Interesting stories and experiences from the Crowsnest Highway region
Beyond the Pass: A Visitor’s Guide to Responsible Travel Along the Crowsnest Highway
Visiting the Crowsnest is a chance to experience wide-open landscapes, historic communities, and the warmth of mountain hospitality. From the peaks of the Rockies to the small towns and valleys that dot the highway, this is a place shaped by nature, culture, and resilience. As a guest here, you have an important role to play in keeping the region vibrant and unspoiled. To ensure the Crowsnest remains just as special for future generations, here are a few simple ways to travel with care and respect.
Support Local
From cafés and breweries to markets and shops, local businesses are at the heart of the Crowsnest. Choosing them helps keep the region vibrant and directly supports the people who call this place home.
Respect Nature and Wildlife
Give wildlife space, stay on marked trails, and leave natural areas as you found them. The Crowsnest is a living landscape, your care keeps it thriving.
Conserve Water
Mountain ecosystems are sensitive, and water is a shared resource. Use it mindfully by keeping showers short, reusing towels, and filling refillable bottles at approved stations.
Pack It In, Pack It Out
Whatever you bring with you, such as food, drink containers, wrappers, or gear, make sure it leaves with you. Garbage and recycling bins are limited, especially at trailheads and remote sites, so plan by packing reusable containers and bags. If you come across litter left behind by others, consider carrying it out too. These small actions keep trails, parks, and viewpoints clean for both wildlife and future visitors.
Celebrate Local Life
Take time to slow down, chat with residents, and enjoy the small-town pace. Visit farmers’ markets, family-run shops, and community events to experience the genuine warmth of the region. Sharing a story over coffee, tasting local flavours, or learning about the area’s history from someone who grew up here are the kinds of moments that make the Crowsnest so memorable.
Travel Safely
Mountain highways can be winding, with changing conditions. Drive attentively and give yourself extra time to enjoy the scenery. Watch for wildlife on the road, and be prepared for sudden weather shifts, especially at higher elevations.
Visitors are encouraged to download Alertable, an app delivering critical local alerts such as road closures, evacuation notices, or wildfire warnings, directly to their phones. Please keep tabs on BC Parks bulletins for the latest access information. If you spot a wildfire in BC, immediately report it by calling 9-1-1 or *5555 from a cell phone.
Finally, always check Drive BC for updates on road conditions, closures, and live webcams before heading out. By staying informed, you can better respect local safety needs, minimize your impact, and ensure that your journey is both safe and considerate.
Know all the latest travel conditions by visiting our current travel information page.
Explore Responsibly
When hiking or biking, bring the right gear, check trail conditions, and let someone know your plans. Prepared travellers stay safe and help emergency services remain available for those in real need.
Be Fire Aware
Wildfires are a real risk in the Crowsnest, especially during dry summer months. Always check current fire bans before lighting a campfire, and only use designated pits where permitted. Keep water or a shovel nearby, never leave a fire unattended, and make sure it’s fully out before you go. If you’re camping or hiking, carry a plan for how you’d respond if a fire started nearby. Staying alert helps protect both the land and the people who live here.
Seasonal Awareness
Each season along the Crowsnest Highway brings its own beauty—and its own responsibilities.
- Winter: Conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Expect snow and drifts on the road, make sure you have proper winter tires, and carry essentials like extra layers, food, water, and a charged phone when you travel. If you’re heading into the backcountry, be avalanche aware—check avalanche bulletins, carry the right safety gear, and travel with people who know how to use it.
- Spring & Fall: These shoulder seasons bring shifting weather, muddy trails, and busy wildlife activity. Watch for migrating animals on roadways, especially at dawn and dusk, and give them plenty of space. Some trails may be wet or partially closed due to runoff or seasonal maintenance—always check conditions before you go. Dressing in layers and bringing waterproof gear can make a big difference when temperatures swing from warm afternoons to chilly evenings. Fall also marks hunting season in some areas, so be aware of posted signs and stay on designated trails.
- Summer: Wildfire season requires extra caution. Never toss cigarette butts out of your car window—use proper rest stops or designated smoking and vaping areas. Follow all fire bans, only use designated fire pits where permitted, and always have water or a shovel nearby if a fire is allowed. Never leave a fire unattended, make sure it’s fully extinguished before you go, and report any signs of wildfire immediately. Staying alert helps protect both the land and the communities who live here.
By planning with the season in mind, you’ll stay safe while helping protect the land and the people who call it home.
Everyone’s Welcome
The Crowsnest is a place for all travellers. Come as you are, and feel at home in this welcoming mountain community.
By travelling thoughtfully, you’ll help protect the beauty of the Crowsnest and create meaningful connections along the way.
