presentations, interactive exhibits, accounts, and an award-winning show. The Frank Slide Trail is an easy, 1.5-kilometre gravel path along the edge of Frank Slide. It starts and ends at the Interpretive Centre parking lot, which is also the trailhead for the Frank Slide North Rim Trail. Both are part of the Crowsnest Pass Community Trail system.

In the wider Crowsnest Pass travel area, historic machinery from underground mining is on display at the Bellevue Underground Mine site. A guided underground tour goes 1,000 feet into the mine and reaches up to 150 feet below the surface. Tours are seasonal, and booking conditions may change. Check the tour options before your visit.

Active Days and Different Routes

For a short loop, try the 0.8-kilometre interpretive trail at Leitch Collieries. It is wheelchair accessible and self-guided, and passes around and through the old buildings of the coal-mining and processing plant, which operated from 1906 to 1915. At 6.3 kilometres, the moderate Lille Mines and Townsite heritage trail offers a different route, while the Miners’ Path is one kilometre long. Length and stated difficulty can help you compare these trails when planning.

In Blairmore, the Bike Skills Park has a pump track and dirt jumps with four lines of varying difficulty. Pass Powderkeg Ski Hill adds a ski and snowboard school, equipment rentals, a terrain park, night skiing, and snowmaking. Operations are seasonal; check what’s available before your trip. The active options therefore differ not only by activity, but also by season.

Choose a Vacation Rental That Fits Your Plans

When choosing a location for your vacation rental, it’s worth starting with the visits and activities you have planned. Coleman offers specific opportunities to explore mining history, visit the museum, and walk the Miners’ Path; the Bike Skills Park is in Blairmore. Other interests may lead you to hiking, wildlife viewing, or destinations around Frank Slide and Bellevue. Narrow your search based on the mix of activities you’d prefer during your stay, and check the relevant visitor information for seasonal offerings.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Blairmore, Coleman, Canmore, Jasper, Saskatchewan River Crossing, Waiparous Village, Castle Junction, Dead Man's Flats.

For the broader travel overview: Division No. 15.