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The Sulphur Gates mark the spot where the Smoky and Sulphur rivers come together. They also mark the spot where excitement peaks on a trip with Wild Blue Yonder Whitewater Rafting. The outfit is based in Grande Cache and has been taking guests on safe and thrilling trips for over 20 years.
Local lore says that Kelley’s Bathtub is named after a local outdoorsman who once fell in. By all means, take the easy Kelley’s Bathtub Trail to see the picturesque pond, but don’t literally follow in the footsteps of the unfortunate Mr. Kelley. You’ll find it in William A. Switzer Provincial Park outside of Hinton.
Watson Creek Provincial Recreation Area is 38 km (24 mi) southwest of Robb on gravel roads. While the drive might be a bit bumpy, the area is quiet and peaceful. The campground has 35 sites suitable for RVs and tents. The fishing and mountain biking are excellent.
Waskahigan River Provincial Recreation Area has something for everyone. Try kayaking or canoeing on the Iosegun River. You can also see if the fish—Arctic grayling, walleye, mountain white fish and pike—are biting. You’ll find it all 38 km (24 mi) south of Valleyview.
It’s hard to beat the peace and quiet that comes with lakeside camping. But when the lakeside campground is in the foothills of the Rockies, it’s truly spectacular. Pierre Grey’s Lakes Provincial Park features a chain of five lakes that are great for paddlers and power boats (electric engines only). The area is also popular with anglers as two of the lakes are stocked with rainbow trout and one with brook trout.
Visitors to Carson-Pegasus Provincial Park 27 km (17 mi) north of Whitecourt can take their pick of lakes. The park contains Little McLeod Lake and McLeod Lake. Explore both; you’ll find big fun wherever you go. The area is home to lots of birds and other wildlife. The trout fishing is also good and the beach at McLeod Lake is a great spot to relax.
Not all waterfalls are hard to reach. Eaton Falls Trail in Willmore Wilderness Park is an easy 7 km (4 mi) round-trip hike that is suitable for families. There are some hills at the start, but the trail flattens out after that. The falls themselves are well worth the effort. They are long and narrow and cut into loose sedimentary rock.
Sulphur Gates Provincial Recreation Area offers dramatic rivers, beautiful scenery and abundant peace and quiet just 13 km (8 mi) southwest of Grande Cache. A short, easy hike offers spectacular views of the Sulphur River Canyon and of the Smoky River as they cut through the front ranges of the Rockies. The area is also a popular spot for horseback riding.
