A Must-Do Hike With Bird’s-Eye Views Of the Alberta Town That Was Buried Under Rock
By Britanny Burr on July 15, 2024.
Along the scenic Crowsnest Pass Highway, as you drive through the remnants of what once was Turtle Mountain and the town of Frank, be sure to pull over. Here lies the historic site of Canada’s deadliest rockslide, which tragically buried the town in 1903. Follow along as we take a stroll through history and discover why Turtle Mountain is a hike worthy of your bucket list.
Frank Slide is one of those places where nature’s power and human history intersect phenomenally. Back in 1903, in the wee hours of the morning on April 29th, a massive rockslide roared down Turtle Mountain, burying the town of Frank in the Crowsnest Pass. Imagine over 82 million tonnes of limestone crashing down in just 90 seconds, obliterating everything in its path. It remains one of Canada’s deadliest natural disasters.
The town of Frank was a small but bustling mining community at the time. Coal was king, and Frank was rich in it. But Turtle Mountain had its own plan. The mountain had been known to the local Indigenous people as “the mountain that moves,” and for good reason. Years of mining activity had destabilized the mountain, setting the stage for the catastrophic slide.
Frank Slide Interpretive Centre
The Frank Slide Interpretive Centre is an absolute must-visit if you’re exploring the area. Nestled in the Crowsnest Pass, it offers an immersive experience that brings the story of Frank Slide to life. The Centre features a mix of exhibits, audio-visual presentations, and interactive displays that delve into the details of the slide, the mining history of the area, and the lives of the people affected by the disaster.
One of the most striking aspects of the Interpretive Centre is how it balances the tragedy of the slide with the resilience of the community. You’ll hear miraculous stories of survival and heroism that paint a vivid picture of life in Frank before and after the slide. The Centre also provides a broader geological context, explaining why Turtle Mountain was prone to such a dramatic event.
Hike Turtle Mountain
For those who love the great outdoors, we suggest you hike the 7.4 km return hike to Turtle Mountain. It’s a fantastic way to get up close and personal with the site of the slide. This hike isn’t for the faint of heart – it’s challenging, but the rewards are immense. As you climb, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Crowsnest Pass and, of course, a bird’s eye view of Frank Slide. It feels strange to call such a tragic site beautiful, but it really will take your breath away. It’s an eerie experience that might give you goosebumps from both the wonder and the memory of what once was.
The hike typically starts from the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre, making it convenient to combine your visit to the Centre with your adventure. The trail takes you through the rugged bolder terrain, and as you climb higher, you’ll notice the change in the lush greenery to rocky outcrops. The final stretch of the hike offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
When you reach the summit, you’ll be standing on the very mountain that unleashed its fury over a century ago. It’s a humbling experience, to say the least. From this vantage point, you can see the vast field of debris that still covers the valley below and the town that sleeps beneath its remains. It’s a stark reminder of the power of the mountains. If you’re a history buff or geology enthusiast, you are in rock central. Bring your camera, pack a picnic lunch, relax at the top of this incredible mountain, and take in the pure satisfaction of your climb.
Frank Slide and the surrounding area offer a blend of natural significance and educational value. Whether you're hiking up Turtle Mountain to catch awe-inspiring views or delving into the past at the Interpretive Centre, you’re in for an unforgettable experience.
Britanny Burr is a freelance writer and a contributor to Great West Media. This story was written for the Great West Media & Southern Alberta Newspapers Hot Summer Guide advertising feature. The Hot Summer Guide is a special feature about summer activities, bucket list adventures, staycation options, road trips, attractions, events, and road trip-worthy food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.
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