11 Things To Do In The Crowsnest Pass Area

The Crowsnest Pass area has so much to see and do. Here are 11 great ideas you may love. Hike, shop, or lunch. The pass area ranges from Burmis to Island Lake Prov Park and further into the Southern Mountain range of the Rocky Mountains.

The pass consists of 5 Municipalities Bellevue, Hillcrest, Frank, Blairmore, and Coleman that amalgamated in 1979 naming the area The Crowsnest Pass.

The Crownest Pass Area Things To Do:

The area is rich in history with much to see and do such as camping, hiking, skiing, sightseeing, as well as enjoying lunch or a beverage at one of the local hot spots.

Stay in the many campsites or lodgings close by in the area. We stayed at the Castle River Rodeo Campground, we found it very central to our needs and reasonable rates. We enjoyed The Crowsnest pass area as well as Waterton from this location. You may need a good 2-3 days to check out all these 11 sights listed below but well worth the stay.

#1 Lunbreck Falls

Lundbeck Falls is a huge tourist attraction on the doorstep of Crowsnest Pass located adjacent to HWY 3A on Range Road 24B. It is a must-do stop as the falls are a spectacular sight in which the Crowsnest River plummets down 12 meters from the sandstone cliffs above that were deposited more than 75 million years ago

#2 Leitch Collieries

Leitch Collieries are the graceful ruins found alongside HWY 3A entering the pass. It is a mine that produced coal and sold it to the market between 1907 to 1915. Along the walk, you will find many interpretive statues on the history that surrounds this site.

#3 Bellevue Coal Mine

The Bellevue Coal Mine is an authentic mine tour 1,000 ft deep and 150 ft below the surface of the rocky slope where you can discover this rich mining history that once stood. The only one of its kind in Western Canada.

#4 Frank Slide

The Frank Slide is an old mining town with a sad history, of being buried by a landslide that occurred on April 29, 1903, at 4:10 AM. Possibly caused by the mines in operation, in which approx 90 people were killed, and only 10 recovered in this historic event. More info can be accessed at the interpretive center located just off HWY 3A which passes right through the slide area.

#5 Historic Blairmore

Blairmore is a historic little community named back in 1998, originally named the “the tenth Siding” as one of the stops for the Pacific Railway. Walk the streets of downtown and visit the local businesses.

#6 Historic Coleman

Coleman is located a just few miles from Blairmore, established back in 1903 to service a new coal mine.

Much of the historic buildings still stand today, this school (built in 1909) and an old church are some of many abandoned buildings you will find as you wander the streets of this little community.

#7 Miner’s Path Falls

Miner’s Path is a 1.6 km family-friendly hike located just West of Coleman. Walk creek-side up to a stunning waterfall.

#8 Allison Falls and Chinook Lake

Allison Falls is a 2.6 km hike up the creek to a beautiful tiered waterfall. Parking at Chinook Lake.

Although rated for all skill levels you may encounter a few areas along the way that can possibly halt or detour your walk. Crossing the water proved to be a bit safer instead of scaling these uneven areas.

Chinook Lake

Chinook Lake is nestled amongst some unique mountain peaks. The lake is great for fishing, kayaking, picnicking, and swimming with a rope swing for the ones who dare the cold.

Check out Allison Creek falls Hike for more info:

#9 Star Falls

Star Falls is just over a 1km hike to 2 amazing falls.

Use All Trails to get to the staging area only, following the trail map may lead you astray to view the falls from above which is a dangerous viewpoint for young children.

Follow the path to the creek and walk up the creekbed to the falls. Due to high water in July, this hike although rated for all skill levels will also have some challenges but is well worth the effort.

Wintertime is a nice hike to see the frozen waterfalls. Check out this video below.

#10 Stop at Rum Runners

Rum Runners is a rustic saloon-style pub/restaurant with a laid-back atmosphere, friendly service, and great food.

Sits alongside the 3A HWY in Coleman it is a great place to unwind with a cold beverage and/or some delicious well-portioned food. The Ceasars were perfect and the nachos were scrumptious. Highly recommended by two tired hikers.

#11 Beer at Pass Beer

Pass Beer specializes in its craft beer and its wood-fired pizzas.

Located in Coleman, this local pub is a nice place to unwind on the scenic patio after all your sightseeing adventures. Our visit was a very pleasing experience and will definitely go back.

Fernie has a cool waterfall as well from the Info Center. Check out Fairy Falls, It’s a great family hike.

A stop at Island Lake is a gorgeous place with many hikes.

If you’re looking for more waterfalls, head down to Waterton only an hour’s drive from the pass to discover more great waterfalls in the area.

Look here for alternative places to stay.

Follow me on Instagram @internethousewife for more adventures. See ya there!