Photo by Ginny Donahue Sierra West Cabins |
Trail History
As you journey south of the Porcupine Hills be prepared for more dramatic changes in the landscape. Here is where the prairies meet the mountains in a broad sweeping march to the base of the Livingstone Range. There are no foothills, just rolling prairies abruptly halted by rugged peaks.
In the 1880s, a vast unbroken sea of grass brought the ranchers and the settlers after them to put down roots in a place where snow can fall by the metre, then disappear in a day under the fierce breath of Chinook winds.
The grasslands are no longer an unbroken sea but you’ll still find some of the best ranching country in the province along with a rich diversity of plants and animals that call this unique area home. There is much to savour on this part of the Cowboy Trail including two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, so plan on taking some time to enjoy all the opportunities it offers for adventure and extraordinary beauty.
The story is that Pincher Creek got its name from a pair of hoof pincers that were left by the creek by a group of prospectors in 1868 and found in 1874 by the North West Mounted Police (NWMP). They named the stream, Pincher Creek and set up a horse ranch along its banks in 1878 to raise horses and feed for the force because of the excellent grassland.
Many of the early Mounties settled here and their descendents continue to farm and ranch here, a testament to the success of the original ventures.
Did You Know?
Chinooks were called “snow eater” by the Native tribes. They are warm westerly winds that drop over the Rockies, melting the snow, clearing the open range and allowing year round grazing. Chinooks were a major factor in attracting the big ranching outfits that moved large cattle herds into southern Alberta in the early 1880s.
Around Town
The small ranching town with the unusual name is home to one of the best collections of historical buildings and artifacts in Alberta. The Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village is named after the frontiersman who helped establish Waterton Lakes National Park and has his original log cabin and furnishings.
Once you’re done at the Village, don’t miss the chance to stroll downtown and take in the wall-sized murals depicting the area’s history and culture. Explore the Outdoor Outlet to get wholesale deals on outdoor gear and clothing, stop at Ruffles Boutique for women’s fashions and then pick up fresh baked delights at the bakery.
Explore the Creekbank Walkway from one end of town to the other and enjoy the babbling brook through the cottonwoods. At the far west end of Main Street and the walkway, visitors will find the Agriculture Pavilion,
home to the rodeo, Cowboy Poetry festival and regular riding and roping activities.
Come in and see what’s happening.
Side Trails
Take a drive up Highway 3 for a stop at the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre in the Crowsnest Pass. Here you will learn the story of April 1903 when 90 million tons of rock cracked off the side of Turtle Mountain, burying the coal mining town of Frank.
Return to Pincher Creek via Hwy 507 past Lee Lake through Beaver Mines and stop in for an old fashioned milkshake at the General Store and get the lowdown on the best hikes and hot fishing tips.
South of Beaver Mines, a short 15 minute drive will bring you to the Castle Mountain Ski Resort and Beaver Mines Lake. Steepest, deepest and cheapest skiing and boarding in Western Canada. Make sure to come up in August for the Huckleberry Festival.
On the loop east, drop into Beauvais Lake Provincial Park for a hike or a picnic beside the lake where you can scan the shore for moose and enjoy the Front Ranges rising above the lake.
For a special treat just outside Pincher Creek, drop in at September Springs Ranch, browse the Unique Art Antique shop and enjoy a scone and tea in the Memories Tea Room.
Look for our Partner Logo at all participating venues in the Pincher Creek Area.
- Canalta Family of Hotels
Let the Canalta Family of Hotels Be Your Guide Along the Cowboy Trail. Ramada Pincher Creek, Drayton Valley Ramada, Cochrane Super 8, Rocky Mountain House Super 8.
- Frank Slide Interpretive Centre
On April 29, 1903, 90 million tons of rock crashed from the summit of Turtle Mountain and buried part of the sleeping town of Frank. Located in the Crowsnest Pass.
- Sierra West - Cabins & Ranch Vacations
Cabins & Ranch Vacations. Located near the Oldman River Bridge on Hwy 22.
- Twin Butte Country General Store
Mexican & western dining. Camping & gift shop. Located in Twin Butte.
