Established in 1917, the town of Cadomin grew rapidly due to the coal mining boom. Walking through the town, you’ll find several preserved buildings and structures that tell the story of its vibrant past. But if you’ve come for nature and hiking, you’ll want your next stop to be Whitehorse Wildland Provincial Park.

Hiking and Historical Sites

While primarily known for its natural beauty, this provincial park also holds historical significance. The park encompasses areas that were once heavily mined, and visitors can find remnants of old mining equipment and structures along the trails. A popular historical trail is the Old Cadomin Road, which follows the route miners once took to reach the mines. Interpretive signs along the trail provide historical context and interesting facts about the mining operations and the environment.

Located within the northern front ranges of the Rocky Mountains, Whitehorse Wildland Provincial Park offers breathtaking mountain vistas, easily admired from the Cardinal Divide Viewpoint that is accessible by car.

Traveling from the Whitehorse Creek Provincial Recreation Area, Grave Flats Road winds past the abandoned ghost town of Mountain Park. From there, it stretches another six kilometers, climbing a rugged and steep incline. Abruptly, the road crests at the Cardinal Divide, unveiling magnificent views to the south and west. Despite being navigable by vehicles, the road lacks regular maintenance, so caution and carrying a spare tire are highly recommended.

Wildlife Viewing

Cadomin is renowned for its population of Bighorn Sheep. These majestic animals can often be seen grazing on the rocky slopes surrounding the town. The Cadomin Cave area is a particularly good spot for observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The best times for viewing are early morning and late afternoon when the sheep are most active.

You may also catch a glimpse of elk, moose, mule deer, bighorn sheep, wolves, cougar, hoary marmot, pika and even grizzly bears. The diverse ecosystems around Cadomin make it a haven for birdwatchers.

There is a variety of high mountain bird species, from the songbirds flitting through the forests to the raptors soaring overhead. The list includes mountain bluebirds, horned larks, American dippers, Townsend’s solitaires, varied thrushes, Townsend’s warblers, golden-crowned sparrows, and American pipits. The park is also a breeding ground for harlequin ducks, an at-risk species, that rely on fast-flowing mountain streams for nesting. 

When planning your trip to Cadomin, the warmer months are when the trails and outdoor attractions are most accessible. Be sure to plan for quick changing weather and remember that there can be snow even in the middle of summer! We also caution to use this blog as your starting point only. The area is wild and quite remote. Be sure to research your itinerary thoroughly, take all necessary precautions and err on the side of safety to ensure your visit is memorable for all the right reasons!

Whether you’re drawn by the allure of its historical sites or the call of the wild, Cadomin promises an unforgettable adventure. So pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and set out to discover the hidden gem of Cadomin, Alberta.

Header photo courtesy of Alberta Parks.