The eastern slopes of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains have a lot going for them. Great scenery, abundant wildlife and whitewater. What the area doesn’t have a lot of is crowds, making it perfect for your Alberta getaway.
Five Adventures in Alberta’s West Country that Deliver Wet-and-wild Fun
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Head for the West Country for fun and adventure on the water. Try:
- Whitewater rafting on the Red Deer River.
- Luxury living on the eastern slopes of the Rockies.
- Heli-biking or heli-fishing around Nordegg.
Run the rapids with an expert guide
Whether you’re looking for a whitewater thrill ride or a relaxing evening float, Mukwah Rafting Tours is the place to be. The company’s base camp on the banks of the Panther River offers camping cabins and campsites.
The base camp also offers easy access to the Red Deer River and the excitement of whitewater. The rapids range from Class II to Class IV and provide plenty of wet-and-wild fun. If you’re looking for something less adrenalin-fuelled, take advantage of Alberta’s long summer days to take an evening float down some of the calmer stretches of the river.
Unwind in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains
This is luxury living in Alberta’s West Country. Bearberry Cabins offers six luxury cabins, two cozy cabins and camping for those who want to get back to nature. Once you’ve gotten back to nature, you can relax in the wood-heated sauna, which is available to those who rent cabins. The fully equipped cabins sleep between two and six people.
The surrounding area offers great scenery, invigorating hikes and excellent fishing. In winter, Bearberry sets and maintains cross-country ski trails.
Take a quick trip to a long fall
Gravity and water come together with spectacular results at Ram Falls Provincial Park. The waterfall plunges some 20 m (65 ft) and is constantly eroding the limestone basin.
Once you’ve gazed at the falls for a while, take advantage of the provincial park’s other charms. There are picturesque trails that offer easy hikes and leisurely bike rides. There’s also a day-use area and a picnic area with firepits and benches. Overnight camping is also available but firewood and drinking water are not provided. Cellphone reception is limited.
Take a family-friendly hike
Whitegoat Falls are the prize that awaits those who hike to the end of the trail. Because the trail is easy and ideal for families, everyone gets a prize. But that doesn’t mean the falls aren’t worth seeing. The two small falls are picturesque and make a good selfie background. And you can dip your feet in the creek to cool down. The roundtrip hike covers 3.5 km (2 mi). You’ll find it off Highway 11 about 45 km (28 mi) west of Nordegg.
Elevate your vacation the easy way
If you really want to get away from it all for a day, Ahlstrom Air can help. The company is based in Nordegg and offers heli-fishing, heli-biking and sightseeing tours.
The fishing trips take a maximum of five anglers and their gear into the South Ram River Canyon or out to the Brazeau River. You get flown in and picked up when the day is done. Mountain bikers will find no easier way than a helicopter to get to the top of Coliseum Mountain. At 2,073 m (6,800 ft) it offers plenty of twists and turns during the descent. If you just want to see the sights, book a sightseeing tour or a champagne flight.
