Discover the Outdoors

Consider us how you like…a Mountain Retreat, a Woodland Paradise, or just your own quiet little basecamp for the grand adventures to be sought throughout the Rocky Mountain Expanse.  Our backyard leads directly from the relaxing comforts of your front porch into the vast, accessible and stunning wilds, stretching hundreds of KMs out into the West.

Today, the David Thompson Corridor, seems to be a well-kept secret overshadowed by the Banff and Jasper National Parks.  However, the DTC is a treasure buried in history, dating back before the days of the pioneers, when the unchartered territory beyond the eastern slopes was still a mystery to the new wave of explorers and traders settling these lands.  In many ways, those two parks and their trans Canadian highways and rail lines have sheltered this special place from the bustling currents of time, or at least for now. 

Situated halfway between Banff and Jasper, we are easily accessed from both the Calgary and Edmonton Airports via Highway #2 to Red Deer. Or from Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper and British Columbia via the world renowned Icefields Parkway (Highway #93).

Surrounded by some of the most serene protected areas on the planet, it is difficult to describe the sheer calming beauty of the natural setting that awaits you here.  As a perfect alternative to the busy Icefields Parkway during peak tourist season we suggest venturing into the White Goat Wilderness or the Siffleur Wilderness areas, each bordering the National Parks.  At the center of it all is the Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve. It is a majestic landscape defined by its unique warm climate within the Canadian Rockies and an abundance of wildlife.

The Landslide Lake protected area is another unique feature and geographical gem. You can access the lake and its network of scenic trails from either the west end of the Kootenay Plains or through the Cline River Valley.  If that is not enough, Abraham Lake, considered one of Alberta’s prettiest lakes is nearby. Created in the early 1970s by the damming of the North Saskatchewan River, it is a sight to be seen. There are countless vantage points high above its turquoise waters. Or bask along the shores to absorb the towering wonders that will stoke the senses.  All this and much more is within a memorable 90 KM drive from your cottage down the David Thompson Highway (#11).

Nordegg is  nestled in the Brazeau Range of the Canadian Rockies, a backcountry haven. It is an old mining town with a notable chapter in history. The population dispersed after the closing of the Brazeau Collieries Mine Site in 1955.  What remains is a quaint little Hamlet far from the stress and worries of the city.  The town of Nordegg includes a gas station with a general store. Also, you will find a museum (complete with a café serving fresh pies). Fancy a beer after a day of adventures? There is a beer cabin (liquor outlet) to fulfill your needs. How about a dinner out?  A restaurant and a not to be missed food truck which serves ice cream, burgers, dogs and fries will fill your belly. There are picnic tables you can enjoy your meal at while overlooking the fairways of another small part of Alberta’s past, a rustic 9 hole golf course with a canvas of rocky peaks and big skies laid out in the backdrop.  Tours of the Collieries, a recognized National and Provincial historical site, are offered daily.

From Nordegg you can drive North or South along the well-travelled Highway #40 (also known as The Trunk Road or The 734). This highway takes you into a maze of ATV/OHV trails, Provincial recreation areas, wildlife watching areas, and plenty of beautiful view points. You can also opt to see the countryside by horseback.

Take advantage of the many picturesque lakes and streams found in the Big Horn Backcountry and cast a line in the waters. The fishing here is world class, maybe you will pull in a trophy! 

Being so close to the continental divide there are many glacier sourced headwaters. They help to form some of Canada’s great waterways. Paddlers will enjoy discovering the endless routes in the many systems of creeks and rivers nearby.  Don’t forget to bring your mountain bike for some thrilling single track on the Coliseum Trail. It is located 2 KM East of our property, or choose from the many other XC and DH trails in the area.

And if you’re feeling really adventurous, whether you’re into fishing, hiking, skiing or yoga, you can take advantage of one of the many exhilarating Heli Tours offered within driving distance!

The region west along Abraham Lake and the Kootenay Plains has a great reputation as a climbing destination accessible during the summer and winter seasons.  The Bow Pass and Parker’s Ridge areas along the Icefields Parkway are a winter wonderland for ski touring. With plenty of dry powder, glacier descents, and bluebird days, you will be pining for skin tracks and leaving the lift lines to distant memory.

At night, soak up the atmosphere and unwind to the sounds of the forest while you warm your feet around a private fire pit. You can find one of the many cozy benches scattered throughout the property to gaze up to a starlit sky you will never know within corporate limits.

Come, Explore, and let the Mountains bring you Peace