Big Hill Springs Provincial Park Alberta: A Definitive Guide

Big Hill Springs Provincial Park

While researching this topic I noticed the information available was scant and repeated often.  With  that in mind,  I thought perhaps I could present a more completely detailed explanation and history of the area on one site instead of several for a more complete picture.   In addition,  if you have any more information about the early history of the site you would like to see added,  please forward it to me so I may update this post further.  Thanks kindly in advance.

Big Hill Springs Provincial Park in Alberta occupies approximately 26 Hectares of land with a unique history behind it's pastoral facade.  Situated in the rolling foothills of the Rockies,  on Highway 567,  10 km. north of Cochrane.  The valley was formed by Glacial migration and subsequent  inland sea that filled the valley. A Coulee forms the lower end of the park while the rest is forest and a series of small waterfalls that cascade gently over Tufa Rock formations forming a clear warm spring fed stream that flows all year round. The Tufa forms when Limestone deposits from Carbonate and minerals mix with warm water to form layers over the years of  calcium carbonate,  ( Calcite ) not unlike what you would see inside your teapot if it was never cleaned of it's mineral buildup.  These formations are delicate and subject to Eco damage.   

Long before any settlers came to the area,  Big Hill Springs was part of the Blackfoot Confederacy Navigation System as well as The Cree. The cliff along the road into the park provided an excellent place for a Buffalo jump  providing  fresh Bison meat and Hides.  The thousands of Buffalo bones that were excavated there years ago attest to the slaughter of many Bison.

A Tufa Rock Formation

Later in history, settlers moved into the area,  the hill and all surrounding hills in the areas were surveyed and marked.  Big Hill Springs became the site of Alberta's first Commercial Creamery and thrived for awhile providing Cream to Calgary, the local area and even to to men that were building the railroad.  The Creamery's foundations are still visible on the hike through the park.

Later yet,  it became the site of a Fish Hatchery that didn't survive for long.  Big Hill Springs is a serene place and a gentle easy hike suitable for dogs and kids.  The trail itself  becomes muddy sometimes and is a little steep in places as it winds up through the trees and flattens out again before a series of switchbacks takes you down again to the trail head and the parking lot.  There are a few picnic tables there and it is pretty kid safe place. There is also a bench that looks out over the valley on the trail.  The area is rich in berries and has provided for both Humans and Birds with it's Pin-cherry Bushes,  Saskatoon Berries and Choke Cherries.  The hike through this park only takes about an hour if you were in a hurry,  but take it slow and take in all of natures bountiful beauty. Below are more shots I have taken of the Park. 

Water Is Life

A pleasant reminder to the past in the woods.

 If you visit the Park, facilities are limited to outdoor above ground toilets and no potable water,  so plan ahead.

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Do Have A Good Day And A Pleasant Hike.

Jeffrey R Hilton