ROAD TRIP TO FERNIE
Let Alfred be your tour guide around southern Alberta and BC!
Nestled in the foothills of southern Alberta with the majestic Rocky Mountains as the backdrop, Bar U Ranch National Historic Site is one of the jewels in Parks Canada's crown.The Bar U Ranch National Historic Site preserves a spirit of time and place by presenting a vibrant, living historic ranch with daily activities, group tours, wagon rides, educational programs and special events. Located at the intersection of highways 22 and 540, approximately one hour south of Calgary.
Located in Nanton, Alberta, see the legendary Lancaster FM-159 bomber, which has been restored to airworthy condition. The museum consists of 26,000 square feet of hangar area and 3000 square feet used for the display of smaller artifacts, aviation art, and related interpretive information. The museum also houses a Blenheim IV bomber, T-33 and CF-100. Located on Highway 2, approximately 50 minutes south of Calgary.
Where the foothills of the Rocky Mountains meet the Great Plains, you will discover one of the world's oldest, largest, and best preserved buffalo jumps. The Jump bears witness to a method of hunting practiced by native people of the North American plains for nearly 6,000 years. Located near the intersection of highways 2 and 3, along the way to Fernie.
The Crowsnest River plunges more than 12 metres over the falls to the canyon below. Located near the highways 22 and 3 intersection, approximately halfway from Calgary to Fernie, 1.5-2 hours.
Established in 1907, the Leitch Collieries are a reminder of the early coal mining days. A colliery by definition is a coal mine including the buildings and equipment. Built from sandstone, some with pillars, the structures are very impressive to view. The architecture was ahead of its time for coal mining. Located off the Crownest pass Highway 3, approximately 10 minutes west of Lundbreck Falls.
Located in Bellevue, Alberta, the Bellevue Underground Mine interprets the history of Western Canadian mining communities through its tours. It is a historical adventure which brings wonder to the hearts and minds of our visitors. The tour instills a sense of discovery and belonging. Stories from the Bellevue Underground Mine are Canadian experiences: the birth of labour unions, occupational safety, industry, immigration, and transportation. Located off the Crownest pass highway 3, approximately 5 minutes west of Leitch collieries.
At 4:10 a.m. on April 29th, 1903, 82 million tonnes of rock fell from the summit of Turtle Mountain into the Crowsnest River valley below. The slide lasted a mere 90 seconds and in that short time at least 90 people were killed – Canada’s deadliest rockslide. The interpretive centre allows visitors to experience what it was like to be in the coal mining town of Frank before, during and after the great rock avalanche.Located off the Crownest pass highway 3, approximately 10 minutes west of the Leitch collieries.
The Terex 33-19 Titan was a prototype off highway, ultra class, rigid frame, three-axle, diesel/AC electric powertrain haul truck made in 1973. Only one was ever produced and it was the largest, highest capacity haul truck in the world for 25 years. After 13 years in service, the 33-19 was restored and is now preserved as a tourist attraction in Sparwood, BC. Located off the Crownest pass highway 3, approximately 30 minutes west of the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre.
The 7,000 acres of pristine wilderness at Island Lake provides countless hiking and biking opportunities. Whether you are interested in a 30 minute walk or a full day hike, Island Lake has what you need. We have the best maintained and most diverse hiking trails in the valley. Want to learn about flora and fauna? Guided interpretive hikes are available.
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The lodge offers a number of biking trails as well as canoeing and fishing rentals, complimentary to hotel guests.
The past lives and breathes at Fort Steele Heritage Town. Perched on the western slopes of the Rocky Mountains since its gold rush beginnings in 1864, the village has gone from boomtown to regional centre to ghost town to one of the most important heritage attractions of its kind in British Columbia.
Enjoy old-time farming demonstrations, ice-cream making, train rides and horse-drawn wagon tours. Try gold panning, watch live theatre performances and observe the museum displays. Or simply enjoy the view in a Kootenay Rockies setting.
Fort Steele is located off Highway 93, approximately 1.5 hours east of Fernie and Island Lake Lodge.
Have an extra week? Consider taking a trip through interior B.C. and drive the Hot Springs circle route. This was Patricia and Victor's first road trip together. If you love wine and good food, the Mountain and Vineyard circle route is not to be missed. Alfred joined Patricia and Victor for this road trip and loved it.
Favourite restaurants in Southern Alberta
Experience one of the best steaks you'll ever eat at Longview Steak house, located in Longview, Alberta, approximately one hour south of Calgary on Highway 22. The steakhouse boasts a low key atmosphere with friendly staff, great views and mouth watering steaks. Guest rooms are also available for those that want to stay the night.
Please note, a reservation at least one month ahead of time is recommended.
The Chuckwagon cafe is a favourite of the bride and groom and featured on "You Gotta Eat Here". The cafe is run by a local rancher with over half of the meat coming from his own ranch, and is processed and dry-aged in High River. In business for nearly 20 years, the Chuckwagon Cafe remains a fixture and must-eat restaurant in Turner Valley.
Located on Highway 22, approximately 50 minutes south of Calgary.