Big Hill Springs Provincial Park
After 13 months of renovations, Big Hill Springs Provincial Park is open again. Located only 40 kilometres northwest of Calgary, this is a popular outdoor escape for families. From the northwest city limit on Crowchild/Highway 1A it’s a 20-minute drive. This park is managed by Alberta Parks, Kananaskis Region however, there is no fee to visit.
Big Hill Springs is popular for its many springs and small waterfalls that flow year-round. If your motivation is to get out into nature for a short hike, this park takes about an hour.
When you first enter the area, there is a board with a map and all pertinent information about the park. Beyond this point, you will choose between two trails: the North Viewpoint Loop (700m) and the South Viewpoint Loop (420m).
We kept to the right and headed north. We enjoyed the sights and sounds as water flowed around us before we took the dirt path up a steep incline.
Trip Tip: This is a dirt path that would not be suitable for a stroller. It’s uphill, with uneven terrain with rocks, roots, and stairs. A three-year-old child can likely climb it but be prepared to carry anyone who is younger.
This uphill portion is what I’d call a good cardio snack. A steep uphill climb on an easy path. Natural stone steps have been added where needed. You might be breathing hard when you get to the top.
Trip Tip: If you visit this park after wet weather (or frost or ice), we would highly recommend having a walking stick or better yet, micro spikes for your shoes. I can’t imagine trying to do the North Loop without them.
At the top you are gifted with an unobstructed view of the valley and creek below. Enjoy the new information signs as you catch your breath and take in the wonderful panorama around you.
A steep walk down follows the climb up. Again, they have added natural rock steps where needed to make this less treacherous, especially in slippery conditions.
Back into the springs area, new wooden bridges have been constructed along the trail. If you follow the path to the left at the first bridge, you will complete the North Loop. This path will take you back to the parking lot. We stayed right to visit the South Viewpoint Loop.
This place is a feast for your senses. You are surrounded by lush mini fairy pools and babbling water. Birds flutter about and twitter in the sunshine. If you explore the pathways to the springs your feet crunch over dry leaves. The earthy scent of vegetation is all around you. You are back to nature here!
A short distance up this trail you will find another sign and a fork in the road. This is the South Viewpoint Loop. If you go to the left here, there is a dirt uphill path. At the crest of the path is a park bench where you can look over the park.
The trail then takes you around the side of the hill. For those of you who have visited Big Hill Springs before the renovation, this is where you used to be able to scramble up through the trees to the top of the hill where a pathway took you to the teepee. This is no longer allowed.
As you descend down a switchback you will notice several new “Do Not Enter – Reclamation Area” signs both here and at the bottom of the hill where some of the trails lead to springs. While it may be disappointing to not have access to these springs, there are plenty further along the trail that you can access.
For those familiar with this park, once down the hill you will be by the giant rock at the farthest point of the loop. The remainder of the South Loop is fairly flat after this.
You will eventually return to that fork in the road indicating you have completed the South Loop. It’s your choice whether you want to take the uphill at the beginning or end.
Trip Tip: In hindsight, we were glad we took the left trail at the fork on the South path because the path was a bit muddy. We thought it easier to climb up in these conditions rather than feel like we might slip on the way down. Up to you!
After you retrace your steps to the bridge you first came over after the North Loop, stay right on the path. This will bring you to the larger falls and eventually to the parking lot.
The new renovation has brought about a new metal staircase at the trickiest part of a downward scramble beside the largest set of falls.
Although I wish they’d found a way to build a more natural staircase here, the ground in this area is often damp and, in the past, has been muddy, or icy. While I found the metal staircase jarring in this natural environment, it’s practical in its design. Can’t say I love it though, even if it might be safer.
Along the lower streams there are new natural sitting spaces made with rocks. This is a good addition for those that want to stop and drink up their environment for a bit.
The Park is open from 7am to 11pm daily and it’s best to get there early. Check online for the busiest times of the day if you’re unable to go early in the morning. On our visit, there were traffic control people in place. With the renovation, there is a short overflow parking lane just outside the gates but once that is full, you will be turned away if capacity has been reached in the park. We were told the farmers won’t allow parking on the side of the road outside of the designated overflow.
Trip Tip: We arrived on a Sunday morning at 10am and easily got parking. We were out by a few minutes after 11am and the parking lot was full and the overflow almost full. Timing is everything here.