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Two-day itinerary – Pincher Creek is Basecamp for fishing-to-fork experience
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A ZenSeekers Expedition: #BucketlistAB
Our itinerary makes Pincher Creek your hub for foraging for feasts at farmers' markets and fishing holes.
Getting to Pincher Creek and Beaver Mines
Drive from Calgary: It’s about a 2-hour drive south on the AB-2 S to Pincher Creek. Head south on AB-2 for 153 kilometres. Take exit 89, following the signs for AB-3 W/Pincher Creek. Continue on AB-3 W for 44 km, turn south on AB-6 four 4 km.
Drive from Edmonton: It’s about a 5-hour drive south on the AB-2 S to Pincher Creek on AB-2S. Take exit 89 near Fort McLeod, following the signs for AB-3 W/Pincher Creek. Continue on AB-3 W for 44 km, turn south on AB-6 for 4 km.
Drive from Moose Jaw: It’s about a 6.5-hour drive west on the Trans-Canada Hwy/SK-1 W, Crowsnest Hwy/AB-3 W to Pincher Station. Turn south on AB-6 for 4 km to reach the town.
Day One:
We suggest arriviving on a Friday by noon in Pincher Creek in the middle of the weekly Pioneer Farmer’s Market. There is always a variety of vendors supplying everything from farm-fresh vegetables, meat and eggs to baking and crafts.
Overnight in Pincher Creek – We suggest staying at the Stardust Motel. It's centrally located in town and has been newly renovated.
Morning – Start the day with a hearty breakfast
Stop in at Harvest Coffeehouse on main street to start your day with a hearty and healthy breakfast. Everything on the menu is from scratch. Fill up the go-cup with coffee sourced from local providers before starting your adventures.
Beauvais Lake for the early catch of the day
Beauvais Lake Provincial Park is where many of the locals slip off to for a quick fishing trip. It’s only 22 minutes west on AB-507 for 10 kilometres before turning south on AB-775 S past the wind farms and massive fields of fall harvest. Drop your line for brown or rainbow trout or hike any of the trails.
Afternoon means more fishing, waterfalls and beer
If you didn’t catch enough at Beauvais Lake Provincial Park, jump back in the car for only 15 minutes and head for Castle Provincial Park where over 105,000 hectares are waiting for you to discover. Rolling hills, dense forests and mountain meadows are at your fingertips. Hike or bring your bike to explore the trails. Or, drop that hook and wait for that tremulous trout to take a nip.
Instead of racing back to Pincher Creek, why not continue north on AB 507 to reach Highway 3. Follow the directions for a quick stop at Lundbreck Falls before continuing to the village of Lundbreck to fill your brown growler at the Old Man River Brewery with any of their on-tap ales. Find out the stories behind the Blue Bridge Lager and Blind Canyon Blonde Ale. Pincher Creek is only 19 minutes east on AB-3.
Overnight in Pincher Creek – The Stardust Motel has a barbeque ready for your catch of the day.
Day Two
You are only 30 minutes from Waterton Lakes National Park to the south and Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump to the north. You can easily enjoy an entire day at either attraction.
If you go:
Read more about your Rocky Mountain fishing options here.
Then, check our ZenSeekers and SnowSeekers websites for more information about Castle Provincial Park and Pincher Creek.
Consider a truly immersive western Canadian experience by booking a stay at the Lodge at Thanksgiving Ranch. A weekend there gives you a chance to experience a luxurious yet traditional family ranch. Hang out or help out; it’s up to you.
Begin planning your trip to Southwest Alberta via Travel Alberta or the Explore Southwest Alberta website.
Uncover more adventures and places to stay for your #BucketlistAB by checking out the #BucketlistAB webpage.
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