Ghost River Wilderness Area, Protected wilderness area in Bighorn, Canada
Description
Ghost River Wilderness Area is a protected natural region on the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies, featuring mountain ridges, glacier-carved valleys, alpine meadows, and dense forests. The landscape displays multiple elevation zones with distinct vegetation types, from forest to open high meadows.
History
The area became protected in 1967 and ranks among Alberta's three wilderness areas with the highest conservation level in Canada. This early recognition shows how the government valued preserving this landscape decades ago.
Culture
The river valleys and high plateaus are home to bighorn sheep, moose, cougars, bears, and wild horses that roam freely across the land. These animals shape what visitors see and experience when they move through this region.
Practical
Access is only on foot, as vehicles are not permitted and trails are limited throughout the region. Hunting and fishing are prohibited to keep the natural environment intact.
Did you know?
Two distinct vegetation zones divide at roughly 2,100 meters elevation, with dense conifer forests below and open alpine meadows above the line. This sharp transition shows how quickly nature shifts with height.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Municipal District of Bighorn No. 8).
Banff National Park
23.3 km
Banff Springs Hotel
24 km
Tunnel Mountain
22.4 km
Bow Falls
23.6 km
Banff National Park Pavilion
23.5 km
Whyte Museum
23.3 km
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
23.2 km
Park Distillery Restaurant and Bar
23 km
Banff Park Museum
23.4 km
Banff Formation
22.6 km
Walter Phillips Gallery
23.2 km
Palliser Formation
12.7 km
Bow River Bridge
23.5 km
St. George's-in-the-Pines Church
23.2 km
Banff National Park Administration Building
23.6 km
Beaver Lodge
23 km
Banff Hoodoos Viewpoint
20.2 km
St. Paul's Presbyterian Church
22.9 km
East Gate Registration Buildings, Building 2
24.3 km
East Gate Registration Buildings, Building 3
24.3 km
Luxton Residence
23 km
Tarry-a-While
23 km
Rundle Memorial United Church
23.3 km
Cambrian Pavilion
23.7 km
Tanglewood
23 km
Dave White Block
23.3 km
Devonian Pavilion
23.7 km
Rustic Lookout Pavilion
23.7 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes