Big Hill Springs Provincial Park

Big Hill Springs Provincial Park features waterfalls cascading over rocky terraces covered with moss, shrubs, and grasses in the foothills of Alberta. A network of hiking trails winds through the grounds, offering routes of varying difficulty that remain accessible year-round.

From 1891 to 1910, the grounds housed Alberta's first commercial creamery, which relied on the constant spring water supply for production. This early industrial use of the site's natural resources left an imprint on the region's development.

The land was home to Plains Indians of the Blackfoot Confederacy and Cree peoples who hunted bison herds across these foothills. Their presence remains visible in rock art and scattered artifacts found throughout the area.

The park is open year-round with trails suited to a range of fitness levels, from casual walkers to more experienced hikers. Sturdy footwear and layered clothing are recommended, especially since the springs remain cold regardless of season.

The springs feed rock formations that have built up over time from mineral deposits, creating distinctive geological structures visible throughout the park. These formations continue to grow slowly as water constantly flows and deposits minerals.