2017 was an exciting year for Alberta. We got a new provincial park! Castle Provincial Park, located just 45-minutes South of Pincher Creek, is a 105,000-hectare treasure chest of rocky mountain scenery, lakes, and rivers. It’s also much less crowded than heavily established parks like Banff, Jasper, and Waterton national park.
We recently had the opportunity to spend a day there, and although we wish we had more time to explore the park a bit deeper, we were on a busy road trip throughout Southern Alberta and had already made plans to visit places such as Frank Slide.
One-Day Itinerary for Castle Provincial Park
With less than 24 hours to experience a taste of Castle Provincial Park, we met up with Aaron Domes, Public relations manager for Alberta Parks South. He was eager to show us one of the things that differentiate the park from others: accessibility. Not only is the park easily accessible by anyone with a vehicle, but it’s also home to the first-ever Icon Explore; a new rentable e-trike. This amazing contraption allows people with disabilities to get deep into the forest, shredding the trails with all their mountain biking friends. There’s even a second set of handlebars on the back, allowing a family member to jog behind. I only wish we had some time to try it ourselves because it looked like a blast, as inventor Christian Bagg demonstrated its ability to cut corners just like a mountain bike.
After a quick trip to beautiful Castle Falls, we moved on to Beaver Mines Lake to spend our evening canoeing, watching wildlife, and checking out the campground that we know we’ll be back to enjoy another weekend. We even got to get a first-hand glimpse of their Learn-t0-Fish program, which is designed to show kids how to cast a reel. Again, it’s all part of their objective to be accessible to anyone; adventurers looking to hike and mountain bike, water enthusiasts who want to kayak and fish, families who want to get back into nature, and disabled people who want to get back out into the trails. It’s very cool.
As usual, our day seemed to fly by. With so much stunning scenery all around us, we lost track of time. With the sun beginning to set, we sat near the shoreline, admiring the glass-like lake with rocky mountains standing tall around us. This is one place we’ll re-visit very soon.
Interested in the e-trike?
It took Christian 22 years to develop a unique motorized assist e-trike that can allow a family to go on a trip they otherwise wouldn’t be able to take. Instead of a disabled person being left behind or unable to attend a biking or hiking expedition, now they can go with their family and enjoy something they wouldn’t otherwise be able to. It makes it possible for a family to go on a trip into nature without volunteers. Also, the articulating front-end makes it possible to go on rougher terrain. As Christian said, “without it, I wouldn’t be able to access nature the way I do. I’ve been waiting 22 years for this moment, and it’s finally here.”
Learn more at www.albertaparks.ca.
If You Go
Find out more about how you can enjoy Castle Provincial Park.
Disclosure: This post was written in partnership with ZenSeekers and Travel Alberta.
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sameul says
nice sharing. I also spent a really amazing time at these fabulous park with my mages during my last picnic party. I hope you will have a joyful time there.
Matthew G. Bailey says
Thanks. Glad they made it a provincial park!