Culture & History
Rum running during Prohibition, coal mining disasters, a historic rock slide, a train robbery, and a police shoot-out, lend an exciting history celebrated throughout the South Canadian Rockies. World-class heritage sites, historic walking and driving tours, and interpretive kiosks offer a greater perspective on past events that have shaped our community.
Today, South Canadian Rockies is home to a vibrant artisan scene with numerous studios, a public gallery, and a thriving number of talented musicians. You will find exhibits of local art in many cafes and restaurants throughout the community.
Culture & history listing
May 18: Flint Rock Ranch Ramble & Dance
Join us for the first Flint Rock Ramble (n’ dance!) to celebrate the brand new event space, the Kelly Hall! Come up and see us in the Porcupine Hills after 3pm for hiking and activities, and bring a picnic to stay for dinner or enjoy the the food and beverage trucks! A performance by the rock band “I am the Mountain” from 8-11pm
Kananaskis Pro Rodeo: April 26-28
The Kananaskis Rodeo Association is proud to host one of the early CPRA (also PRCA & WPRA) rodeos of the season in Crowsnest Pass. It’s your chance to see some of North America’s greatest cowboys and cowgirls competing in the indoor arena. All of your favourite events will be here. Watch the contestants throw down in bareback riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, tie-down roping, saddle bronc, team roping, and bull riding.
Hillcrest Mine and Cemetery
The worst coal mining disaster in Canada happened in the community of Hillcrest, on the east end of Crowsnest Pass. On June 19, 1914, a pocket of methane gas in the Millcrest Mine ignited and set off a coal-dust explosion that killed 189 miners. Most of the victims were buried in a mass grave at the Hillcrest Cemetery where a memorial was erected in 2000. Join a tour of the cemetery to learn more about this catastrophic event and its…
The Lebel Mansion
A historic building located in the heart of Pincher Creek dedicated to Cultivating Creativity in Southwest Alberta. Once a single-family home turned hospital, the Mansion is now operated by the Allied Arts Council of Pincher Creek.Features include an Art Gallery and Gift Shop proudly representing local artists and makers from across Alberta and Canada as well as an active Ceramics Guild working in the large basement studio. On the Grounds, you will find a Rose Garden with over 55 rose…
September Springs Ranch
September Springs Ranch is open by appointment only. This business is the realization of its owner’s enthusiasm for antiques and collectibles and many unique items. They have many items in almost every category from local art and antiques to fashion and jewelry and artifacts from all over the world plus, plus. With three buildings filled with history. Unique Art Antique and Boutique offer hundreds of items different items in every price range including some rare and ancient displays from all…
The Bellevue Underground Mine
Equipped with a miner’s helmet and lamp, the Bellevue Underground Mine tour will take you 1,000 feet into the mine, where you will be 150 feet below the surface. On a guided tour led by their experienced Heritage Interpreters you will explore the mine’s inner-workings and feel as if you have traveled back in time to explore the Crowsnest Pass’ rich underground mining history. All tours must be pre-booked online in advance.
Heritage Acres Farm Museum
Heritage Acres is a working museum, which is operated by the Old Man River Antique Equipment and Threshing Club. The museum consists of a 180-acre site that was established in 1988 after the Oldman River Dam was built. The Club is dedicated to promoting an interest in and preserving the heritage of the agricultural industry in Southern Alberta from 1880-1960. The museum has been collecting, restoring, conserving, and demonstrating artifacts since 1988. A significant number of relocated heritage buildings are…
Crowsnest Pass Public Art Gallery
Painting, sculpture, installation, photography and so much more, the Gallery brings you rotational exhibits with works by emerging and well-known artists from across the country. To promote education in the arts, the Gallery offers art programs for adults and children, and special events showcasing the talents of our artistic community. The Gallery is operated by Crowsnest Pass Allied Arts Association, a charitable, not-for-profit organization. Stop by to see the current exhibition or visit the gift shop featuring unique, local gifts.…
Leitch Collieries Provincial Historic Site
Discover how the effects of strikes, war, untimely death, and other ill-fortune contributed to the collapse of this ambitious Canadian owned and operated mining venture. Interpretive panels, listening posts, and walking paths through the ruins create a window back in time to the early 1900s. Leitch Collieries was one of the most impressive and sophisticated early coal mines in the Crowsnest Pass. It was the only fully Canadian-owned and operated a coal mine in the past, and features ruins of…
Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village
Located along the creek that gives Pincher Creek its name, the Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village is open year round. Hours vary from summer to winter months. In Pioneer Place, you will find a Visitor Information Centre, an extensive archives and The Country Store which carries local and Canadian products, country and vintage themes items and an impressive local book section. The Museum Village sits on six acres with 30 authentic historical buildings full of over 30,000 artifacts which gives an…
