Day-trip from Lethbridge - The Crowsnest Pass

The Crowsnest Highway is a scenic drivethat takes you through wind turbine speckled prairies that give way to purplefoothills and, eventually, rugged rocky mountains. When the highway is suddenlyflanked by boulders bigger than your car, you’ll know you’ve reached your firststop: Frank Slide.

The deadliest landslide in Canadianhistory, 110 million tonnes of rock enveloped three square kilometres of TheCrowsnest Pass (and the town of Frank) in about 100 seconds. Wander through theeerie wreckage of broken limestone on your own, or head to Frank SlideInterpretive Centre for an in-depth look at the tragic story.

A local’s advice

The best part of the Pass is the easilyaccessible outdoor activities. If you need a hiking challenge, Turtle Mountain(the part of the mountain still standing) offers an amazing bird’s-eye view ofthe Slide. Over this seven-kilometre hike, you’ll gain nearly one kilometre ofelevation, so pack water, snacks, and another set of legs for the way back down– because they’re going to feel a little bit like Jell-O.

Frank Slide attracts all kinds of outdooradventurists like: 

Rock climbers wishing to challenge the thousands of bouldering problems
Skiers looking for an inexpensive run at Pass Powderkeg Ski Hill 
Golfers seeking a panoramic mountain round at Crowsnest Pass Golf Club

After all that activity, head to CinnamonBear Cafe for region-renowned cinnamon buns, the historic Rum Runner for apint, or grab a scoop from The Old Dairy Ice Cream Shoppe in Bellevue on yourway back to Lethbridge.

The trip at a glance

Duration: 1.5-hourdrive, one-way

Expected cost: $15 for tickets to the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre

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