Day-trip from Lethbridge: The Crowsnest Pass

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The Crowsnest Highway is a scenic drive that takes you through wind turbine-speckled prairies before giving way to purple foothills and, eventually, rugged rocky mountains. This trip offers no shortage of outdoor and historic experiences, so strap in, because taking this trip is a must!

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Stop 1: Lundbreck Falls

As you make your way down Highway 3, you'll soon come across one of the most famous sites in the area: Lundbreck Falls. These gorgeous waterfalls have been drawing visitors in for years, and their location within a provincial parks means the area is full of wildlife. To fully immerse yourself in the natural environment, take the short 0.5km hike around this site.

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Stop 2: Bellevue Mine

When in The Crowsnest Pass, you can't miss out on a visit to Bellevue mine. This historic mine tells the story of the industry that once ran Southern Alberta'a early economy: coal. When visiting, you can get up close and personal with history, taking a walk through the pitch black passageways that miners once tirelessly worked in. Don't worry though, all area that are open to the public have been reinforced, so your exploration is 100% safe!

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Stop 3: Frank Slide

Get back on Highway 3 and keep heading west. When the road is suddenly flanked by boulders bigger than your car, you’ll know you’ve reached your next stop: Frank Slide. Marking the deadliest landslide in Canadian history, 110 million tonnes of rock enveloped three square kilometres of The Crowsnest Pass (and the town of Frank) in about 100 seconds. Wander through the eerie wreckage of broken limestone on your own or head to Frank Slide Interpretive Centre for an in-depth look at the tragic story. 

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A Local’s Advice 

The best part of the Pass is the easy access to outdoor activities. If you need a hiking challenge, Turtle Mountain (the part of the mountain still standing) offers an amazing bird’s-eye view of Frank Slide. Over this seven-kilometre hike, you’ll gain nearly one kilometre of elevation, 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. 

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Frank Slide attracts all kinds of outdoor adventurers 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 

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