Two-day itinerary – Use your horseless carriage to visit the World's finest museum of horse-drawn carriages
A SnowSeekers' road trip isn't complete unless the destinations include outdoor adventures, culinary, learning and cultural experiences. During winter 2019, create your #BucketlistAB itinerary in Southern Alberta and see just why Pincher Creek is basecamp for historic sites.
A SnowSeekers Expedition: #Bucketlistab
Our two-day itinerary has you using Pincher Creek as your hub for winter activities.
Read all about the Remington Carriage Museum here
Getting to Pincher Creek
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 for 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 Regina: It’s about a 7-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.
Overnight in Pincher Creek – Might we suggest staying at either the Ramada Hotel or Heritage Inn. Both properties are easy to access.
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 adventure to Crowsnest Pass.
Head south out of Pincher Creek on AB-6 towards Waterton; the road rolls with the foothills, offering views to the west of mountains named after the pioneers and politicians of the days when the national park was promised to Canada. If you’d like to head into Waterton Lakes National Park, we have a great winter story here to help you plan a few hours.
Visit the museum of pony carts to royal carriages
Imagine way back. Way back when gas-guzzlers and electric cars were still only imaginary. It was a day of horse-drawn conveyances and everyone and every business depended on them. The Remington Carriage Museum is an impressive collection of over 300 carriages, each telling a tale of the era.
The museum has a cafeteria, but if you’d like something a little more upscale, not far from the museum is the Cobblestone Manor. Admire the craftsmanship of the home, which was originally built in 1889 while enjoying an exceptionally tasty meal.
Return to Pincher Creek – retrace your route back to Pincher Creek, but if we can suggest a Mexican restaurant on the way back to town – you will be delighted you pulled in. The Twin Butte Store is also a Mexican restaurant that people drive for kilometres to visit. Stop in or continue the short drive back to Pincher.
Evening – Enjoy dinner in Pincher Creek
If you didn’t stop at Picture Butte, we’d like to suggest either The Grill in the legendary King Edward Hotel on main street or Luigi’s for excellent pizza near Walmart. After dinner, head for the Pincher Creek Swimming Pool on main street before retiring to the Ramada Hotel or Heritage Inn. Both hotels offer swimming pools and fitness facilities.
Overnight in Pincher Creek
Day Two- visit the Castle
A winter trip to Pincher Creek wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the almost new (2017) Castle Provincial Park. It’s a stunning place, yet to be discovered by anyone but you. Bring your snowshoes or cross-country skis and set out for adventures from the Drywood Creek Valley.
Head west out of Pincher Creek on AB-507 for 17 km. Turn onto AB-774W for Beaver Mines, but continue through for 20 km until you reach the provincial park. Stop in at the charming Beaver Mines General Store for lunch before hitting the highway.
When you go:
Read more about Castle Provincial Park, Castle Mountain Resort, Waterton Lakes National Park, and Head-smashed-In Buffalo Jump on our ZenSeekers and SnowSeekers websites.
Begin planning your trip to Southwest Alberta via Travel Alberta or the Explore Southwest Alberta website.
Hit the road to explore Alberta's South along Highway 3 this month and be sure to share your discoveries on social media with the hashtag #BucketlistAB and #ExploreAlberta - you could be featured on our social media channels. Check out www.BucketlistAB.ca for itineraries, stories and lots more video on Southern Albertan experiences.
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