This Scenic Area In Canada's Rocky Mountains Is As Adventurous As Banff Without The Crowds

Banff National Park in the Province of Alberta is arguably Canada's most iconic park. Thanks to its rugged beauty, breathtaking mountains, and status as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Banff is incredibly popular — and incredibly crowded. Unfortunately, this is an aspect of the park that can dampen the otherwise gorgeous scenery. Fortunately, there is another wonderfully scenic area tucked away in the Canadian Rocky Mountains that offers just as much adventure as Banff, but without the crowds: Crowsnest Pass.

The municipality of Crowsnest Pass is actually a conglomeration of five different towns in South Alberta – Bellevue, Blairmore, Coleman, Frank, and Hillcrest. The area was famous for its coal mining during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it is a quietly thriving destination that brings outdoor adventure and local history together into one unique location.

At just over 2.5 hours from Calgary, Alberta's budget-friendly adventure capital, you can easily add Crowsnest Pass as a side quest to your Canadian National Parks road trip. What you'll discover here is a place that feels like peaceful yesteryear, while also providing some world class outdoor excitement.

Crowsnest Pass was once the epicenter of Alberta's coal mining industry. The area is littered with abandoned mining sites that beg to be explored. However, if there is one historic adventure site worth visiting, it's the Frank Slide.

The Frank Slide occurred over 100 years ago, when 30 million metric tons of rock loosed from Turtle Mountain and buried a portion of the town of Frank in minutes, tragically killing 70 people. The Frank Slide Interpretive Centre showcases the horror of the event and its impact on area mining. The area includes a trail through the rock slide and a viewing platform which provides a sobering reminder of the power of nature.

From here you can also gain access to the Turtle Mountain Trail, which is almost five miles with an elevation gain of about 3,000 feet. Heading up the trail is tough, with rocky, steep, and gravely terrain that can take several hours to tackle and requires a fair amount of scrambling. This is not a hike for beginners, and sturdy, grippy hiking boots and gloves, poles, and plenty of water and snacks are all a must. It's not for the timid either — you are, after all, hiking the mountain that gave way to the largest landslide in Canadian history. Those who do make it up to the true peak will be rewarded with stunning views of Crowsnest Pass, and the entirety of the Frank Slide in all its devastating vastness.

The Frank Slide and Turtle Mountain are not the only adventures worth having in Crowsnest Pass. An easier hike would be the Miner's Path in Coleman. It's a shorter, family-friendly hike that takes you past scenic spots on the Nez Perce Creek, through pine forests, and then onto the small, but stunning Rainbow Falls. Even better waterfalls can be found at the Lundbreck Falls Provincial Recreation Area (pictured here), which is just 12 minutes outside Bellevue on the Crowsnest Highway (AB Route 3).

Of course, no trip to southwestern Alberta would be complete without a spot of fishing. The Crowsnest River that flows through the region is known as one of Alberta's best trout streams. Fly fishing anglers will find heaven in these hills, where bull, rainbow, and cutthroat trout swim in abundance. You can hitch up with a local guide like Dave Brown Outfitters. And be sure to stop by the Crowsnest Café and Fly Shop to get the best local advice and gear for your trip. While you're there, fill up on fair trade coffee and pack up a satisfying picnic complete with house-made baked goods — and take in the display of local art, pottery, and photography.

Naturally, you'll want to find more good places to eat, and have somewhere to lay your head on your journey. The Rum Runner Restaurant and Pub in Coleman honors the bootlegging legacy of the area, while also serving up some first class pub grub. As for accommodations, Adanac Adventures provides rustic, country cabins for large parties, as well as electric and off-grid tenting sites.