Off Road

Another great way to explore the countryside is by Snowmobile or ATV. Outside of Willmore Wilderness Park are countless cutlines and old exploration and logging roads, offering a variety of terrain from easy to challenging.Some routes lead into fairly remote areas, which may be infrequently travelled. It’s wise to carry basic emergency supplies.

ATVs are not allowed in the local and regional campgrounds.

Remember: No motorized vehicles are allowed in Willmore Wilderness Park!

Off-Road Routes

Grande Mountain

Access from the north access road, 6 km (3.7 mi.) south of Grande Cache on Highway 40. Drive about 100 m (300 ft.) up the right branch to a large clearing. Alternately, park at the Grande Cache beach and picnic area and travel the highway ditch south about 1 km (0.6 mi.) This offers a few different possibilities, all with great views.

Beaverdam Road

The Beaverdam Road, located 8.1 km (5 mi.) north of Grande Cache on Highway 40, offers several possibilities. Here are a few…

Mt. Hamell: Access to Mount Hamell Look Out Tower is now closed and blocked by Alberta Sustainable Resource Development.

Caw Ridge: Travel 30 km (18.6 mi.) to the Caw Ridge turn-off, which is on the left. The old road leads up the mountainside. 8.1 km to the top. Here too, please respect the fragile alpine terrain.

Copton Airstrip or Porcupine Airstrip: How much free time do you have? It’s 40 km (25 mi.) to the Copton, or 80 km (50 mi.) to the Porcupine. And dozens of places to explore along the way.

A-La-Peche Lake

Access from the large gravel pit across from the Pierre Gray Lakes turn-off 32 km (20 mi.) south of Grande Cache on Highway 40. After traveling 24 km (15 mi.) on variable trail that involves one river crossing you come to a Forestry cabin. The lake is just 1 km (0.6 mi.) beyond, and a trail circles it part way (8 km.) Numerous cutlines to explore also. (Some routes bring you to the Willmore Park boundary. Be sure you know where you are; do not enter the park.)

Huckleberry Tower

Start at the Huckleberry Tower turn-off, 42 km (26 mi.) south on Highway 40. Travel 35 km (22 mi.) to the tower, or explore any of the numerous cutlines which lead off in every direction.

Hoff Siding

Start from the Huckleberry turn-off, 42 km (26 mi.) south of Grande Cache on Highway 40. Travel 5 km (3 mi.) from Huckleberry turn-off to the main cutline, which travels 18 km (11 mi.) to the Willmore Wilderness Park boundary. Numerous cutlines intersect along the way, leading in every direction. (Again, do not enter the park.)

Brinkerhoff

Better known locally as “Shitties Shorts Road.” Accessed from the gravel pit 30 km (19 mi.) north of Grande Cache on Highway 40, or just north of the Sheep Creek. Travel 37 km (23 mi.) to the slide area. It’s also possible to access Prairie Creek Meadows from here, as well as explore numerous cutlines leading in all directions.

More Information

• Alberta Trailnet
• Access within Town limits: Tourism & Interpretive Centre
• Access outside Town limits: Alberta Sustainable Development