The Buffalo Trail
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Stretching along the province’s eastern border, the Buffalo Trail (Highway #41) takes its name from the vast herds that once roamed Alberta’s plains.
Traveling north from the United States border, the route passes through Cypress Hill Inter-provincial Park. Named “Thunder Breeding Hills” by the aboriginal bison hunters that once camped there, the hills are the highest point between Canada’s Rockies and Labrador. The park resembles a sort of oasis in the prairie, with woodlands, wetlands, and grasslands perfect for hiking, camping, and water sports.
On to Medicine Hat and the Medalta Potteries Historical site (must see for collectors). A stroll through the city reveals many fine examples of turn-of-the-century homes, churches and public buildings.
The trail carries on towards Oyen. There you can shop for country crafts in a rustic 1917 barn at the Red Barn Crafts and Tea Room. Or perhaps you would like to drop in on a pioneer home and the blacksmith shop at the Crossroads Museum.
Next you’ll visit Wainwright ‘the Buffalo Capital of Canada’ where you can discover the Bud Cotton Buffalo Paddock (part of the original Buffalo Park), the largest buffalo statue in Canada, Camp Wainwright, the only known freestanding clock tower in Canada and the Fayban Trestle. Railroad buffs can make tracks to the Wainwright District Museum, a first class facility located in the former CNR station on it’s original site. 18 rooms depict Wainwright’s pioneer days, CNR and buffalo history. Local general history collection dealing with Wainwright Buffalo Park, agricultural/pioneer life, military, oil industry and CN Railway display. Also have a radio and phone exhibit, and a model of the Battle River Trestle. Tours can be booked. The Wainwright Railway Preservation Society Museum houses a variety of books, manuals, and orders related to railway operations, railway tools, 2 pieces of rolling stock (Ex #76588 is a former CN transfer cab of 1970s vintage, and a former sleeping car “Matapedia,” built in 1923 for the CNR).
Following the Buffalo Trail up the road to Vermilion, you can view a popular provincial park. With over 100 species of birds, 23 km of walking and hiking trails. A trout pond, a mini-golf course and a wading pool, it’s a great spot to picnic or camp.
When you reach Elk Point, the Buffalo Trail meets the Ironhorse Trail. Open to hikers, horseback riders, ATVers and cyclists; this scenic trail follows an abandoned CN rail bed through rural forest. Whether you travel the entire 34 km or just a few, you’ll wander through abundant wildlife and beautiful fauna.
In the towns that dot along the Buffalo Trail, you’ll find every kind of accommodation. Whether you’re looking for a cozy bed and breakfast, a more luxurious hotel, or a quiet campground; the many towns are full of hospitality.
