The Poundmaker Trail
The Poundmaker Trail is named after Chief Poundmaker who, during his lifetime, led his Cree band in search of buffalo over the vast territory that stretched from the Battlefords in Saskatchewan west into Alberta toward Edmonton.
Chief Poundmaker is now buried at the National Historic Site on the Poundmaker First Nation located north of Cut Knife, Saskatchewan on Highway 40.
The Poundmaker Trail exits Edmonton leaving the busy city life for a land of scenic beauty and rural communities rich in history and heritage.
Highway 14 in Alberta travels east through marshland to Beaverhill Lake located near Tofield. The scenery then melds into rolling fields of grain and pasture.
Past Viking the trail follows the beautiful Battle River Valley meeting Highway 40 at the Saskatchewan border where you are treated to a breathtaking view of the Battle River Coulee.
Following the river for more than 150 kilometers of paved highway, the route is the same as the old historic trail of the past. At various points, it follows the old Battleford Trail and, in the Chauvin/Edgerton area, it follows the route of Anthony Henday. We invite you to relive the history of over one hundred years ago.
Mile after mile of attractive northern orairie parkland greets the eye, attractive campgrounds beckon and the cool comfort of many lakes make this trip one to remember. The colorful valleys of the Battle and North Saskatchewan Rivers and many creeks add romantic beauty.
Cultural history is exhibited with pride in each district through museums, restorations and cultural events that display the heritage of its forefathers.
Tourists will find good accommodation and a warm welcome. Bird migration paths, marshlands and coulees make this region a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Spring, fall, summer and winter beckon the camera buff.
